The Process of Urban Landscaping
Aalborg, Denmark
Location: Aalborg, Denmark
Type: Semester Project (Master of Urban Architecture)
Design: Processual Design with Water Management
Team: Oana Maria Paraschiv & Colleagues
Completion: September 2014
CONCEPT | The Process of Urban Landscaping reimagines an industrial depot and disused train tracks into a dynamic urban ecosystem, combining landscape design with public space transformation. The project introduces water management strategies to integrate sustainable solutions while creating new residential and social spaces. The masterplan focuses on the gradual conversion of the industrial site into a green, livable neighborhood, using temporary uses throughout the development process.
PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN | The public space design is dynamic and adaptable. The old depot and train tracks are integrated into an urban park concept, with flexible furniture and temporary structures that change over time. This allows the space to serve multiple purposes, such as cultural events, community gatherings, or leisure activities. Seasonal planting strategies further enhance these spaces, ensuring year-round use and visual appeal. Social inclusion is prioritized, creating areas where different community groups can interact and engage in shared experiences.
MASTERPLAN The masterplan is designed with a phased approach, addressing the need for both short-term interventions and long-term sustainability. Each phase brings a new layer of functionality to the site. The first stages focus on reintroducing natural elements, while later stages accommodate residential and public development. This gradual process ensures that the site can be used throughout its redevelopment, fostering an ongoing connection between people and place.
Water Management:
Water management is a central element of the project, addressing both flood control and ecological enhancement. The plan introduces rain gardens, wetlands, and retention basins, which filter and clean stormwater before it is released into the natural environment. These systems also serve as key design features within the public space, creating tranquil environments for relaxation while contributing to the site's environmental health. The project emphasizes the balance between built structures and natural water flows, creating a resilient and adaptive urban landscape.
Social Inclusion:
The project's design ensures social inclusivity by creating diverse public spaces that accommodate various community activities. Playgrounds, community gardens, and open green areas are strategically placed to engage residents of all ages and backgrounds. The conversion of industrial relics into social hubs encourages local ownership and fosters a strong sense of community. By preserving elements of the site's industrial past, the design celebrates local heritage while offering a space for future generations to gather and interact.
Conversion of Industrial Depot and Train Tracks:
The conversion of the industrial depot and disused train tracks is a key feature of the project. Rather than erasing the site's history, these elements are transformed into focal points that anchor the design. The train tracks become green pathways and walking trails, while the depot structures are repurposed into cultural and recreational spaces. This adaptive reuse not only conserves resources but also fosters a unique identity for the site, where industrial heritage meets contemporary urban living.
This approach to urban landscaping reflects a long-term vision of sustainable development, turning a former industrial site into a vibrant, inclusive, and ecologically balanced urban environment.
