Kristparken: From neglected space to inclusive neighborhood park

Year: 2025
City: Oslo, Norway
Street address: Deichmans gate 10C
Application: Neighborhoods

Kristparken, located near Oslo’s city center, has undergone a complete transformation—from an underused park with a poor reputation into a safe, green, and flourishing gathering place for the entire neighborhood.

Unlocking potential

Oslo’s city council had previously considered locking the park gates and removing benches due to disrepair and unwanted activity. Instead, they chose a new approach and launched a democratic design process involving local residents, user groups, and the police.

The result is a park designed to foster care and belonging. According to Ole Rydningen, partner and landscape architect at Studio Oslo Landskapsarkitekter (SOLA), the focus was on accessibility, safety, and circulation, allowing children and adults to use the park on their own terms. Today, Kristparken is a vibrant community park embraced by kindergartens, school classes, youth clubs, older residents, and passersby alike.

Designing inclusive spaces with quality and sustainability

To strengthen Kristparken’s role as an inclusive gathering place, Vestre furniture was selected for its flexibility, durability, and strong visual identity. BRISKEBY and BLOC were adapted to different user needs and strategically placed to create both quiet resting areas and lively social zones. In addition, CITY waste bins and VROOM bicycle racks were integrated to ensure functionality and harmony throughout the park.

Ole Rydningen explains: “The furniture pieces were chosen because they can withstand heavy use over time, have verified environmental certifications, and provide considerable flexibility in design and color palette. It was important for the project to use products that reinforce the park’s visual identity. In this way, the furniture helps ensure Kristparken is perceived as accessible and inviting for all—regardless of age or background.”

Landscape architecture with people at the center

SOLA led the landscape design, placing strong emphasis on green structures, preserving existing trees, and creating zones for a variety of uses. The goal was to make the park accessible, relevant, and safe for as many people as possible—especially children and young people. Through a collaborative design process, Kristparken has become a model of how complex challenges in public space can be solved through dialogue and co-creation.

Location: Oslo, Norway Landscape Architect: Studio Oslo Landskapsarkitekter (SOLA) Furniture supplied: BRISKEBY benches, BLOC seating, CITY waste bins, VROOM bicycle racks