Skakkeringen Public Square: A Community-Driven Activity Park Redefining Public Space in Etne, Norway

Skakkeringen Public Square in Etne, Norway, designed by locallll and PIR2, is a pioneering public space project that reimagines how schoolyards and community environments can function in rural municipalities. Developed as part of Vestland County’s pilot program for innovative activity facilities, the 2000 m² transformation establishes a new model for open, accessible, and inclusive public environments that remain available to residents at all times—day or night, without fences or restrictions.

Located adjacent to the Skakke Cultural Center, the project replaces a fenced asphalt lot with a dynamic and sustainable activity park that supports social interaction, play, cultural programming, and intergenerational gathering. Through its flexible layout, thoughtful material palette, and deep community engagement, Skakkeringen demonstrates how civic landscapes can strengthen local identity and foster meaningful connections.

A Dynamic Public Square for All

The redesigned square functions as a multi-purpose civic hub, offering a flexible central space for ball games, outdoor cinema, concerts, cultural events, and community gatherings such as the Etne Cup. Surrounding this activity zone are green pockets, gardens, and intimate resting areas that encourage relaxation, reading, contemplation, and informal hangouts.

A key feature is the continuous circulation ring, an unbroken pathway that weaves the various zones together. This ring not only enhances accessibility but also creates a sense of unity across the site, enabling residents to move fluidly between active and quiet spaces. The stage roof and pavilion support year-round cultural programming, integrating arts and community life into the daily rhythm of the town.

Designed Through Local Dialogue

Community involvement is at the heart of Skakkeringen’s design philosophy. Through a robust participatory process involving interviews, workshops, and surveys, the architects gathered insights from local youth, seniors, families, and community groups. Young residents envisioned spaces for climbing, sports, nature, rest, and socializing—preferences that were directly translated into the final layout.

This collaborative approach created a square that serves diverse groups: from the school and retirement home to the sports club, farmers’ association, and cultural center. The shared sense of ownership enables these groups to co-organize events and activities, reinforcing the public square as a multi-generational, socially inclusive community asset.

Sustainability and Rewilding as Core Values

Sustainability is woven into the project’s material and ecological strategies. The transformation reverses the trend of over-asphalted schoolyards, replacing hard surfaces with nature-based landscapes, soft greenery, and ecological planting that contribute to rewilding and outdoor well-being.

The project prioritizes low-carbon construction materials, including:

• 100% CLT timber for structural components
• Recycled aluminium sourced from the local HYDRO plant
• Green roofs that enhance biodiversity and manage stormwater

By combining environmentally responsible materials with community-centered design, Skakkeringen sets a new standard for sustainable public spaces. The multi-functional pavilion and informal ring introduce new spatial typologies that reflect social innovation, environmental stewardship, and cultural engagement.

A New Model for Rural Public Space

More than a schoolyard or park, Skakkeringen has become a vibrant community centerpiece, offering a place where residents of all ages can play, gather, celebrate, exercise, and connect. The project demonstrates how rural municipalities can rethink public infrastructure to support civic life, environmental restoration, and cultural expression.

All photographs are works of Artishot/Arkitekturfoto i Bergen