Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Louis-Häfliger-Park is its namesake. This park in Oerlikon, Zurich, isn’t just a green space. It’s a tribute to Louis Häfliger. He was a Swiss bank employee. He became known as the “Saviour of Mauthausen”.
Louis-Häfliger-Park covers 5,000 square meters. It sits nestled between the Regina-Kägi-Hof co-operative settlement. It is also near the Oerlikon-Contraves AG production buildings and new service buildings. Imagine this park as a meeting point. It is a place for relaxation for those who live and work nearby.
In May 1945, Häfliger’s actions led to the liberation of about 40,000 inmates. These people were imprisoned at the Mauthausen concentration camp. He volunteered for the International Red Cross during the war. He learned of the German’s plans to destroy the camp and its prisoners. Häfliger then sought help from American troops. His brave actions saved countless lives.
The design of Louis-Häfliger-Park is quite unique. In 2000, a design competition took place. The landscape architecture firm Kuhn and Truninger won with their “Quilt” project. Construction started in 2002. The park officially opened in 2003. The concept was to dissolve the boundaries between park, industry, and residential areas.
Think of the park as a patchwork quilt. Different fields meet and merge into a unified whole. The park reflects its environment through its materials, forms, and size. The close proximity of fields and wingnut trees creates unique spaces.
Look closely. Notice the flat retention hoppers. During heavy rain, these areas temporarily flood. They create reflective surfaces. This shows the high ground water level. It is only 80 cm below the surface.
See those eight grass pyramids in the lawn? They mark aspects of local history. They resemble the inverted forms of former ammunition labs. These labs once belonged to Oerlikon Contraves. They were buried in the ground.
The park also includes a play area for toddlers. There is also a blue sports pitch for ball games. A timber stage stands ready for various events.
Take a moment to appreciate the details of Louis-Häfliger-Park. It is more than just a park. It is a place of recreation. It is a reminder of a courageous man. It’s a space where history meets modern life.