A global win for Danish landscape architecture and nature-based engineering

The ambitious cloudburst and urban space project in Copenhagen, ‘Grønningen–Bispeparken,’ combines recreational areas with technical solutions for climate adaptation. In November 2025, the already multi-award-winning urban park gained international recognition by winning the prestigious Rosa Barba Casanovas International Landscape Prize 2025 in Barcelona.

“This modest but significant project embodies an important message for our time: Landscapes can double as climate infrastructure they can be beautiful, and you can enjoy them with your neighbors right in your backyard," said Kate Orff, President of the jury, in her motivation.

Nature-based engineering

This recognition highlights an important ambition in Denmark — to create urban spaces where climate adaptation, social value and long-term resilience are shaped through innovative and integrated design approaches.

Our Senior Project Manager, Esben Ravn Iversen, who joined the ceremony in Barcelona, offers this reflection on the project’s technical foundation:

“Nature-based engineering allows us to incorporate hydrology, landscape processes, and technical infrastructure into one coherent system. Grønningen–Bispeparken is a brilliant example of how engineered capacity and natural dynamics can be combined to manage water while enhancing the everyday usability of urban spaces at the same time.”

Congratulations all around

A warm congratulations — and sincere appreciation — to all the partners who made this project possible: Københavns Kommune, SLA, HOFOR, Kerstin Bergendal, Efterland, and Ebbe Dalsgaard A/S.

This international recognition demonstrates what can be achieved when collaboration, creativity, and technical expertise come together to shape tomorrow’s resilient cities.

What a proud moment for everyone involved – not least for the City of Copenhagen and its citizens.

NIRAS was responsible for all engineering disciplines in the project. Over the five-year project duration, more than 100 colleagues contributed their expertise in areas such as water management, hydraulics, road construction and traffic planning, concrete engineering, fire safety, dialogue and citizen engagement processes, and much more.