Aerial view of Superkilen Park in Norrebro district in Copenhagen, Denmark

© Oliver Förstner/Alam

This park is Superkilen

Welcome to Superkilen, a 800-metre-long linear urban park meant to inspire long-time residents, immigrants, and visitors alike to congregate together in Nørrebro, one of Copenhagen's most culturally and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods. What was once a neighbourhood public space battling gang activity, graffiti, and vandalism, is now an example of 'extreme public participation.' The residents who live around Superkilen helped design it, including the addition of cultural objects that represent their homelands—more than 60 countries.

We're looking down at the Black Market, the heart of the park, one of three distinct areas where residents gather. The star-shaped fountain centre-left is from Morocco and to the right is a Japanese playground structure shaped like an octopus. It's a style of urban design called placemaking, using elements such as furniture, car-free pedestrian plazas, and illustrated asphalt art to support community interactions. For instance, the white lines you see are bicycle lanes encouraging residents to move about the neighbourhood.