Doppelmayr Ropeway Links BUGA Exhibition Parks In Mannheim

The Federal Horticultural Show (BUGA) runs in Mannheim from April 14 through October 8, 2023. The focus is on topical themes of our times: climate, energy, environment and food security. BUGA’s emphasis on sustainability is also underlined by the mobility solution for the grounds: a Doppelmayr ropeway system connecting the Spinelli and Luisenpark exhibition areas.

“As well as being a magnificent flower and garden show, BUGA is a very special event that connects and brings people together,” said Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann at the opening of the Federal Horticultural Show on April 14, 2023. He added: “BUGA demonstrates how city and nature can be connected and provides fascinating perspectives on the future of our cities.” By providing an aerial ropeway as a sustainable means of transport for the exhibition grounds, BUGA is impressively fulfilling that aspiration. The 10-passenger gondola lift connects Spinellipark with Luisenpark and along its two-kilometer route crosses Mannheim’s urban infrastructure, such as the River Neckar waterway and the German railroad. For passengers, the gondola opens up entirely new vistas of the city during the trip.

Mobility for all

Austrian ropeway manufacturer Doppelmayr built the ropeway and is responsible for operations during BUGA. The installation is a D-Line generation detachable gondola lift. It is equipped with 64 comfortable OMEGA V cabins, each of which provides room for 10 people. Entirely in keeping with the idea “BUGA 23 – that’s all of us”, the gondola is barrier-free for all passengers, including those with wheelchairs or strollers. It carries up to 2,800 passengers per hour and direction, with a triptime of seven minutes.

Sustainable all along the line

The ropeway provides transport for BUGA visitors between two exhibition sites, while occupying a minimum structural footprint on the ground. The installation has virtually zero emissions, glides silently through the air at a new level, and is powered by green electricity. That makes the ropeway the most ecological and resident-friendly form of mobility. Another sustainability aspect relates to reuse of the ropeway installation. Some of its components, such as parts of the stations and the cabins, were already used at Floriade 2022, the Dutch horticultural show held in Almere.

After BUGA 23, it is planned that the ropeway will be deployed at a new location. Discussions with possible sites are currently ongoing.

Natural spaces wherever possible

The ropeway stations are another example of sustainable architecture in an urban context. With their many benefits, the green roofs of the BUGA gondola harmonize perfectly with the landscape of the exhibition. As well as generating a cooling effect, they also capture particulates, absorb environmental noise, and provide new areas for biodiversity. In addition, green roofs play animportant role in water retention. They not only relieve drainage systems but also help to createbetter climatic conditions.

The BUGA experience

Michael Schnellbach, managing director of BUGA 23, sums up what the show has to offer: “At BUGA 23, we provide our visitors with an exciting mix of flowers, innovative exhibits on the theme of sustainability and a cultural festival with over 6,000 events.” The ropeway is also being used as an event location, a space for art and culture. As well as being a means of transport, it is also an integral part of the BUGA experience.

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