Superkilen

Superkilen is a public park in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark. Designed by the arts group Superflex in collaboration with the architectural firms Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Topotek1, it was officially opened in June 2012.

Overview

Superkilen is a kilometer-long park situated in the diverse Nørrebro district, which is home to more than 60 nationalities. The park is divided into three main areas: the Red Square, the Black Market, and the Green Park. Each area is distinct in its design and purpose, reflecting the cultural diversity of the local community.

Red Square

The Red Square is the most urban of the three areas, serving as an extension of the sports and cultural facilities of the adjacent Nørrebrohallen. It features a variety of installations, including a boxing ring from Thailand, swings from Iraq, and a neon sign from Russia.

Black Market

The Black Market is the classic square of Superkilen where locals can meet around the picnic tables or at the Moroccan fountain. It features a variety of installations, including a Japanese octopus playground and a Jamaican sound system.

Green Park

The Green Park is a landscape of rolling hills, trees, and plants suitable for picnics, sports, and walking the dog. It features a variety of installations, including a fountain from Morocco and a soil hill from Nepal.

Design and Concept

The design of Superkilen celebrates diversity. The park is filled with objects from around the globe representing the home countries of the area's inhabitants. These objects include benches, lampposts, trash bins, and playgrounds, among others. The idea is to make the park a world exhibition of sorts – a place where everyone can see a piece of their home country.

Awards

Superkilen has received numerous awards for its innovative approach to public space, including the Red Dot Design Award in 2013 and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016.

See Also

• List of parks in Copenhagen
• Public art in Copenhagen
• Urban design