The result has been a new form of "social nature" that has improved the safety, biodiversity, and quality of life in the area. Through anthropological and biological studies, the social and biotic growth and development of Gellerup was continuously monitored to make it a thriving social neighborhood.
Description of project by EFFEKT
Gellerup and Toveshøj are in the process of being transformed from a socially challenged neighbourhood into an attractive and integrated part of Aarhus city. EFFEKT's 2009 winning proposal for a new masterplan for Gellerup sets the scene for this transformation and breaks with the rational urban planning and architecture of the 1960s modernism. The green spaces in Gellerup Toveshøj play a central part in the development of the area as an attractive part of Aarhus.
The new green spaces opens up the area to its surroundings both physically and psychologically, simultaneously, as a missing link to Aarhus, reconnecting the green space with the two dominent landscape areas Skjoldhøjkilen and Brabrand Ådal.
EFFEKT worked holistically with the many elements of the park - terrain, landscape, rainwater, plants, network, activities, "special places", etc. - and believed that the project represents a robust and long-lasting strategy for the new green spaces of Gellerup.
The project creates an adventurous, diverse and cohesive park and urban space with shared activities for everyone. The activity park introduces a human scale between the large apartment blocks and creates an open arena for social gathering between the many residents, both in the surrounding apartments and in the city of Aarhus. The activity park holds community gardens, playgrounds, sports and cultural facilities. Curved paths take one around and creates connecting between the many different activities and reaches out to the city. The activity park has created a green link and a safe, healthy and social hub for the city with activities and experiences for a broad target group.
The intention was not to create one single controlling concept to which all other elements would adhere - on the contrary, the project consists of a number of different elements referencing the wild uncontrolled "nature". These work together and complement each other in the dynamic and exciting green space. The new green space creates a completely new storyline for Gellerup Toveshøj and will contribute positively to the great and ambitious transformation the area is undergoing.
