This land reclamation would create an urban beach in Bergen

DESPITE its Scandanavian location, White Arkitekter have proposed an urban beach for Norway’s second most populous city, Bergen.

Part of a massive redevelopment of the city’s coastline, the beach will form part of a new waterfront park which will include a floating pool alongside a series of public gardens and outdoor play areas.

To build the park a 1,500-metre long sea wall will be constructed, reclaiming land from the Store Lungegårdsvann lake.

Above: The ecologically sustainable man-made beach proposed for Bergen. Below: The park will form part of a new coastline for the Norwegian city (images courtesy of White Arkitekter). 

The park, dubbed True Blue, will be divided into three sections. The first will include the urban beach and will be the closest to the city. It will have the floating pool and large yet protected areas for gatherings, events and parties.

The key to this area will be its versatility, with platforms and spaces that can be easily modified to suit any event.

Above: The park will be able to host an array of events and public gatherings (image courtesy of White Arkitekter).

The second and third sections gradually shift the park to areas of nature and reflection, with man-made wetlands emphasising the city’s relationship with the North Sea.

Above: Wetlands will link the city with its natural environment (image courtesy of White Arkitekter).

White Arkitekter have made social and ecological sustainability a key aspect to their design. It was important for their park to be able to withstand all kinds of weather as well as to facilitate the increase of life and biodiversity in the surrounding water.

The park is expected to improve water quality in the sea through natural purification.

Above: The design was the winning entry in an international competition, chosen in June (image courtesy of White Arkitekter).

The True Blue park is part a recent trend of clients, designers and contractors looking at how their projects can "build back better" in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While many governments around the world are accelerating major construction and infrastructure projects as a way to jumpstart struggling economies, design teams are also taking other factors into account, such as sustainability and the impact of projects on the environment.