Architect
MARELD landskapsarkitekter
Type of Area
Natural lake
Land/water interaction
Riprap
Sandy beach
Pier
Built Environment Types
Low built
High green
Scale of Impact
District/ neighbourhood
City
Intervention Scale (Spatial)
Linear development – multiple interventions
Project Types
Lakefront development
Outdoor Recreation
Urban/ Rural
Sub-urban area
Visibility and Openness
Partly enclosed
Partly contained
Accessibility For All
Öresjö is a year-round recreational area. The design was intended to protect everyone’s access to the beach and bathing area and link the different areas of the site together. It also aimed to raise the standards of the amenities without compromising the views over the lake.
The backdrop of large oaks covers the slope behind the largest semi-circular beach area, which provides ample space for people. The beach is framed by two curved boardwalks providing wheelchair access and yet kind to bare feet. The boardwalk also serves as a boundary between the grass and sand; the calm and active areas.
The other boardwalk, with railings and mesh protection, rises gradually between the oak trees to offer good views over the beach and shaded seating areas. It then passes under a lookout platform and ends at an ice cream stand.
The upgraded facilities, such as toilets, food stands, seating areas, picnic tables and playgrounds, enhance the function and opportunity for activities for the disabled, young families, dog walkers and canoeists. The high-backed wooden seating that screens the parking area and the road and a wooden observation deck overlooking the beach, provide views over the area.
The entrance is not very welcoming and lacks a landmark and defined entrance. However, the lake is visible providing a sense of place. A white concrete step at the water’s edge allows people to sit and go down for a swim. Different terraces are connected by ramps.
Stone gabion walls create small sunbathing areas and divide the functional areas creating definition to the spaces. The simple forms of the semi-circular beach area, boardwalks and stone walls creates a tension between the wild nature and the constructed elements, whilst adding functionality within a limited space. The trees, the beach and views towards the water were therefore protected and enhanced.
Perception and Meaning
Sense of place
Place attachment
Legibility
Accessibility
Health and Wellbeing
Increased physical activities
Place affordance
Restorativeness
Increases socialisation
Aesthetic experience
Interaction with Water
Visual
Tactile – fully in water
Website of the project
https://www.vastsverige.com/en/trollhattan-vanersborg/produkter/lake-oresjo/?site=563
Google Map Reference
As the ratings show, the site was designed for accessibility and therefore this rates highly. The front entrance and the screening reduces the site visibility but this does not compromise the visibility of the water from the site itself. The semi-circular designed boardwalk and the pathway that gently rises between the trees enhances the site circulation by providing comfortable pathways for all users.
Cultural heritage is rated low, since little is present on the site, but the main focus was on providing a range of modern and accessible facilities with access to the water, so this is understandable. The site is well-lit at night increasing the potential use of the space and enhancing feelings of safety. Conserving the trees at the edge of the lake and maintaining the grassy areas as a separate quiet zone with seating, allows space for contact with nature and contemplation of the views over the lake.
Accessibility for swimming and canoeing for all users were part of the remit of the site and this is reflected in the ratings. The site has an excellent land-water connectivity by providing a boardwalk that leads to the water’s edge from the car park and a variety of ways of reaching the water, steps and beach areas. Physical activities are also encouraged and intentional design of quiet, calm areas separated from the more active areas ensures that there is space for sports as well as peace and relaxation.