2013 AIA Honor Awards: Superkilen

Copenhagen / Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Copenhagen and New York

1 MIN READ

Iwan Baan


This half-mile-long urban park is a playful, colorful, and thought-provoking celebration of the neighborhood’s more than 50 nationalities. Trails for pedestrians and cyclists, connections to local transport, and outdoor recreation spaces, as well as a market space and game areas, are complemented by benches, lampposts, trash cans, and plants that were selected by the area’s diverse residents. Durable materials and cost-effective solutions make this park a giant exhibition of urban best practices.

Jury: “This project is a joy! This is not only original, but stunning to behold. Superkilen shows what can be done with an open, inventive approach within severe cost limitations.”

Client: “It’s important that cities have exciting spots like Superkilen, because they heighten the livability in the city. Almost 60 different nationalities live in this part of Copenhagen, and all nationalities are represented at Superkilen with playing tools, activities, and sorts of plants.” —Ayfer Baykal, technical and environmental mayor, Copenhagen

Click here to see more images.

About the Author

Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson

Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson has been a contributing editor with ARCHITECT since 2008. Her articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Co.Design, and CityLab among many other publications.

Upcoming Events

  • Introduction to Winding Drum Panoramic Home Elevators

    Live CEU Webinar

    Register Now
  • Beyond the Numbers: How Benchmarking is Driving Smarter Decisions in Architecture Firms

    Live CEU Webinar

    Register Now
  • Future Place

    Irving, TX

    Register Now