Pulsparken: Setting new standards for climate adaptation and well-being

22 September 2023

Solution provider

Juul Frost Architects is an award-winning multidisciplinary studio with a holistic approach and a human focus. The purpose of our architecture and urban development is to promote quality of life, health and well-being.

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Challenge

According to the Danish Health Profile, Denmark faces a range of challenges that demand innovative solutions. These challenges include a high stress level among adults, with 29% reporting elevated stress levels. Additionally, only 4 out of 10 Danes meet the WHO’s recommendations for physical activity, and approximately one in eight Danes shows signs of loneliness. Meanwhile, our cities grapple with cloudbursts, leading to flooding and straining sewage systems, all while biodiversity faces a steady decline.

Active living

The park boasts diverse facilities suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, providing opportunities for informal training, exercise, and play.

Solution

At Juul Frost Architects, our foundation lies in innovative, integrated, and sustainable solutions. A prime exemplar of our approach is ‘Pulsparken’ (The Pulse Park) in Bolbro, Odense. This 24,000-square-meter park serves a dual purpose, functioning both as climate adaptation infrastructure and a vibrant activity hub. It is intricately linked with the housing development known as Christians Park, providing 10,500 square meters of apartments and lush green communal spaces.

Green urban environments improve health, well-being and quality of life

We know from research that green urban environments help to improve health, well-being and quality of life. Staying in green areas is linked to lower stress levels and higher well-being, regardless of gender, age or socio-economic background. (1) Improved accessibility to good green areas in disadvantaged neighborhoods contributes to addressing inequalities in health. (2)

1) Skov & landskab, LIFE, Københavns Universitet, 2008, Konceptmodel Terapihaven Nacadia. En model for terapihaver og haveterapi for stressramte i Danmark. 2) Braubach, M., Egorov, et.al. 2017,. “Effects of Urban Green Space on Environmental Health, Equity and Resilience”

Juul Frost Architects integrates landscape and building architecture as well as research in the practice. The studio is among others responsible for the development project ‘The Urban Health Culture of the Future’ that examined how we can promote physical, social and mental health through the built environment

Result

Pulsparken demonstrates how climate adaptation can be transformed into an active, dynamic space for training, exercise, and play. Furthermore, it offers serene locations for mental relaxation. The park boasts diverse facilities suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, providing opportunities for informal training, exercise, and play. The park’s thoughtfully designed pathways cater to walkers, runners, cyclists, and roller skaters, ensuring inclusivity.

Our commitment to biodiversity, seen in the park’s landscaping, both on land and in water, offers a wide range of nature experiences throughout the seasons. This commitment enhances the environment for both residents and the local ecosystem, making Pulsparken an inviting community space.

Reuse of soil reduces CO2 emissions.

The reused soil from the excavation of the lakes adds new value as hills in the landscape, contributing to the creation of intimate spaces within the park. This results in a reduction in CO2 emissions, as the soil does not need to be transported away from the area.