Over 100 objects from 62 different nationalities have been designed to showcase the district’s multicultural identity
Amy Pavri / Janna Fontbona
Just north-west of Copenhagen’s centre lies one of the city’s most progressive areas – Nørrebro. Once known as the “working class district,” the area has a history of controversy with the late 20th century hosting an array of systemic inequalities, from high youth unemployment and spatial neglect to episodes of civil unrest.
However, over the past 20 years the city has worked to advance and evolve Nørrebro, and it has since become one of the most desirable areas in Denmark’s capital, housing people from all walks of life. The area is known for its diverse multiculturalism and Nørrebro’s development can be credited to a variety of initiatives, including Superkilen Park.
Constructed in 2012, the park was built with one simple goal in mind – to support social integration through urban development. The project was a collaboration between the City of Copenhagen, BIG architecture and Realdania – a philanthropist organisation working to identify and solve societal challenges in relation to built environments.
The park is constructed of three areas, the Red Square – intended for recreational purposes, the Black Market – a place for events and gatherings and the Green Park – a peaceful place to relax. The park is home to over 100 objects from 62 different nationalities, aiming to represent a symbol of urban inclusion. Highlights include fountains from Morocco, swings from Iraq, benches from Brazil and a black octopus slide from Japan.
Bjarke Ingels is the Founding Partner of BIG, the architects behind the project, and emphasised the importance of resident’s input when designing the park. “We proposed public participation as the driving force of the design leading towards the maximum freedom of expression. By transforming public procedure into proactive proposition, we curated a park for the people by the people – peer to peer design – implemented.”
Locals have seen a significant development in Nørrebro since the curation of the park.
Lars Nohr, co-owner of Arrebro, a vibrant cafe next to Superkilen, said: “The people have really changed, what we can see is gentrification. Before there was a lot of crime and unrest but now the demographic has completely changed. It has become a place of luxury, and the cafe is much busier.”
Another change Lars has noticed is a significant decrease in the older generation within Nørrebro. “There are no old people anymore. Nørrebro has become a place where young parents buy an apartment with the intention of giving it to their children – this is a common thing in Denmark”
Despite the lack of elderly people, Lars thinks the initiative was a success. “The whole idea is to reflect everyone, and I think it does that. We have a real mix of cultures that come here and the park is always busy.”
Clara Lingreen is a long-time resident of Nørrebro and credits Superkilen for its community. “I love coming here. It is full of so much life, culture, and families are everywhere with their children.”
Today, Nørrebro stands as an example of urban transformation – where inclusive design, community collaboration, and cultural representation have helped redefine a once-troubled district. Superkilen continues to celebrate diversity and inclusion for its residents and tourists alike.