Cities around the world are wrestling with the realities of climate change and the need to quickly develop solutions to protect communities - especially those communities most at risk and have historically been underserved. Copenhagen is no different. Through a series of detention areas, Scandiagade has been transformed into 8 different stormwater basins, which together can hold 1500 cubic meters of water. In the basins, water is stored and delayed before being led to the main system. The basins protect the residents from water.
It was vital that the working class community these basins directly serve had a voice and be involved throughout the planning, design, and development. The result - 8 different basins that serve the community not only as storm protection but also as functional public spaces the community can interact with such as a butterfly garden, a basin with gardens, as well as a basin that is native and requires little to no maintenance. Walkways serving as a promenade over the basins connect the entire area.
