Aspuddsparken is a district park originally landscaped in the 1950s. Surrounded by a board of natural mixed woods and partly submerged in relation to the surroundings it holds a green and sheltered location.
Through the renovation, Aspuddsparken has been amended with a series of playful and varied activity areas. Seating and places to meet are close by and complementing green and tranquil sites are to be found throughout the park. Along with a reconditioned paddling pool and an improved area for small farm animals and a café, Aspuddsparken offers a wide range of attractions.
A goal was to create a landmark with clear character and to address a wider range of visitors attracting both local residents and long-distance visitors of all ages. The city wanted the facilities to be wear-resistant which led to an outline with the activity areas gathered in one part of the park for easier maintenance.
Aspuddsparken had many qualities that were considered important to preserve and evolve, as the surrounding natural land, the park’s topography and a number of candelabra-shaped maples which were especially protected. The designs of the original layout was an inspiration and influenced the design process.
The activity areas of the park are playfully designed and have been linked together by a cohesive system of pergolas and weather roofs including various types of seating. Here, along the northern side of the park overlooking the activity areas, guardians and visitors of the park can settle in a comfortable and solar position. A series of elevations of pebble adds its own character to these parts and compose a surface for non-programmed play. The overall color palette is cohesive and designed to reflect the designs and harmonize with the colors of the surrounding.
Social sustainability, safety and accessibility were important aspects as was the appeal to visitors of various ages. The park should give opportunities for both playful activities and tranquillity. By gathering the play and activity areas in one part of the park, one large lawn and some more quiet and green locations could be shaped in other parts of the park.
Aspuddsparken
Landscape Architecture: AJ Landskap
Location: Aspuddsparken, Stockholm, Sweden
Collaborators: Kåver & Mellin constructors
Images: Kasper Dudzik, AJ Landskap
