Varatun Parken
JAJA Architects
Copenhagen, Denmark
ABOUT
For the last 60 years, the Varatun area has gone through dramatic changes. The once open landscape was, for years, used as a waste dump. However, nature slowly reclaimed the site and transformed it into a popular recreational area.
New developments and the existing nature unite in a cohesive masterplan that creates a symbiotic relationship between the buildings and the surrounding landscape. The green and fertile character of the area has become a part of the new housing developments. This creates a close relationship between the residents and the existing park, and opens a connection to the rest of the city.
The jury highlighted the proposal for its understanding and interpretation of the site. Among the comments are: “the proposal shows a good design of the green areas, with a wide range of different activities, paths, water elements and vantage points, which will bring new qualities and experiences to the area”, and “the main concept of the proposal shows that it is possible to create a “win/win” situation, that brings new attractive values to the area while the significance and meaning of the park in relation to the rest of the city is kept.”
ROLE
Lead Designer
CLIENT
Sandnes Tomteselskab KF
PROGRAM
Masterplan, Housing, Landscape
LOCATION
Sandnes, Norway
STATUS
Ongoing
YEAR
2015
AWARDS
1st Prize Competition
Masterplan Concept
Until recently, Varatunparken, the reclaimed natural area, has been completely isolated. To connect the area, qualities of the park have been blended into the new development. The natural landscape flows into the surroundings while the housing is merged with the landscape.
Exterior View
The buildings are organized with the lower, more rigid building structures located towards the street and the taller buildings located towards the park.
Masterplan
Section
The low buildings are scaled to the existing neighborhood while the taller buildings leave a minimal foot print, allowing the park landscape to flow in between the structures.
The decades of isolation have turned the old waste dump into a lush but wild park. By creating a park that accentuates the recreational qualities of the site, the existing raw character of the landscape is maintained.
Exterior View
