Text description provided by the architects
Superkilen is a one-and-a-half-mile-long urban space inserted like a wedge into an ethnically diverse and socially challenged residential district in Copenhagen. Its primary concept is that it functions as a giant exhibition of best urban practices, a show of over sixty objects from different cultural backgrounds. From fitness equipment from Venice Beach, Los Angeles, to sewage grates from Israel, palm trees from China, and neon lights from Qatar. Each exhibit has a small stainless steel plaque embedded in the ground, describing in Danish and the language of origin what the object is and where it comes from. This surreal collection of global urban diversity actually reflects the essence of the local community, rather than perpetuating a fossilized, homogeneous Danish image. Superkilen is the result of a creative collaboration between BIG, Topotek1, and SUPERFLEX. It represents a rare fusion of architecture, landscape architecture, and art, from early concept through construction. A world's fair in Copenhagen: Superkilen supports diversity. It is a worldwide exhibition of furniture and everyday objects from around the globe, including benches, lampposts, trash bins, and plants that every contemporary park should include, alongside objects that reflect the future visitors to the park. The park is divided into three main zones, each with a distinct color palette and character: the red square, the black market, and the green park. Together they create a space that celebrates diversity, encourages social interaction, and transforms a challenged neighborhood into a vibrant community destination.
TEAM
Design Team: Ondrej Tichy, Jonas Lehmann, Rune Hansen, Jan Borgstrøm, Lacin Karaoz, Jonas Barre, Nicklas Antoni Rasch, Gabrielle Nadeau, Jennifer Dahm Petersen, Richard Howis, Fan Zhang, Andreas Castberg, Armen Menendian, Jens Majdal Kaarsholm, Jan Magasanik, Toni Offenberger, Katia Steckemetz , Cristian Bohne, Karoline Liedtke, Jakob Fenger, Rasmus Nielsen, Bjørnstjerne Christiansen; Client: Copenhagen Municipality, Realdania