A former housing estate is reborn as a Copenhagen climate park, combining flood resilience, biodiversity, public art and community life
Photography by SLA/Mikkel Eye
In Copenhagen’s Nordvest district, a neglected patch of grass has been transformed into one of Europe’s most ambitious examples of climate-conscious public space. Grønningen-Bispeparken, designed by Danish landscape studio SLA, transforms a tired 20,000 sq m housing estate landscape into a park that integrates ecological performance and civic life.
Created for the City of Copenhagen, the project addresses two pressing urban challenges by protecting a diverse neighbourhood from increasingly intense rainfall while creating an inviting public space created for everyday use. The result is a park designed around water, with climate adaptation built into every element.
Replacing derelict lawns that routinely flooded during storms, the park incorporates 18 interconnected bioswales capable of collecting, storing and infiltrating more than 3,000 cubic metres of rainwater from surrounding streets and courtyards. Yet these are far more than drainage channels. SLA describes them as ‘social swales’, with flood infrastructure doubling as spaces for gathering, play and recreation.
Photography by SLA
The site is organised into five distinct ecological zones, each serving both environmental and social purposes. Wet bio oases prioritise wildlife, with intimate woodland clearings providing spaces for relaxation. Open common lawns accommodate markets, sports and community events, while pocket squares create informal spaces between buildings. Plus, former Cold War bunkers now form grassy hills for summer picnics and winter sledging.
Carefully designed pathways guide visitors through the site. A winding route of gravel and yellow paving references nearby Grundtvig’s Church, one of Copenhagen’s architectural landmarks. In places, the path gives way to meadow planting, creating a softer transition between the park’s designed and natural elements.
Biodiversity underpins the project. The planting includes 149 native trees spanning 23 species alongside more than four million seeds, establishing resilient habitats that complement existing mature buckthorn trees. A long-term maintenance strategy allows plants and wildlife to thrive while keeping the park accessible and welcoming throughout the year.
Photography by SLA
Public art plays an important role in the project. Swedish, Copenhagen-based artist Kerstin Bergendal worked alongside residents during a four-year engagement programme before introducing a series of timber structures, developed with landscape studio Efterland, that function equally as sculpture, play equipment and informal meeting places.
The park opened in August 2024 and faced an immediate test when severe storms struck Copenhagen days later. While surrounding infrastructure experienced flooding, Grønningen-Bispeparken absorbed the downpour exactly as intended. It is a practical example of how climate adaptation can improve urban life.
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