Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Taking a qualitative approach, this research investigates different theories and methods for creating parks that people will cherish and visit during their daily life. It also takes on the task to understand how principles of developing recreational values in a small forest is affected by the addition of a new element to the landscape, i.e. a major highway. Data was collected through the combination of focused literature review and study trips. This provided a framework which in turn was applied to the subject of the study, i.e. the small recreational forest Bölekläppen in the town of Umeå, Västerbotten.

The goals of the framework was achieved through connecting different patches of green space into a larger network and bridging barriers that were created by old and new road infrastructure. The development proposal takes hold on the fact that there are two hills in the forest, of which one is crowned by a watertower. The proposal reprogrammes this watertower into a combined watchtower and climbing wall. Doing this, the forest becomes unbalanced and in order to enhance the dichotomy between the two hills, a new tower is added and an opening in the forest is proposed between them. A series of new attractions are proposed around these new landscape elements, stressing the need to being able to satisfy many different peoples desires and needs.

The study also acknowledges the facts that while an intersecting new highway creates many difficulties to the present land uses in this part of the city, its alterations of the landscape also gives birth to some opportunities that wouldn't otherwise have had arisen. Forming one of the major entrances to Umeå, the aesthetic appearance plays an important role for visitors in depicting Umeå as a nice and beautiful city. By being this significant, the design of the road can achieve better funding, which also spills over to the adjacent green spaces.