07 Nov 2019
Effekt's stormwater plan reconnects town with water and green spaces
BY Stu Robarts
Copenhagen-based studio Effekt has used the need for a climate adaptation plan by a town in Southern Jutland, Denmark, as an opportunity to enhance its identity, public spaces and connection to nature.
Tønder had been in need of a plan to manage frequent stormwaters due to its coastal location.
Effekt recognised that this could be achieved by remodelling and reorganising public spaces in a way that would improve connections between different areas of the town and reconnect it to its maritime heritage.
Ultimately, the project should make the area a more attractive place to live, work and visit.
Tønder's town centre is bordered by several green areas that offer space for recreation and the opportunity for nature to thrive but that are relatively disconnected.
These will be linked to each other and to the town centre by a loop of green space around the perimeter of the town, creating better cohesion and providing new opportunities for recreation.
Points around the green loop and the town centre will be set aside for leisure features and activities intended to contribute to the wellbeing and happiness of individuals.
Water will be reintroduced to the town in different ways, such as guttering in the paving that will provide rainwater run-off in a beautiful and sensory way and the addition of fountains in public spaces.
A park will be created for activities like skating and hosting events, as well as a sculpture garden connecting the park's existing network of trails.
Effekt was commissioned to deliver the project after winning a competition for the conversion and climate-proofing of the urban spaces of Tønder town centre.
The first phase, development of the first public space, is scheduled to be completed by May 2020, with the remainder of the project due to be complete by the end of 2021.
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