SCHOOL PLAY FOR ALL
04 Jun 2025
A school playground in Norway highlights the innovations available to communities when embracing the school grounds as a green space for all.
Architecture studios Local and Pir 2 have collaborated on a community park and playground in Etne on the West coast of Norway, featuring a pavilion made using recycled aluminium from a nearby plant. The community park, Skakkeringen, is part of Vestland County's pilot programme to create innovative facilities that transform the role of public schools in rural municipalities. The community park, called Skakkeringen, is part of Vestland County's pilot programme to create innovative facilities that transform the role of public schools in rural municipalities.
Once a mere fenced, asphalted area, the rejuvenated site is now a flexible space for ball games, concerts, outdoor cinema screenings and community events. A central pavilion was constructed from CLT and clad with recycled aluminium from the nearby plant of manufacturer. The pavilion, which has a green roof to make it "an integral part of the landscape", features rain chains that bring rainwater down to beds planted with meadow plants. Surrounding planting and landscaping provide green spaces, gardens and quiet zones for relaxation and informal gatherings.
The design of the project was shaped by community involvement. Through interviews, workshops and surveys, young people shared their ideas for a space where they could feel welcome and take ownership. The different elements of the park are linked by an unbroken red pathway, or ring, which doubles as a running track. Among other things, locals requested a full-size basketball court, which dictated the scale of the running track. The community's involvement shaped a programme that includes climbing walls and ball game pitches plus areas for hanging out and relaxing in nature, catering to children, families and senior citizens.
"Some wanted more trees and nature and others were erasing trees and wanted more sport equipment. The result is a balance between these two key qualities offering a green and active schoolyard."
The project is part of an innovative concept of open schoolyards that are "accessible by the general public without fences and open at all times, without schedule, to be used day and night", Picard explained
Skakkeringen
LOCATION Etne, Norway
ARCHITECT Local and Pir 2
PHOTOGRAPHY Artishot/Arkitekturfoto i Bergen
