The Wangen Renaturation Argen is recognised for transforming a previously constrained river corridor into a civic and ecological infrastructure. By restoring spatial capacity, dynamism, and continuity to the Argen, the project redefines the river as a public landscape that supports flood retention, habitat formation, accessibility, and daily use across multiple scales. Rather than prescribing specific uses, the design employs suggestive ambiences, such as shallow banks, gravel edges, paths, and openings, to indicate potential activities. These ambiences are visually gentle yet constructed with robust materials. The project serves as a compelling model for riparian landscapes facing climate uncertainty. In an era of significant public investment in river restoration and renaturalization, it demonstrates how ecological regeneration can be integrated with public engagement, multi-species river access, climatic comfort, and collective life. - from the award statements
