A new form of social nature. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA
15/11/2021.
[Aarhus] Denmark
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
The EFFEKT and SLA team designed the Gellerup City Park, creating a new model based on nature to transform the typologies of the social housing developments of the 1960s.
The project strategy was to use nature to enhance the quality of life of the residents, improve the sense of community, catalyze social cohesion and increase the biodiversity of the area.
The project strategy was to use nature to enhance the quality of life of the residents, improve the sense of community, catalyze social cohesion and increase the biodiversity of the area.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT + SLA. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshoj.
Master plan. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Master plan - night view. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Project plan. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Scheme. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Scheme of entrances. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Program clusters. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Local rainwater strategy. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
New pathway network. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Diverse vegetation scheme. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Meadow and rolling hills. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
New proposed landscape (2014). Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Modernist landscape (1972). Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Original landscape (1928-1940). Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
Scheme. Gellerup City Park by EFFEKT.
The EFFEKT and SLA project was designed in three parts. First, an extensive citizen participation process determined the general programs for the nature of the city. Second, the new architectural elements of the park. Third, the new nature was designed in collaboration with citizens to ensure that it reinforced the desired social change.
The result has been a new form of "social nature" that has improved the safety, biodiversity, and quality of life in the area. Through anthropological and biological studies, the social and biotic growth and development of Gellerup was continuously monitored to make it a thriving social neighborhood.
The result has been a new form of "social nature" that has improved the safety, biodiversity, and quality of life in the area. Through anthropological and biological studies, the social and biotic growth and development of Gellerup was continuously monitored to make it a thriving social neighborhood.
Description of project by EFFEKT
Gellerup and Toveshøj are in the process of being transformed from a socially challenged neighbourhood into an attractive and integrated part of Aarhus city. EFFEKT's 2009 winning proposal for a new masterplan for Gellerup sets the scene for this transformation and breaks with the rational urban planning and architecture of the 1960s modernism. The green spaces in Gellerup Toveshøj play a central part in the development of the area as an attractive part of Aarhus.
The new green spaces opens up the area to its surroundings both physically and psychologically, simultaneously, as a missing link to Aarhus, reconnecting the green space with the two dominent landscape areas Skjoldhøjkilen and Brabrand Ådal.
EFFEKT worked holistically with the many elements of the park - terrain, landscape, rainwater, plants, network, activities, "special places", etc. - and believed that the project represents a robust and long-lasting strategy for the new green spaces of Gellerup.
The project creates an adventurous, diverse and cohesive park and urban space with shared activities for everyone. The activity park introduces a human scale between the large apartment blocks and creates an open arena for social gathering between the many residents, both in the surrounding apartments and in the city of Aarhus. The activity park holds community gardens, playgrounds, sports and cultural facilities. Curved paths take one around and creates connecting between the many different activities and reaches out to the city. The activity park has created a green link and a safe, healthy and social hub for the city with activities and experiences for a broad target group.
The intention was not to create one single controlling concept to which all other elements would adhere - on the contrary, the project consists of a number of different elements referencing the wild uncontrolled "nature". These work together and complement each other in the dynamic and exciting green space. The new green space creates a completely new storyline for Gellerup Toveshøj and will contribute positively to the great and ambitious transformation the area is undergoing.
More information
Collaborators
COWI, Game3, Boris Brormand Jensen.
Client
Brabrand Boligforening, Aarhus Kommune, Realdania.
Area
23 Ha.
Dates
2014 - 2019.
Location
Gellerup, Aarhus, Denmark.
Photography
Tue Hesselberg Foged, Sinus Lynge. EFFEKT
EFFEKT is a research-based architecture and urban planning studio based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company was established in 2007 and currently employs 44 full-time staff under the creative direction of the two founders Tue Hesselberg Foged and Sinus Lynge. With the aim of creating lasting social, economic, and environmental change, EFFEKT has in recent years distinguished itself on the international architecture scene through a number of prestigious and award-winning projects, such as GAME Streetmekka Viborg, a dismissed windmill factory transformed into a sports and culture, the visionary eco-village concept and design for ReGen Villages and the Livsrum Cancer Counselling Center.
Currently, the studio is engaged in project developments in Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Morocco, China, Korea, and Australia.
Currently, the studio is engaged in project developments in Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Morocco, China, Korea, and Australia.
Mette Skjold, Rasmus Astrup, Stig L. Andersson. SLA
SLA is an internationally renowned nature-based design studio. Together they are 130 landscape architects, biologists, anthropologists, and city planners who collaborate on designing cities, public spaces, and nature on all scales.
Founded by Mette Skjold, Rasmus Astrup and Stig L. Andersson in 1994 as Stig L. Andersson Landscape Architects, SLA has evolved into an interdisciplinary nature-based design studio with a global presence and offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Oslo. For 30 years, they have designed some of the most notable public spaces and masterplans in the world.
Founded by Mette Skjold, Rasmus Astrup and Stig L. Andersson in 1994 as Stig L. Andersson Landscape Architects, SLA has evolved into an interdisciplinary nature-based design studio with a global presence and offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Oslo. For 30 years, they have designed some of the most notable public spaces and masterplans in the world.
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