In Copenhagen’s South Habour district, an elongated area by Sjælør Boulevard and Karens Minde Cultural Centre has been climate-adapted and transformed into a revitalised urban park. The area is known for its distinctive grassroots spirit, semi-wild nature, and livestock animals, making it a unique gathering place for local communities and interactions across different ages and cultures. The project was developed closely together with local residents through an extensive participatory process.

A brick-paved “riverbed” now meanders as a sculptural and functional landscape element, through which the movement of water forms part of the site’s inherent beauty. This “Brick River,” which can alternate between wet and dry conditions, creates a natural winding course between large old trees, combining public space, pathways, and water conveyance.

The Brick River can handle up to 15.000 m³ of stormwater from the large hinterland. Rainwater is directed into the park, naturally filtered through a trickling meadow, and finally flows into a large, newly established and vibrant rainwater lake with green banks and diverse vegetation.

A unifying circular wooden bridge by Karens Minde Cultural Centre has replaced the multiple crisscrossing foot paths that previously characterised the somewhat run-down park.

Most of the existing trees have been preserved, with new ones planted alongside a rich flora of wild herbs that have replaced the former lawns.