Stadsparken Skellefteå, Skellefteå, (Sweden)

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European Garden Award 2016 – 2nd Prize

 

Architects: Ramböll, Ulf Nordfjell, Stockholm

Skellefteå is a small city in the very north of Sweden. As most cities in the region, it is located close to a big river. Consequently many of the main the public spaces of the cities are located there as well.

The old Skellefteå City Park was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th century and was last renovated in the 1950s.

Now the old City Park got a total make over. The objective was to create an all year venue for the inhabitants and a better link between the river and the city centre. Inspiration from projects in other European cities is obvious.

In the new design by Ulf Nordfjell, the City Park has a clear structure with birch trees and hedges retained, and the central axis strengthened. New green spaces have been created along the park’s fringes. Large characteristic trees have been preserved. The park has a number of flower beds of different sizes and designs with perennial plants, a rose garden and summer flowers. Stairs, benches and arches link the park with the river. There are plenty of options to sit down, to relax or to have a bath.

In spite of the rough climate, it is especially the use of plants and their great variety that is one of the most important features of the design. The project is, among many other aspects, a good example of combining “Nordic light and summer flowers”.

The new park is opposite the town hall and the entire population loves the new green and the opportunities it offers. The park was the main hub in the annual city event (and survived without major damages), it has a big number of visitors during normal days and an increasing number of “likes” on Facebook.

Link to information on Stadsparken