Mit Sinnen und Verstand. Gestaltungsprinzipien maurischer Gärten als Inspiration für eine klima-sensitive Stadtgestaltung

"...it is impossible to contemplate this delicious abode and not feel an admiration of the genius and the poetical spirit of those who first devised this earthly paradise." Washington Irving wrote these words underlining his fascination for the Moorish gardens of the Alhambra in Granada in 1828. This sensual description of the Moorish garden culture is ever the more pertinent, if one takes into account the extreme local climatic conditions. Research presented in this paper took the following staring point: investigating the underlying design principles of Moorish gardens with regard to their positive effect on (thermal) wellbeing and looking for ideas and inspiration to tackle the impact of virulent climate changes (especially global warming) on the dense urban fabric of Central European cities. Using a variety of methods of investigation the study scrutinizes effective strategies to be used for climate adaptation by means of urban design and at the same by time by raising public awareness for the issues at hand. The study offers data material - including enhanced methods of visualisation of urban and micro climatic issues - as a sound prerequisite for further discussion. The focus of this research has been directed on landscape architecture's potential to influence urban planning processes.