Grorudparken fights to reveal the rivers of Oslo

By Land8: Landscape Architects Network on March 12, 2015 No Comments / 4351 views

Grorudparken by LINK Landskap, Link Arkitektur, Oslo, Norway Grorud Park is a newly constructed neighborhood park in the periphery of Oslo, Norway. It’s aim is to tie together this part of the city separated from a main road. The atmosphere is wild even though it is situated in the heart of urban center. What makes this place unique and valuable is the thoughtful design and creative solutions used by LINK Landskap, from which everyone could learn. Grorudparken in the city context There are 10 rivers running through the urban body of Oslo. In the past they were considered problematic because of sewage systems as well as were seen as obstacle for efficient use of the land. However, in the recent years, The City of Oslo had shifted attention to preserving its blue-green structures. The main objective is to reopen rivers and streams wherever possible.

Grorudparken by LINK Landskap. Photo credit: Tomasz Majewski

Grorud Park is an element of a continuous landscape and recreation corridor running from the city center to the periphery and the green surroundings, passing through Leirfossen (waterfalls). Previously, it was impossible to take a stroll along Alna River, the longest in Oslo, due to numerous barriers such as roads, railways tracks, industrial sites and dense scrubs. This project demolishes all of the boundaries. It improves accessibility to the river as well as its quality.

Environmental value of Grorudparken

Undoubtedly, the most precious element of this project is the River Alna which takes the central place in the landscape masterplan. The working team had the challenging task to cope with issues related to flood mitigation, stormwater management and cleansing of runoff from the surrounding neighborhood. Moreover, the adjacent Grorud Dam’s polluted sub-surface was a critical issues throughout the whole design process.

Grorudparken by LINK Landskap. Photo credit: Tomasz Majewski

Several important steps were undertaken. Improvement of water quality of the dam was managed through various soil cleansing techniques. The project also involves phytoremediation where in 2 or 3 years soil pollutants are bound to vegetation, and plants themselves serve as a cleaning water filter. Bioremediation ponds clean the storm water from the surrounding areas and then releases it into the River Alna and Grorud Dam. Thus, water quality is improved significantly and the dam was rehabilitated as swimming area.

Cultural value of Grorudparken

The project deals with a historical element of the city. One of the oldest stone arch bridges in Oslo plays a central role in order to create a historic garden within the park. There, the water surface mirrors the surroundings to create a beautiful picture-an instant of old times, where unique lightning collaborate for the maximum aesthetic effect, accessibility, and safety excellence.

Grorudparken by LINK Landskap. Photo credit: Tomasz Majewski

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One would easily think that the park can become a scene of vandalism and crime. It is situated in a natural environment disconnected from the urban grain, it goes under a main road and it can be a little desolated during night time. Accessibility and safety of people were specifically taken into consideration by the working team and were solved through creative outdoor lightning. Several site specific lightning concept were applied, which not only improved safety but created exciting spatial dimensions and contributed to identity of the park. Recreational quality of Grorudparken In fact, Grorudparken is a part of a continuous green space along Alna River, running from the city center to the natural surroundings of the city with numerous waterfalls. Its main purpose is for sports and outdoor recreational activities. For example there are several kilometers of bicycle paths. Grorudparken is designed to be a perfect place for athletics, play and recreation.

Grorudparken by LINK Landskap. Photo credit: Tomasz Majewski

Cooperation adds value to the project One explicitly valuable trait of the project comes from the fact that it is a product of strong cooperation. LINK Landskap worked together with several municipal departments – The Department of Recreation, The Planning Office, The Office of Cultural Heritage Management and the District of Grorud. It was also consulted in regard to stormwater management, hydrology, electrics and lightning.Its identity is bound to this cooperative relations. Grorudparken proved to have more qualities than one could see from first sight. Its multifaceted approach opens up a new and high quality environment, accessible, safe, full of live to discover, thus improving quality of life of the inhabitants of the Grorud Valley.