Superkilen, 2012, Superflex + BIG + Topotek

The Superkilen is a public park, located in Copenhagen, was designed with objective to upgrade the Nørrebro neighborhood. The neighborhood was well known for its diversity which brought the designing offices to this celebration on diversity concept. The project was proposed as part of improvement plan by the City of Copenhagen in collaboration with a private association Realdania, which funds urban and architectural projects within Denmark.

The Park is flanked with a cycle track on its sides that encompasses a collection of objects as many as 50 from multiple countries in the world. While it is divided into 3 sections, it breaks down the monotony of the long square. The red quarter supporting more entertaining functions such as a gym equipment’s, skate boarding grounds and play grounds etc., the black quarter, the more calm providing benches, a fountain and chess tables. Finally the calmest, the green quarter with garden spaces, picnic tables and gazebos

Jane Jacobs once said “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” This reflects highly on this project, it’s got something for everyone and its inhabitants participated in contributing ideas for the objects and artefacts. Many Argue if this public space was a success, personally the elements used in the Superkilen come off, using Robert Venturi’s (1972) words, “ducks” and “decorated sheds” or ‘shed-less decorations’ sitting in the public square, regardless its success as a place that gives a sense of belonging to its residents is undeniably evident.

Lara Waked

Originally Posted by Lara Waked on: http://www.daviddiez.com/SDW/?p=2373