ENGHAVEPARKEN (COPENHAGEN, DENMARK)
Laudation by Lieneke van Campen for Enghaveparken as PDF here!
In short words the evolution of rainwater retention in cities could be described as such: no consideration – need accepted – technical infrastructures – (design) element in new parks and streets.
Enghaveparken added a new chapter. This listed park, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1927, has been transformed and is now the largest climate project in Copenhagen. With a 22.600 m3 water reservoir, the challenge to handle cloudbursts is positively transformed into additional recreational opportunities for the everyday use.
To store larger amounts of water, there is an underground reservoir, and areas of the park are lowered. When the reservoir is filled, water is led to the Reflecting Pool and thereafter to the Rose Garden reservoir. In the daily use the water is a recreational and educational element. The avenue of trees creates rooms for the foyer, the Fountain Garden, the Rose Garden, The Multi Pitch, the stage, the playground, and the Library Garden.
Following the design by Arne Jacobsen from 1927, stage and pavilions are the central objects in the park with its poetic and lush atmosphere. The pavilions were rebuilt and form the new entrance. The restoration of the alleys enforces the structures of the park. There are more benches now, supplemented with informal recreational areas. The levee is functioning as a long element for play and seating. 83 trees were planted as well as 11,000 perennial plants, 950 roses and 220,000 bulbs.
Third Nature; COWI; Platant; City of Copenhagen; HOFOR
Photo: Astrid Maria Busse Rasmussen