A Fresh Take on the Folkpark
2025–03–05
At Stockholm Furniture Fair 2025, Nola presented a contemporary take on the folkpark — a place where community, creativity, and inclusion took centre stage. The exhibition showcased new products alongside a vision for urban spaces that connect generations and inspire togetherness.
The folkpark, or “folkparken,” is a unique cultural phenomenon that has shaped Swedish society for over a century. Originally established by labour unions and social organisations in the late 19th century, folkparks offered accessible alternatives to the exclusive venues of the upper classes. By the mid-20th century, these parks had become vital hubs of social life, where communities gathered for music, theatre, and dance. For children, they were places of joy and discovery, fostering connections across all ages.
Västerås Skateboard park with Nola's Four Season and Low Bed.
Folkparks were central to public life and togetherness. Here in the North, we may have a reputation for choosing solitude — we prefer sitting alone on the bus and we tend to avoid conversations with strangers. A simple “hej” can be more than enough, and yet say it all. But, given the right opportunity, we open up our hearts and lives. Many times these opportunities are created by spaces. Public spaces for music, activity, food, and performance create moments where connections flourish. It’s the places that bring us together.
Teaterlekplatsen in Malmö with colorful Bill Post and the painted Parco series for outdoor use.
”We believe in the power of community. With our products and placemaking design, we breathe new life into the ideals of the folkpark.”
Henrik Edlund, CEO of Nola
Times, however, have changed. Urbanisation, digitalisation, a pandemic and ever evolving lifestyles have reshaped how we interact in public spaces. Many traditional folkparks have disappeared, but their absence raises an important question: how do we create shared spaces for an increasingly fragmented world?
Today, while the state no longer plays the same role in maintaining shared spaces, the need for them remains just as vital. Henrik Edlund, CEO of Nola, reflects:
“We believe in the power of community. With our products and placemaking design, we breathe new life into the ideals of the folkpark. We create urban, contemporary fragments of these spaces, where people meet and memories are made. It’s up to us — businesses, designers, and community members — to carry this legacy forward.”
Krokbäcksparken in Hyllie with the Långbordet that invites to social gatherings.
Korg Hammock är fördelaktig på uteplatser, genom dess design är möbeln är både underhållsfri och torr då regnvatten lätt rinner igenom.
”Togetherness has always been our focus in product development.”
Agneta Stake, Nola’s founder
“Togetherness has always been our focus in product development,” adds Nola’s founder, Agneta Stake. “This year, we’re presenting some of our most popular series, such as Långbordet and Parco — modern embodiments of folkpark ideals — as smaller versions for children. We’re also showcasing playful designs like the swing chair Korg Hammock and new products designed specifically for activity throughout life, such as the walking aid Stig.”
Innovative design often sparks new ways of thinking about public spaces. For example, in Folkets Park in Malmö, Nola’s colourful urban gym Kebne attracts people of all ages, while in Gothenburg, the bench Access has been transformed into a “dialogue bench,” encouraging conversations among strangers. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the folkpark as a symbol of community and sustainability. New initiatives have restored surviving parks into venues for festivals, outdoor cinemas, and markets.
Carrying the same playful design language and sturdy construction as the Parco series, Parco Junior ensures safe and comfortable seating for young users.
Långbordet Junior retains the original’s robust construction and sleek aesthetic but is adjusted in height to suit school-aged children.
“Design has the unique ability to bridge gaps — between generations, cultures, and communities. By creating spaces that encourage connection and activity, we can counteract the fragmentation of modern life. If we, with and by design, can offer people a sense of warmth, openness, and solidarity, we can push back against the colder societal climate we see not just in Sweden, but across the world,” adds Henrik Edlund.
The folkpark remains a powerful symbol of Sweden’s egalitarian values and communal spirit. While their role has evolved, Nola’s reimagining of the folkpark at Stockholm Furniture Fair celebrates their enduring importance — offering products and ideas that bring the ethos of folkparks to life in urban futures.
”By creating spaces that encourage connection and activity, we can counteract the fragmentation of modern life.”
Henrik Edlund, CEO of Nola