Skatepark design awarded Lappset stipend
10.03.2014
Landscape architect Janne Saario, from Aalto University's Department of Architecture, was awarded the Lappset Group's 2013 stipend for his Steelpark master's thesis project.
Janne Saario's master's thesis is a design for a skatepark in the city of Luleå, Northern Sweden. The work was commissioned by Luleå Exstremsport Förening. The park was built according to plan, with the construction work carried out by the city's streets and parks department.
The fact that the plans have come to fruition speaks volumes about the high standards achieved by the designer. Saario is himself a professional skateboarder and has a unique perspective and knowledge garnered from his time travelling and skateboarding all over the world - his expertise and awareness of the physical and structural requirements of a skatepark site are widely-appreciated.
The finished park is a work of art, with functionality at the very core of its sculptural character. The park references the industrial heritage of the site in an attractive way, by using, among other things, remnants of a steel plant in combination with skilfully moulded concrete structures. The design was realised through interaction with the youngsters who use it.
The planning and construction work are clearly documented in the written report of the master's thesis. This presentation is complemented by a video that provides a particularly effective insight into the architectural dynamism of the project.
The Lappset Group Ltd awards an annual stipend as a recognition of the best master's thesis work in the field of landscape architecture.
http://www.jannesaario.com/Steelpark
Further information:
Degree Programme in Landscape Architecture
Pirkko Hiort af Ornäs
pirkko.hiortafornas [at] aalto [dot] fi