In the heart of the new Oceanhamnen district in Helsingborg, a former dry dock has been transformed into a green community park for all ages. Dockan Park is a playful and inclusive urban space with strong references to the area’s industrial heritage.
Industrial heritage meets playfulness
The area was once dominated by heavy industry, and Helsingborg Municipality wanted to preserve its historic character. The old shipyard crane from 1933 has therefore been retained as a landmark within the park. Today, the crane carries a large suspended platform, positioned next to the jungle-themed play area.
“The harbor is an important part of Helsingborg’s history, so we wanted to preserve the crane for the future. That the children of the city chose a jungle theme for the playground was a little unexpected – but the contrast between industrial heritage and the green surroundings, animals, and play is really exciting,” says landscape architect Sara Schlyter from Helsingborg Municipality.
A green breathing space in a new district
Dockan Park was developed as part of the Oceanhamnen expansion, with the goal of creating a vibrant green public space for residents and visitors alike. Nurseries, school classes, and neighbors come here for informal gatherings, play, and lunch breaks.
Accessibility and inclusion were key design priorities. A unique feature is the sound installations in the jungle playground, which reproduce the calls of parrots, elephants, and gorillas – not only delighting children but also offering an added sensory experience for visitors with impaired vision.
Tailor-made gathering places
Specially adapted furniture from the KONG series was developed for the project – including 1,800 × 1,800 mm sun loungers with backrests, placed at different points in the park so visitors can enjoy the sun and views throughout the day. Several are oriented toward the sea. Additional benches, sofas, and tables were also provided, all with consistent material quality and tailored details. The furniture is made from black steel to harmonize with the area’s lamp posts, while timber elements provide warmth and a natural touch. “Vestre’s furniture appeared robust and flexible, and well suited to the kind of use we envisioned. The collaboration with Håkan from Vestre was also extremely positive – he was available and solution-oriented, especially when we wanted customized options,” says Sara Schlyter.
An award-winning park for everyone
Completed in 2022, Dockan Park has already become a popular gathering place in the city. That same year it was named Sweden’s best landscape architecture project and was a centerpiece of Helsingborg’s H22 City Expo, which showcased sustainable solutions in urban development.
From industrial site to jungle, from dry dock to community park – Dockan Park shows how good design and landscape architecture can connect people, history, and the future in one place.
Location: Oceanhamnen, Helsingborg, Sweden
Completion: 2022
Landscape Architects: Sara Schlyter (Helsingborg Municipality) and Karolina Halldin (Krook & Tjäder)
Furniture Series: KONG (standard and customized solutions)
Gordon Square – transformed from a lifeless space to a streetscape that now buzzes with life.
Source: vestre.com
