REDEFINING THE ‘SQUARE’

Livs Gröna Torg is a proposal for a central green square within the urban development of Rosendal in Uppsala. Invited to join this competition alongside Arkiteka and For Elize, studio audal envisioned a vibrant, green living room for the future residents of this neighbourhood. Designed as an oasis for people, plants, and animals, the new square blurs the boundaries between a traditional square and a park. At its core, this proposal asserts that cities must prioritise biodiversity and high-quality vegetated spaces within the urban fabric.

Inspired by the local forest landscape of Uppsala, where natural clearings create spaces for human activity, the square is structured around distinct pocket spaces that respond to the surrounding urban programme. The Sun Plaza (1), enclosed by an undulating landscape and accessible to all, provides a tranquil spot to relax in the sun while also accommodating weekly markets and large gatherings. The Cultural Square (2), positioned adjacent to the Multihus, extends the building’s cultural and sports functions into the outdoors, featuring an urban podium that encourages play and spontaneous public performances. The Neighbourhood Lounge (3) offers a flexible meeting space with movable furniture, fostering community interaction. Meanwhile, the Pavilion Terrace (4) serves as an outdoor learning area for neighbouring schools, seamlessly linked to the future pavilion. This design s strengthens community life while integrating nature at the heart of Rosendal.

LIV’S NARRATIVE

Our storytelling follows Liv, a young girl who guides us through the square over the course of a day, highlighting its key features and interactions—not just with people but also with animals. Through her perspective, the importance of climate-adaptive, future-oriented spaces comes to life.

Most of the proposed materials are reclaimed from buildings scheduled for deconstruction in the vicinity. Bricks are crushed into stabilised gravel, while old roof tiles are repurposed as cladding for seating elements, creating a warm, reddish atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Swedish houses. Various types of stone and paving materials are salvaged, reinforced, and reused for the Sun Plaza’s surface, forming a playful patchwork of greys—perfectly suited for a seasonal water feature.

The space is conceived as a series of ecological stepping stones extending from the forest, with programmed pocket spaces woven into an urban green landscape. This proposal emphasises biodiversity and urban resilience by integrating rich layers of vegetation and dynamic topography, which help manage rainwater and melting snow through natural buffers. Celebrated for its immersive atmosphere, innovative material reuse, and resilient planting strategy, this project was selected as one of the four finalists for the design of Rosendals Torg.