INSCRIBING
WET LAND

For decades, Ladugårdsgärdet has been an important meeting place for activity, but with a growing population increasing demands are placed on the green area. By recreating and expanding the marshland that historically existed at Ladugårdsgärdet, a protective strategy is created against the flooding and drought expected to increase with climate change. The project also has a pedagogical purpose: by making natural cycles visible it aims to strengthen the understanding of how sustainable green areas can look and function.

 

To shape the new landscape, parts of the large amount of rock excavated from the subway expansion are implemented. In the design process we made use of certain aspects already present on the site. First we mapped how stormwater moves across the ground during heavy rain, in order to determine where the wetland could occur most naturally. Then we mapped the existing sports fields and created a route for the water to flow around them so that the grass is not damaged during and after rainy days. The sports fields are built up with excavated rock, and between them a depression is created where stormwater can run. This allows the sports grounds to be used even after heavy rainfall. The basketball courts provide new opportunities for sport, but also function as retention basins to slow down water flows.

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The areas are connected by different types of paths. All are soft and provide a pause from walking and running on paved surfaces. Through the meadows, sandy paths lead the way, suggesting a slower, more meditative experience. The grazing land is divided by wooden fences which are important shelters for many different species. By creating large open clearings, concerts and festivals can continue to take place at Gärdet.