Hans Tavsen's Park

Water – whether the increase of it, the pollution of it or the lack of it – is going to be one of the main urban challenges of the 21st Century. The solution? To create a robust urban nature that solves the concrete problem of cloudbursts, so our cities avoid flooding, while creating several new and cohesive urban spaces that offer social community, nature-based experiences and creative opportunities. Hans Tavsens Park demonstrates how it is done.

The project, a part of the Nordic Built Challenge Award, is an integrated urban design and climate adaption project in the center of Copenhagen. It is an ambitious prime example of how to cope with climate changes, local rainwater management and maximum biological water purification whilst providing unique recreational value for experiences and activities, in both existing urban spaces and in new biotopes. By combining the area’s existing qualities and unique local community with city nature and smart cloudburst solutions, the new urban spaces significantly improve the quality of life for the whole of Inner Copenhagen.

Hydrological, biological and social circuits will work together in a strong symbiosis that not only climate proof inner Nørrebro, but also has a positive effect of the entire city of Copenhagen.

In the event of a cloudburst, water from the area will be directed to Hans Tavsen’s Park. In the park, a chain of ‘social swales’ in the terrain creates large reservoirs that can be flooded and hence delay the water. The majority of the year, these small ‘valleys’ are designed to support social life, sport, and the activities of the nearby schools and other local stakeholders. This combination allows for the collection and retention of large amounts of rainwater. Hence, the water has a visible function in the park while also contributing to the irrigation and an improved microclimate. The entire project area is designed as a water circuit where a series of specially designed purifying biotopes gain life from the rain while also contributing to the cleansing of the rainwater.

Local schools and stakeholders are involved in the implementation of the project, creating a strong local sense of ownership and identity that ensures a robust and long-lasting development of the neighborhood.