Monrads gate is a small pocket park and playground in Tøyen, situated between a café, a local business and two historic apartment buildings, one of them heritage-listed.

The project was part of Oslo’s wider effort to strengthen local urban life by giving more space to play, activity, vegetation and everyday use. Former parking areas were removed, existing fences were taken down, and the small urban space was opened up as a more generous and accessible meeting place for the neighbourhood.

The upgrade introduced new benches, tables, playhouses, climbing and balance elements, together with planted areas for trees, shrubs, perennials and pollinating insects. Existing trees were retained, and measures were taken to improve the conditions for their root systems.

Universal accessibility was an important part of the project. In dialogue with accessibility representatives, the playground was developed with wheelchair-friendly surfaces, timber decks, ramps and play opportunities for a wider range of users.

Material choices were guided by both use and environmental considerations. Existing surfaces and kerbstones were repaired where possible, new lighting was introduced, rubber granulate was removed, and river gravel was used as a more natural fall surface.

The project transforms a small leftover urban space into an active neighbourhood garden, where play, accessibility, greenery and local street life are brought together within the existing fabric of Tøyen.