Danish architecture studio CF Møller has integrated a nature park into a flood defence system beside the Gudenå river in Randers, Denmark.
Combining urban planning, climate change adaptation and nature conservation to create an "architectural multi-tool", CF Møller sought to create a system that would reduce flooding risks for the nearby town and serve as a green space for locals.
Designed in collaboration with the city of Randers and local utility service Vandmiljø Randers, the Stork Meadow project saw the addition of technical strategies such as retention pools and a pumping station, alongside the integration of public walkways and seating to promote recreational activities.
CF Møller has completed a flood defence system beside the Gudenå river in Denmark. Photo by Silas Andersen "The idea has been to pool various resources and investments to create something of an architectural multi-tool, where increased natural values and public access to nature go hand-in-hand with flood protection and stormwater mitigation, which both are real challenges in the river city of Randers," studio partner Julian Weyer told Dezeen.
"Our initial approach was to convert a sad situation due to climate change into a positive possibility to involve people more in the surrounding nature for both recreational and educational purposes."
Key to the project was the transformation of the site's threatened grasslands into wetlands, where retention pools help to absor...