“A Dramatic Detour” is the winning project by ACT - Active City Transformation – for a competition entitled “A Good Detour” for the Solrød Municipality of Copenhagen. The purpose of the competition was to propose the development of projects that encourage innovative design and planning concepts that further the development of better, healthier and more active lifestyles through the infusion of activities into everyday practices in spaces we daily inhabit. ACT is just the type of architecture firm that explores this type of urban landscape development that integrates motion and activities into daily experiences.
The project, categorized as an activity park, is located along the embankment of a highway noise barrier. The site is a vast 1.4 kilometer strip of land, directly adjacent to a large residential area and currently void of any desirable function. Vertical topography is a rarity in Copenhagen, so ACT chose to take advantage of the site’s hilly landscape, integrating a series of new experiences for local citizens, including walking and climbing paths, and a sledding area during the winter.
The design is composed of four activity zones and a disc golf course along the entire site. Each of the activity areas is designed with a specific function for specific user grounds. The grounds vary from an area for public performance space, to an area designated as a “big kids” playground catering to all ages. The design proposal also takes advantage of the existing site characteristics, utilizing a grove of trees to add intimacy to spaces.
The project is part of the municipality’s greater plan for a 4 kilometer long activity route through the center of town. This portion, designed by ACT is scheduled for completion in 2012.
Architect: ACT Location: Solrød, DK Type: Invited Competition, 1st Prize Size: 5 Hectars Project: Activity Park Budget: Partners: Solrød Municipality Clients: Solrød Municipality Status: Schematic Design Phase
