Denmark
The condition of the concrete floor in the old storage
area was also carefully surveyed for irregularities
and damage. In places, it had been patched using
asphalt. Using this information the contractor was
able to make appropriate alterations and repairs so
that the concrete pavement could be reused. The
1993 proposal suggested a flower garden in this
location, but instead the salvaged concrete forms
the floor of what is now known as the market
square. This use was determined by the residents;
it is now used once a year for a local festival.
The wall and the concrete pavement on the new
market square are important elements from the
former harbour which have been incorporated into
the new design. Their condition after many years
of use means that some repairs and modification
were needed before the elements could be used in
the new park.
Lawns and sunbathing
Sunbathing was one of the most popular activities
in the temporary park laid out in 1984. In response,
the designers have provided new raised lawns
which improve this function. These are much better
than the previous grassed areas which were at the
same level as the paving. Ramps give access to the
lawns for disabled people and also for maintenance
machines.
The three lawns which lie between the cherry alley
and the paved waterfront promenade are each 30m
wide and they are cut through by paths at various
angles – 30o, 45oand 60o. The lawns are raised
360mm above the surrounding levels, which offers
them some protection from excessive trampling,
as pedestrians are gently channelled along the
footpaths. Along the cherry walk there is an access
ramp at each corner of every lawn. The edges
of the lawns have been constructed using white
concrete pre-cast elements – the basic unit has
the dimensions 900 x 400 x 400mm, but because
of the angled paths, special units were needed
for junctions at corners. These elements were laid
very closely together with very narrow joints, on a
200mm foundation of dry-mix concrete.
Because there was some contamination of the
existing ground, a thin plastic net was used to keep
the new soil separate. On this was laid a 340mm-
deep level of growing medium, consisting of com-
post mixed with gravel. The centres of each lawn
are raised by about 300mm to facilitate run-off. A
PVC membrane has been laid on the inside of the
surrounding concrete elements to protect them
from moisture percolation.
The environmental authorities for Copenhagen
informed the designers that the existing soil on the
site was contaminated and should not be allowed
