A new closeness to the Eisack
As part of the flood protection project for Brixen, the entire section of the Eisack in the centre of Brixen (from the north down to the confluence of the Eisack and Rienz) was planned; the Definitive Project drawn up in 2015 by the general planner Ingenieurteam Bergmeister is already available for this.
With the Prielarena, a new access to the Eisack is being created in the centre of Brixen. The project is part of the overarching flood protection measures along the river corridor and develops the existing square at the Priel into an open, inviting urban space. The aim is not only to secure the river technically but to make it more tangible again as a public space.
The starting point is the existing Definitive Project for flood protection in the central section of the Eisack – from the northern part of the town to the confluence of the Eisack and Rienz. Within this overall project, the “Prielarena” sub-project is being developed in greater depth and detail. The focus is in particular on spatial integration, the design of the transition between town and river, and the quality of the space as a place to linger.
The Prielarena is conceived as a generous descent to the water. Steps, seating terraces and low-barrier ramps create a new connection between the level of the square and the river space. The area at the Priel car park, until now used mainly for functional purposes, thus becomes a place to linger, to meet and to relax. People can move closer to the Eisack without the requirements of flood protection taking a back seat.
Careful integration into the existing and future surroundings is particularly important. The built interventions should not appear isolated but be read as a natural part of the urban space. Edges, levels, path connections and sightlines are developed so that a flowing transition emerges between square, riverbank and town.
The design of the arena creates a range of possible uses: short breaks by the water, informal meeting points, seating for young people and families, but also room for small events or spontaneous encounters. The river thus becomes an active part of public life again.
With the Prielarena, a project is emerging that combines technical necessity with urban spatial quality. Flood protection is understood here not as mere infrastructure but as an opportunity to enhance the public space. The result is a new place for Brixen on the Eisack – open, accessible and closely connected to the landscape of the river
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