Vangsvatnet and Voss are situated in a beautiful landscape surrounded by mountains. The concept was to incorporate an activity arena, a park, and a recreational area into this stunning scenery without disturbing it, but rather enhancing the natural qualities. The design, color palette, and choice of materials work in harmony with the natural beauty, allowing the activity park to blend humbly into the landscape.

Voss Activity Park is a skate and recreational park with a high degree of development. The park extends from the large lawn by the water, which is used as a landing site for air sports and for major festivals, such as the Extreme Sports Week. The park serves as a meeting point for the local community, appealing to all generations, and includes features such as a skate area, seating areas, play zones, and vegetation. Emphasis has been placed on creating a robust facility, with a simple but intentional design that enhances the beautiful landscape qualities. Natural and recognizable forms and colors from the surrounding landscape have been used, contributing to an increased awareness and appreciation of the area’s qualities while preserving the views of the lake and the mountains.

The park forms a seamless transition from the bustling village of Voss to Vangsvatnet, with its surrounding mountains, without creating visual disruption. The elevation differences towards the water have been utilized to create sun-drenched grassy amphitheaters formed by walls made of local natural stone, with soft shapes that create zones for seating and relaxation. The project features a simple design language that works in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The distant mountains, the water as the landscape’s floor, and the shoreline as a soft transition into the activity park are all integral parts of the design. The project has a limited selection of materials, muted in both form and color, reflecting the color palette of the surrounding landscape. Local materials and labor were used throughout the project.

Diverse activities find a home within the park’s design, fostering creativity and engagement.

The project serves as a focal point for activities and functions related to sports, recreation, and outdoor life, right by Vangsvatnet. Its central location has established a long-awaited connection between the surrounding functions and Vangsvatnet, making it an attractive meeting place by the water. The activity park offers spaces for activities and recreation for all user groups, regardless of age or ability. The area seamlessly blends into the adjacent spaces, becoming a natural part of the landscape and life around Vangsvatnet.

Project Data

Landscape Architecture: Østengen & Bergo AS

Client: Voss Kommune / Municipality of Voss

Contractor: Granvin maskinstasjon AS, Betongpark AS

Design of the Skate Park: Betongpark AS

Project location: Voss, Norway

Year completed: 2022

Photo credits: UAS Voss AS, Østengen & Bergo, Gunnar Bergo, Rune Skjoldal/Tunge ting

Manufacturer of urban or play equipment: Tunge Ting AS