Afbeelding
Dortmund Ems Canal
25.06.2025
The Dortmund-Ems Canal is a vital commercial waterway in western Germany that connects the Ruhr industrial region to the North Sea near Emden. In recent years, it has also gained significance as a recreational corridor, supporting activities such as cycling and walking both within local communities and across the wider region.
A recent renovation of a canal section undertaken by the City of Lingen has further diversified the canal’s role with a series of enhancements, including the integration of Streetlife furnishings, that reimagine the corridor as a multifunctional urban space. These enhancements are helping to transform the area from a mere transit route into a vibrant, occupiable public realm where people can pause, engage with nature, and enjoy their surroundings.
This renovation features a newly renovated pedestrian bridge that connects the north and south banks of the canal, enhancing access and creating a cohesive, inviting environment for both residents and visitors. On the south side of the canal, enhancements are made on four distinct plots or plateaus spaced approximately 50 meters apart, each with a different theme and designed for different target groups, but still usable for everyone. The first plateau offers a multi-tier Drifter Linear Structure with Rough&Ready Cubes. The second plateau places Rough&Ready Cubes alongside extra wide Rough&Ready Loungers. The third plateau features a custom Rough&Ready Curved Bench that playfully winds through the space, while the final plateau includes Drifter Picnic Sets, Box Bins and Rough&Ready Bike Racks, finished like the furnishings in corten.
The north side of the canal includes a rowing club and a new viewing platform designed by the City of Lingen. Located directly on the Dortmund-Emsland Canal, the platform includes a bicycle repair station where bicycles can be maintained free of charge and as this is a location where several paths interconnect, an information stall where visitors can access information about the surrounding area and connections to the city centre. In addition to these amenities, the platform site offers various seating areas that invite cyclists and pedestrians to rest and relax. Furnishings include long Drifter Benches, some with backrests, in addition to two Drifter Picnic Sets and Rough&Ready Bike Racks. All furnishing are made of FSC®-certified hardwood and this time galvanized steel components. The bike racks are made of black recycled plastic.
City of Lingen city planner Marc Pavlitzek explains that the Dortmund-Ems Canal renovation created the opportunity to improve the quality of existing space or create it in the first place. In terms of aesthetic, they wanted a uniform style with a maritime influence and create some harbour/industrial character. Stable, robust and rough, not an English park. Practical considerations include durability, maintenance and the robustness of galvanized steel, corten, and FSC hardwood towards the elements and graffiti.
As for the outcome, Pavlitzek adds, “Come and see for yourself: As soon as the sun shines or even the rain stops, you’ll find people here. All target groups are reached: seniors, young people, people on their lunch break, cyclists, walkers - large groups, alone or in pairs. The view over the canal and the passing ships is fantastic with fresh air included. We’ve now installed Streetlife furniture in other nearby locations as well. It’s become a bit of a signature feature for anyone visiting the Dortmund-Ems Canal.”
“The new platform is already enjoying great popularity,” notes Mayor Dieter Krone in a press release. “The view of the Dortmund-Ems Canal and the direct connection to the newly renovated Mecker pedestrian bridge connect nature and mobility.”
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