Hyttgårdsparken is a public activity park for skateboarding in Falun, Sweden. The park, situated in a UNESCO world heritage site, and neighbouring the Great Copper Mine of Falun, covers a site area of 6,200m2. The design proposal is driven by a strong contextual and archaeological approach whereby the ground is conceptually ‘carved’ out to expose the sunken concrete surfaces that form the physical skateboarding areas of the park.

The multifaceted geometry of the ground form and the need for robustness, determined the proposed materiality to be concrete. The singular material treatment reinforces its sculptural and monolithic qualities, while energising and distinguishing itself from the surrounding historic fabric.

The plan is organised around a series of carved out trenches, which form the main directions and paths for the skateboarders, cyclists and people. Terraced levels of stepped seating are provided at the entrance to the park, where people can watch the skateboarding events. Areas of soft landscaping, grass, slagg and gravel are arranged in bands around the main skateboarding areas.

By setting out to link a modern, international movement such as Skateboarding with a local historical site, with a strong vernacular and Unesco status, we have succeeded in creating a place that is appreciated and valued by several generations and cultural groups. The park stands as an example of how to engage with highly sensitive environments such as this one, while retaining a forward thinking approach in terms of programme and use, relevance to several age groups and demographics, as well as retaining an architectural expression that is contextual yet free and contemporary.