The pandemic has underscored the importance of public spaces in our cities. How can we channel the energy, and expectations of this moment for long-term change?
We envision a proposal to cover up Denmark’s second largest city’s functioning railyard with a public park for the city. 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 we can 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 Aarhus. It is also a multi-nodal 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. Our proposal is an embodiment of citizens wishes and desires to have access to more open green space. LOCØ’s design address current issues of mobility, health, wellness biodiversity, and sustainability over a functioning rail-yard. With our proposal for a park over the railway trench we envision a needed sanctuary in the heart of Aarhus where residents can commune with nature and with one another.