Climate Adaptation Kokkedal Urban Playground by Schønherr

Climate Adaptation Kokkedal Urban Playground, designed by Schønherr, is a landmark large-scale urban resilience project in Kokkedal, Denmark, addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change, flooding, and social fragmentation. Covering an expansive 69-hectare site, the project redefines climate adaptation as a social, ecological, and spatial opportunity, transforming technical infrastructure into an inclusive public landscape.

Situated along the Usserød River, Kokkedal had long struggled with recurring floods caused by heavy rainfall and rising water levels. At the same time, the neighborhood faced social challenges, including insecurity, fragmented public spaces, and underutilized outdoor areas. The ambition of the project was therefore twofold: to future-proof the district against climate-related flooding while simultaneously improving everyday urban life for residents.

Climate-Responsive Urban Infrastructure

At the core of the masterplan is an extensive climate adaptation strategy comprising approximately 35 targeted interventions. Rainwater, once concealed in underground pipe systems, is now managed through a visible, surface-based network of basins, channels, soakaways, and trenches. These elements are designed to retain and delay stormwater from rainfall events with up to a five-year recurrence, while larger cloudbursts can be safely absorbed without causing damage to buildings or infrastructure.

As a result, the project has eliminated the risk of flooding for the next 30 to 40 years, demonstrating how landscape-based solutions can outperform conventional engineering systems. All rainwater is filtered through natural cleansing elements, such as planted rain gardens and retention basins, before being released into the Usserød River, significantly improving water quality and aquatic ecology.

Blue-Green Landscapes and Biodiversity

The integration of blue and green infrastructure is central to the project’s identity. A series of green detention basins, dry ponds, and wetlands are distributed throughout the neighborhood, doubling as recreational spaces during dry periods and flood reservoirs during heavy rain. This multifunctional landscape approach increases biodiversity, enhances ecological balance, and introduces a rich variation of vegetation and planting.

One notable example is the network of themed community gardens, including the Moroccan Garden, where rainwater retention basins are seamlessly integrated into the landscape design. These spaces can be temporarily flooded when necessary, without compromising their everyday social and cultural function.

Social Activation and Urban Life

Beyond its technical performance, Climate Adaptation Kokkedal Urban Playground is fundamentally a social project. The climate infrastructure is carefully shaped into playgrounds, sports areas, exercise paths, meeting squares, and educational landscapes, encouraging daily use by residents of all ages. Schools and daycare centers use the outdoor spaces for science education and environmental learning, fostering a closer relationship between children and natural processes.

By reconnecting previously fragmented areas and creating safe, attractive routes through the neighborhood, the project has strengthened local identity, safety, and social cohesion. New public spaces support informal encounters, cultural activities, and large community gatherings, helping to shift the perception of Kokkedal from a vulnerable district to a resilient and welcoming urban environment.

Measurable Social Impact

Research conducted after the project’s completion highlights its broader impact beyond climate adaptation. The new urban spaces have delivered a significant cultural, social, and aesthetic uplift, increasing the sense of belonging and security among residents. Notably, studies show a marked increase in the use of public spaces by women and girls, indicating improved inclusivity and perceived safety.

All photographs are works of Thøger Sørensen, Steffen Stampe for Realdania, Leif Tuxen, Carsten Ingemann, Ole Fryd