Åkeshovs Arboretum by LAND Arkitektur

In 2019, LAND was tasked with revitalizing a largely forgotten and slightly decayed arboretum originally created in 1998 as part of Stockholm’s year as the European Capital of Culture. The brief called for a thorough redesign to make the space more inviting and functional for people by including weather protection, seating, educational features, and a more enhanced entrance as well as a stronger connection to the nearby nature reserve, Judarskogen.

The arboretum is a small yet diverse park, conveniently located next to Åkeshov metro station, making it an easily accessible destination for a wide range of visitors. Nature enthusiasts, school groups, and preschoolers alike can easily explore, while it also serves as a peaceful spot for local residents out on their daily strolls or seeking respite. The new design welcomes visitors through an archway where information about the park, its history, and its selection of various tree species is displayed. A winding path leads visitors through the space that is split into six distinctive sections, each offering a unique character and atmosphere. In every section, visitors can experience different tree species, along with diverse ground vegetation, including shrubs, bulbs, and perennials. From intimate spaces to open grassy areas for activities, the park’s varied landscape creates a rich, evolving experience with notable seasonal changes. The main path eventually opens up to connect with the nature reserve, further expanding the park’s reach.

To achieve the new layout of the design LAND conducted several on site-sketching in scale 1:1 in accordance to the office developed design methods. By using flags and colored bands to mark out flows, spaces and pathways on site a physical sensation of the drawn lines made by the desk can be experienced and altered. In the arboretum, the 1:1 sketching was crucial, the path system, new location for the entrances and placement of built objects and pavilions were mapped out on site.

Throughout the space, informal trails encourage curious exploration, while groups and clusters of logs and stones offer playful seating or resting spots. In the center of the arboretum, a new gathering area with a shelter and a large communal table provides a welcoming space for both small and large groups. The space can also serve as an outdoor classroom, where visitors can engage in hands-on learning about nature and biodiversity. Ecologically, the new arboretum is a valuable addition to the area. The trees, herbs, shrubs, and bulbs support pollinating insects and birdlife. Combined with the “fauna deposits”, clusters of logs, the park provides a more varied habitat for insects, contributing to increased biodiversity on the site. Visitors can study the different tree species, observe local wildlife, and learn about the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems. The park’s educational features, such as informative signs about the diversity of plants makes Åkeshovs arboretum a valuable resource for environmental education.

Other credits:
Photo credits: Ulf Lundin
Client: The Traffic Office of Stockholm
Location: Åkeshovs arboretum, Åkeshovs gårdsväg 10, 168 38 Bromma, Stockholm, Sweden

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