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3.3. The topography of the Elbe meadows
Like the surrounding buildings, the present-day appearance of the Elbe meadows was
largely shaped during the 19th century. Until the end of the 18th century, the river
remained in its original state as an untamed current. But as the importance of shipping
on the Elbe drastically increased, the river underwent fundamental changes. With the
advent of steamboats, the river was expanded so that it could permanently accommo-
date larger vessels. In 1844, the “Additionalakte“ [additional law] was introduced as a
cross-state agreement that initiated the systematic expansion of the river.
At the end of the 19th century, three waterworks were constructed. The “Saloppe“
waterworks were built on the right side of the Elbe in the area around the bend in
the river. Built in the 1870s in a French Renaissance style, “Saloppe“ was Dresden‘s
first waterworks. In designing the building, a key factor was its ability to function as a
lookout point.
Despite modifications to the river basin, the size and the topographical character of
the Elbe meadows have remained relatively unaffected. In keeping with tradition, the
meadows remain free of buildings. Certainly one reason for this is that retention space is
needed because of frequent flooding. The meadows are therefore unsuitable as building
land. However, it is also clear that planners were quick to recognize the scenic value
of the undeveloped meadows in the developed urban surroundings and on occasion
sought to protect the area with building laws (see chapter 2). For example, on 9
November 1900, a law was passed to protect the distinctive area of the Elbe floodplain
near the Waldschlösschen. This area extends up to Bautzner Strasse and together with
the neighbouring development makes the overall composition of the waterside edge
of “Prussian Quarter“ banks nearly symmetrical. The law stipulated that “the building
ban imposed on the development of the Waldschlösschen meadow by the inheritance
deed of 25 August and 21 December 1787 by virtue of sovereign sanction would apply
indefinitely to the entire area”. It was uncertain whether this law alone would prevent
the Waldschlösschen brewery, the owner of the land, from building on the meadowland.
For this reason, the city bought up the entire meadow area by order of the city council
in 1908. As a result, “the unique and marvellous city vista point and its surroundings
were brought safely in the hands of the city for all time.“ (Laudel, Heidrun; Dresden,
City Archives, City Council Files, W 66, Bl. 8´)
However, in a departure from the city councillors’ decision of 17 September 1908, it
was decided at the time the Waldschlösschen meadows were purchased that the land
in question, though still to remain barred to development, may legitimately be used
for particular purposes of benefit to the public. §4 of the purchase agreement includes
the following: „It is placed on record here and accepted by both parties that the land
purchased under this agreement is to be kept free from building development. This
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