Karens Minde Aksen: A multifunctional cloudburst project

Integrating climate adaptation with urban development

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Karens Minde Aksen integrates climate adaptation with urban development, exemplifying how climate solutions can enrich urban living by merging functionality with aesthetics. Designed to manage 15,000 m³ of cloudburst water, this large outdoor space is designed to protect the city from future floods while creating an inviting space for residents.

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At the heart of the design is the yellow riverbed. This feature serves both as a path and a water channel, guiding rainwater through a system that filters and cleans the water via reed beds before it reaches a new rainwater lake. The technical water flow not only contributes to functionality but is also an aesthetic element that unifies the previously divided area.

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Karens Minde Aksen is not just a technical solution; it is also a community space. The design process involved local residents from the start, resulting in a space that reflects their needs and desires. The park includes playgrounds, a dog-walking area, and improved facilities for the city’s animal and horse-keeping initiative, in Danish called "Børnenes Dyremark" (The children's animal field), which plays a significant role in the emotional and social development of local children.

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The project has also increased biodiversity in the area. The rainwater lake, newly planted shrubs, and areas left undisturbed for wildlife create a thriving ecosystem. The absence of artificial lighting and benches in the park’s southern areas ensures minimal disruption to wildlife. As a result, the Karens Minde Aksen project serves as an example of how functional climate solutions can create value for both people and nature. The project was awarded the City's Best Urban Space in 2023.

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