The UNESCO World Heritage Area where the park is located includes the Great Copper Mine and the surrounding areas of slag mounds, old workers cottages and remnants of historical industrial production. In order to fit a contemporary activity into this historic environment, 42 architects sought to take an "archeological approach" to the design, creating a park as a series of perceived trenches, in which concrete surfaces have been "discovered" and "exposed". "As such," explain the architects, "the park blends in with the surrounding topography of mounds and pits, while at the same time remaining highly contemporary in its design expression."
The architects sought to dissect the typical elements of a skatepark, incorporating them in such a way as to lead to a blur between a skatepark and a public landscape. Thus, towards the city, the park features stairs, blocks, rails and other familiar city features. Meanwhile, toward the UNESCO site, the design emulates the surrounding landscape, with sloping banked surfaces and folded, carved and angular forms.
Following the park's immediate popularity, a second phase of the project will ensue, adding more green areas and planting, alongside a series of spaces for activities such as basketball, boule and concerts.
Architects: 42 Architects
Program: skatepark, sports and events area
Materials: concrete
Location: Falun, Sweden
Completion: 2012
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