N a t u r e i n t h e P o s t - I n d u s t r i a l L a n d s c a p e

Little information exists about the Landscape Park site specifically prior to its industrialization. Glacial action in the area created a large flatland in the northwest of Germany.  The soils and flat land make this one of Germany’s most productive farming areas.  The area also includes an alluvial belt, rich in natural resources, which made possible the strong coal and steel industries.

Urbanization occurred rapidly around the time of the Industrial Revolution, in concert with the mining and manufacturing development.  Urban development was fragmented; multiple small municipalities grew around particular industries, making the Ruhr Valley a complex polycentric region. 

While the Ruhr Valley contains three rivers – natural assets – development caused these features to be utilized for economic purposes, and environmental degradation followed.