Traffic in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district is calm because it was designed as a car-limited “15-minute city” with excellent public transport, dedicated bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly streets.
The Nordhavn district is imbued with gentle curves to slow down urban life, calm traffic, and encourage walking.
The city’s once-industrial neighborhood, excitedly claiming it would become the most incredible new city in Europe. The district has minimized reliance on cars by making amenities within walking distance and encouraging cycling and walking over driving. This approach results in a quieter, less car-centric environment than in other neighborhoods. The city’s design prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport over cars.
At Århusgadekvarteret, the core of the new development, there are gleaming apartment buildings, high-end office spaces, and a cafe-lined boardwalk along the previously industrial harbor. In summer, people can bring their beach towels and relax at the waterfront, soaking in the Scandinavian summer sun without the morning commuter chaos found in cities around the world.
A comprehensive network of cycling paths is a key feature, making biking a convenient option, and the district is served by a well-developed public transport system, including a metro line, which reduces the overall number of cars needed for commuting.
Some areas are even designed to be car-free, fostering a peaceful, refreshing atmosphere.
The emphasis on sustainability from the outset included creating a city that grows inward rather than outward, with eco-friendly traffic solutions and green transportation as the natural choice.
In the early 20th Century, when legendary Danish designer Arne Jacobsen said, “Architecture is not just about creating buildings; it’s about shaping the environment and enhancing people’s lives,” it was theoretical. A century later, Danish authorities, in collaboration with Danish architects, have made Jacobsen’s words a reality.
Calm Traffic in Copenhagen, written by Tor Kjolberg.
Feature image (top) Nordhavn Bad. Photo © Simon Bang/Visit Copenhagen.