Lead Landscape Architect Niels de Bruin for White
Redesign of a Transport Interchange and Two Central Squares
The proposal, Open Stage, originated from an invited competition. The concept revolves around creating a shared urban ground plane that the people of Malmö can imbue with meaning of their own.
The two squares, St Johannesplan and Konsthallstorget, are defined by a robust concrete surface that pays homage to Malmö’s industrial past. In front of the art gallery, there is a large stage, while the area by St Johannes Church features a paved surface with a thorn-patterned inlay. The project is a collaboration with artist Ebba Matz. How successful has the idea of allowing Malmö residents to give the spaces their own meaning been? Quite successful. The stage is used primarily by skateboarders, but also by tango dancers, while the art gallery organises activities in Konsthallstorget. The square in front of the church is frequently used for political demonstrations. The idea was that additional elements could be introduced over time, and this has proved successful, with the addition of Tony Cragg’s Point of View and Love Park, the iconic skatepark in Philadelphia. This is exactly how a vibrant urban square should function.
photo by Olga Schlyter
photo by NCC
photo by Hanns Joosten
photo by Hanns Joosten
photo by Hanns Joosten
photo by Hanns Joosten
photo by Hanns Joosten