Bergen, Norway
2017 - 2021
Arnaparken
Located outside Bergen, Arnaparken was designed with the aim of increasing the area’s biodiversity and creating a new recreational meeting place. Re-establishing the wetland habitat, the park has revived the local ecosystem while maintaining a close connection to a living landscape through strategically designed community spaces.
Project details
Client
City of Bergen
Status
With a growing population in the city of Indre Arna, a need for parks and facilities emerged. The site – which previously existed as farmland – sparked a debate between soil preservation and catering to the recreational needs of the city’s youth. In response, our design employed ecological and social strategies to transform the site into a connected natural landscape that benefits people and nature alike.
Restoring the former agricultural site’s wetland habitat, along with establishing a new park initiative, Arnaparken creates a space for recreation and community while enhancing biodiversity. With expansive wetlands functioning as a flood reservoir and bird habitat, and versatile offerings for cultural events and recreation, the 18,000 m2 park preserves the natural environment while providing locals and visitors with outdoor recreation opportunities as well as moments of rest.
Designing for biodiversity
With wetlands holding more than 14% of endangered species in Norway, natural restoration was a key concept in the design of Arnaparken. The park’s wetland area safeguards natural diversity, flood safety, and acts as a carbon store. For preservation purposes, the wetland area and district park are placed away from one another. The park is unique as a state-protected recreational area existing in close connection to a living cultural landscape.
Guiding our design were ecological landscape principles, with an emphasis on species-rich edge zones, varying pond depths, and wildlife protection. Vegetation was carefully restored in connection to terrain shaping, and local willow plants were reintroduced creating a nature-friendly shrub layer. The restored wetland has welcomed new bird species, and other bird species, such as mallards, now breed in the new habitat.
A place to meet
Arnaparken has been designed as a people’s park, inspired by a Scandinavian “folkpark” which feature large, grassed areas, natural vegetation, and facilities to enable community and recreation.
Positioned in the recreational area of the park is a pavilion featuring a curved roof, serving as a central meeting point. Various activities are facilitated through constructions such as a climbing course, carousel, balancing logs, and a small water play area. Gravel pathways and wooden bridges forge connections, while benches provide opportunities for rest, conversation, and views of people and nature. A new throwing area for javelin, discus, and hammer adjacent to the park is partly surrounded by a mountain stream and provides a contribution to the local sports community led by the neighboring Arna Idrettspark.
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