Create an area where people and nature thrives
Are you interested in biodiversity and designing sustainable green areas? Then this is a project for you!
Client
Koloniföreningen Brytstugan is Helsingborg’s largest allotment association. Located in the northern part of the city, the area consist of 211 allotment plots. Each allotment measures between 380-405 square meters and municipal regulations require that at least 30% of the land are cultivated, though many gardeners cultivate more than that.
As with other allotment areas, Brytstugan has specific guidelines regarding plot maintenance and overnight stays. The water supply is active from April to October and during that time period it is also permitted to stay overnight in the cottages. Many allotment owners also visit during the day throughout the rest of the year to tend to their gardens and carry out renovations. Each owner is responsible for maintaining their allotment, requirements include keeping house numbers visible and clearing adjacent pathways. The use of salt or toxic chemicals for pest or weed control is prohibited within the area.
Approximately 25 to 30 allotments are sold to new owners each year. Cottages must be sold fully furnished and equipped with kitchenware and tools, ensuring a smooth transition for new owners.
In addition to individual allotments, the area features a communal clubhouse used for meetings and various events, as well as a large green space next to a pond. Regular work days are organised to maintain these shared areas, where allotment owners work together. The association also hosts a community group and a gardening club.
Task
The pond is located in the center of the Brytstugan Allotment Association’s grounds, near the clubhouse. During heavy rainfall, the pond acts as a water reservoir for the area. However, it is easily flooded, which means that water then has to be diverted into the municipal water system. The area surrounding the pond features vegetation that the association would like to learn more about, as well as a green space with potential for development. The goal is to transform the area into a beautiful setting that fosters biodiversity—both within and around the pond—while also providing various spots where people can sit and enjoy the surroundings.
In this project, you get to make an inventory of species in the area around the pond and, in consultation with the Brytstugan Allotment Association, develop design proposals for the area's future development. Key considerations include safety (the edges of the pond are steep, so the design must prevent the risk of accidental falls), the creation of diverse spaces, and the inclusion of design elements that promote biodiversity both in and around the pond.
Related Sustainability Goals
