Competitions in landscape design, public spaces, and architecture represent for us a space of freedom and creativity- a terrain where we can explore ideas, test new relationships between architecture and landscape, and envision more open forms of building and living.

Through this work, we have developed proposals recognized for their originality and sensitive integration into the site- an outcome of a design approach that is rigorous, precise, and open to experimentation.

Pontresina (Switzerland) │ Competion, 2. Prize │ 1,5 ha │2021

The guiding concept of the design emerges from a combination of diverse design factors. Central to this approach is the interplay between the site’s formation history, its urban context, the immersive natural experience, and the historical background of Pontresina. These factors give rise to a composition of varied materials and smaller structures that engage in a close dialogue with the site, both temporally and spatially, responding to its unique spirit of place (Genius Loci) 

Björn Hinners and Marzio Clementi

La Spezia (Italy) │ Competion, 1. Prize │ 2,2 ha │2012

The Diga Foranea, as the final line along the picturesque coast of the Gulf of La Spezia, marks the end of the harbor and unfolds as an urban promenade oriented toward the open sea and horizon. The competition entry, conceived as a new maritime promenade in dialogue with the site, amplifies its inherent elements while leveraging the historical dynamics to enhance local tourism. The design carefully considers both the fragility and the symbolic power of the place. Key aspects of the concept include the articulation of artificial and natural elements, an emphasis on horizontality, a deliberate contrast between limited accessibility and strong visual presence, and the preservation of the site’s navigational history and cultural heritage.

Björn Hinners and Marzio Clementi

Stadt Arbúcies (La Selva) │ Competion, 3. Prize │ 3300 m2 │2011

As part of an open competition, the town of Arbúcies seeks to make a portion of its historic productive gardens accessible to the public. The focus is on the two lower terraces that lead directly into the stream. Competition proposals are invited under the theme: ‘Arbúcies opens up to the water.’

This section of the stream frequently experiences severe flooding, as existing buildings often extend directly to the water’s edge, creating a so-called ‘bottleneck effect.’ The competition proposal aims to soften the riverbank by partially removing the lower terrace, thereby allowing more space for the stream to flow. Plantings of native species help stabilize both the banks and the slopes.

This new inner-city green corridor provides protection while also creating engaging, playful, and experiential spaces, such as the ‘river balcony’ and the ‘stream cove.’ These spaces are intended to draw visitors to the water’s edge and offer children opportunities for play and exploration.

Björn Hinners, Mireia Fernàndez and Mireia Rubio 

City of Barcelona │ Competion │ 2000 m2 │ 2009

In the ‘Racons Public 2009’ competition series, organized by the city of Barcelona, this edition addresses a landscape architecture brief for the first time. The project focuses on restoring and enhancing the historic trail ‘La Font del Lleó,’ which connects the nearby Collserola Natural Park with the outskirts of Barcelona. The trail is used exclusively by hikers and mountain bikers and serves as an important recreational resource for the adjacent neighborhood.

Björn Hinners and Matteo Zamagni

City of Bilbao │ Competion │ 100 m2 │ 2009

Competition entry for the annual temporary garden festival in Bilbao 2009, titled: Basoko – Inhabitants of the Forest.

One of the poetic approaches was to bring the forest into the city in the form of a small, abstract garden square. Tree trunks of varying lengths- trees as symbols deeply rooted in Basque history- and inspired by the concentric growth rings, give rise to an urban garden sculpture that interprets the growth process of a tree in three dimensions.

A path leads visitors into this ‘forest,’ confronting them with the dissolution of the orderly system perceived from the outside. Dense plantings of ornamental grasses- such as Festuca glauca, Isolepis, Stipa tenacissima, Pennisetum, and Miscanthus sinensis- trace the proximity to the sea through gentle, flowing movements.

Björn Hinners and Thomas Hebel

Tennis Club Vic │ Competion │ 4 ha │ 2008

As part of a limited-entry competition, the outdoor facilities of the Tennis Club were to be redesigned. The number of car parking spaces was to be doubled, and the existing hill, ‘Turó de l’Ausoneta,’ was to be integrated into the landscape design. A semi-underground parking structure, gently nestled against the hillside, creates a new usable area above for bocce courts and a pathway connecting the tennis facilities with the hill. This intervention establishes a new circulation system throughout the site. The current main entrance is repurposed as a secondary access, while the parking structure receives its own entry, forming the new primary entrance to the tennis club. The former main entrance is transformed into a pedestrian access with newly designed bicycle parking facilities.

Björn Hinners, Bàrbara Garcia and Nùria Ferrer

Community of Saus (Baix Empordà) │ Competion, 2. Prize │ 5500 m2 │2007

The forecourt, framed by the medieval village façade and the immediately adjacent agricultural landscape, creates a transition between rural and urban environments, each carrying its own morphological and three-dimensional characteristics. Historically, an old Via Romana once crossed this space, connecting the village to the neighboring settlement. Although no longer physically present, this “historic trace” forms the conceptual backbone of the design, organizing all other spaces and functions within the overall geometry.

A new “Willow Avenue,” lined with planted weeping willows symbolically referencing Saus (Salzes = willows), guides the visitor through the site. At its terminus, a narrow wooden bridge leads into the open landscape, creating a dialogue between built form, history, and nature.

Björn Hinners, Bàrbara Garcia and Jessica Gamboa