CARLO – Refreshing Urban Greening at Bockenheimer Depot
During the summer 2026, the temporary installation CARLO – a project in the context of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026 – will turn Carlo-Schmid-Platz in front of the Bockenheimer Depot into a cool, nature-inspired urban meeting place and recreational space. Located in one of Frankfurt’s hottest areas, this climate-effective greening architecture creates a space for cooling off, socialising and cultural activities.
Under a roof of blossoming foliage, a meeting place is created for neighbours, school classes, interested passers-by and friends. CARLO aims to present climate adaptation not as a technical challenge, but as a communal task: access to shade, cooling and a liveable environment for EVERYONE in the city!
How does it work?
The impact of climate change is felt particularly strongly in our cities: sealed surfaces like Carlo-Schmid-Platz become unbearably hot in the summer; heat islands slow down social and economic life and pose serious health risks for citizens. At the same time, existing underground infrastructure prevents the large-scale planting of urban trees. This is where CARLO comes in: its mobile construction does not interfere with the ground, making it a practical example of how effective climate adaptation through greening can be achieved after all, and how quality of life can be maintained in overheated urban centres.
CARLO is based on the vertical greening system VERD° by OMC°C. The installation consists of wooden platforms, standard scaffolding components and textile nets, which will be covered by fast-growing, annual climbing plants within a few weeks after planting. The resulting “plant sails” provide natural shade and evaporative cooling. Wooden platforms and hammocks provide spaces for relaxation or activities; integrated water retention boxes allow for a largely autonomous irrigation. With its diverse selection of flowers, the installation also serves as a resting place and food source for insects, contributing to biodiversity in a heavily sealed urban environment.
CARLO aims at providing a direct, tangible experience of climate adaptation – not technical theory, but real quality of life for everyone.
How can I use CARLO?
CARLO has been designed as a participatory space, reflecting the key claim of WDC 2026: “Design for democracy. Atmospheres for a better life”. Neighbours, schools and engaged citizens are invited to help shape the programme of events and activities to take place beneath the 140-square-metre canopy of leaves.
The installation of CARLO is scheduled for the end of June. Dates and events will be announced on this page as soons as they are confirmed.
Project team:
CARLO is a project within the context of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026. Conceived and realised by a network of interdisciplinary project partners and the local community, CARLO brings together climate-responsive architecture, education and communal use of public space.
