'the city + the arch + the river' by behnisch architekten


german firm behnisch architekten led by stefan behnisch and christof jantzen in collaboration
with gehl architects, and stephen stimson associates are one of five architectural  teams who
are competing to invigorate the park and areas surrounding the gateway arch, including
the missouri and illinois banks of the mississippi river.

the gateway arch of st. louis, is international icon of stainless steel and concrete. the modernist
masterpiece remains in striking paradox to its setting. already an impressive symbol, the urban
national park has yet to achieve its full potential as an active catalyst for urban cohesion
and renewal in this most centered american landscape.

invigorating a rich cultural and natural landscape such as this deserves a custom tailored team to
address the unique and complex aspects of the project. 'the city + the arch + the river' demands
the attention of inspired people relating to the fields of architecture, urban design and landscape
architecture. thus, the triad of design leadership is initiated and conducted

in considering the challenges of transforming the arch grounds, the greater st. louis region
and the mississippi river, their design approach intends to utilize a strategic series of design moves,
evolutionary in nature, to arrive at a transcendent, holistic, visionary statement – a 'catalytic main
event' that resonates with an international community. the most significant part of any design rests
in 'civic sustainability' – the ability to sustain the present and future needs and ambitions of a larger,
diverse community.









night view




site plan