Valeska Peschke: Volcanoe Garden

The Volcano Garden explores the relationship between people, nature, and urban space. A mound of lava rock forms a volcano, from which lava flows lead to planting beds. The materials are both climbable and plantable, combining artistic design with ecological landscaping. The garden fosters an awareness of nature and the climate among the users of the Blueberry Children’s and Youth Center.

Participatory Process
Valeska Peschke’s winning design called for a collaborative creation process with the youth. The foundation was a survey of the children and youth at Blueberry regarding their ideas for their new youth center. The majority wanted large open spaces for free play, ample seating and relaxation areas, as well as a barbecue and campfire site.
In preparation, the artist held pedagogical art workshops together with the artist Saeed Foroghi. Artists and young people explored the theme of “volcanoes” through various artistic techniques. The natural phenomenon of the volcano served as inspiration for a creative process. The children created sketches in the tradition of Japanese manga and animated films. Together, they built an architectural model of the new Blueberry with a garden area.

Implementation
Following the workshops, the design was adapted to the young people’s wishes. Together with the Parks Department, landscape architect Ferdinand Kramer, and the company Fehmer, the artist developed a solution using lava rock that can be both climbed on and planted with vegetation. The Volcano Garden was completed between November 2023 and June 2024.

Inauguration
On September 13, 2024, the new Blueberry was inaugurated together with the Volcano Garden. At the neighborhood celebration with children and teenagers, artist Valeska Peschke set off a volcanic eruption, marking the beginning of a new Blueberry.