The Yard

The project, which they branded “The Yard”, is a counter proposal for a current planned development by local scandinavian architects which are trying to develop a dense high rise mixed use over a rail yard trench.

With the pandemic taking over our lives right now, instead, they envision a public park for the city, one that everyone can use and have access to. The national rail service is soon to undergo upgrading their current diesel based engines to electric, which means the uninhabitable wasted “grey rail yard” space over the trench is soon to be a habitable “Green Yard”. Something that is much needed during these unprecedented times.

Through projects like these it’s possible to have a voice loud enough for our cities to listen and take the action needed to be done now for a better future.

Aarhus Central Train Station is the primary point of transit when entering and exiting the city. It is also a multi-modal transportation hub with connections to light rail, city and regional buses and acts as a gateway. It is the visitor’s first and last impression of the city. The city of Aarhus recently asked its citizens and politicians regarding a proposed development over the rail-yard by local Scandinavian firm. The public demanded more public open spaces. LOCØ’s proposal is an embodiment of citizens wishes and desires to have access to more open green space. LOCØ’s design addresses current issues of mobility, health, wellness biodiversity, and sustainability over a functioning rail-yard. With this proposal for a park over the railway trench they envision a needed sanctuary in the heart of Aarhus where residents can commune with nature and with one another.

The project now has unanimous support across all political parties in Denmark (some of which were in favor of the local scandinavian firm prior to seeing the alternative design) and is now undergoing a funding phase.

They think this a great example of how architects can take action on urban issues and make meaningful impacts in their local context. They hope success stories like these can inspire others to take similar actions.

Global context

The pandemic has underscored the necessity for resilience in cities with public space taking center stage. According to recent studies and statistics almost half of the population had felt anxious or worried during the pandemic.

Nearly one in five people reported feeling lonely and has suffered from mental health as a result of lockdown being enforced around the world.

Green spaces are important to mental health. Having access to green spaces can reduce health inequalities, improve well-being and aid in treatment of mental illness. Some analysis suggests that physical activity in a natural environment can help remedy mild depression and reduce physiological stress indicators.

Well designed spaces enhance community cohesion and promote health, happiness, and well-being for all citizens as well as fostering investment, economic development and environmental sustainability.
As cities grow in population and diversity the creation of quality public spaces is becoming more and more urgent.

Increasingly cities are looking for answers on how smart mobility can be a catalyst for urban regeneration. How for example can low-cost mobility solutions replace the car and in doing so reshape the city? Integrated bicycle parking is one answer to a major problem in the inner cities of our urban communities worldwide: pollution and traffic congestion.

Remote working means people are less tied to the city as a place of work and instead attracted to it as a place to live. Cities all over the world are demanding to have more access to outdoor public spaces and now they need to think about how to make them attractive for people and newcomers, so they stay.

Aarhus

Aarhus is a liveable city. From its close proximity to forests and nature to its bustling city center and cultural amenities many newcomers are attracted to Aarhus for its little big city charm. Aside from being the fastest growing city in Denmark, it is also growing in diversity with many of its new comers arriving from outside the EU.

Brabrand Sø, part of Aarhus’s green lungs, lie just to the east of the city center. An uninterrupted corridor of green space runs from here all the way to the central train station.

Aarhus is no stranger to urban innovation: much like when the city re-claimed its river and turned it into a space for everyone back in the 1950s. Not only that but it also prides itself on its spirit of strong cooperation and social cohesion. This will be challenged as the city will grows. However, with initiatives like Rethink Aarhus and Go Green with Aarhus the city is tackling its challenges head on while keeping an eye toward the future. One of these is to be Carbon neutral by 2030.

The whole city is looking at public spaces right now with new eyes. How is it possible to channel the energy, and expectations of this moment for long-term change? Trying to be smart about it.

The opportunity

Electrification of tracks brings new possibilities for activating space over Banegraven and the city has shown a will to address the potentials of the site and asked for views of its citizens. Now, Banegraven presents an opportunity to fulfil the green aspirations of the city and its inhabitants. However, the current plan to develop the area, proposed by a local firm, suggests decking the space over the railyard to make way for a new high dense neighbourhood.

The wall (current proposal):

Rather than unifying two areas of the city the proposal disrupts and divides it, both physically, as a wall of buildings, and socio-economically, as a gentrified development. It disrupts the site further by reducing sunlight, views, habitat and fresh air circulation into the city. The proposal suggests densifying what is already one of Aarhus’ most congested areas – Aarhus Banegaardsplads, and adds very little in the way of public space and smart mobility.

Although the new development scheme does solve the connectivity issue of linking both sides, it does not bridge the gap between the two communities. The proposed scheme will continue that trend, however in the shape of a wall of buildings and developments that take more space than needed, and that don’t address current and critical issues that most cities and residents are facing now.

The Yard ( LOCØ’s proposal):

The people have spoken about their ideal urban setting. The demand for open public spaces is high, necessary and desired. They propose to turn the grey railyard valley into a green, social infrastructure bridge, with a lightweight blanket stretched over the railroad tracks. A new park and public space in the heart of the city prepared to take on the post COVID era and anchor two divided neighbourhoods.

Goals and vision

Landmark – Recognizes the trench as a significant element of nature- a unique and crucial part of the city structure.

Railways – Maintains and develops the railway trench as a green wedge into the city. A large open space with wild nature in real breeding ground, biodiversity, fresh air, light and views.

Outdoor spaces – Investigates the potentials of creating activity opportunities and attractive outdoor spaces that follow the wedge’s elongated course towards the river valley.