Has Copenhagen become the coolest new city in Europe? Here we’re exploring Copenhagen – the 2023 UNESCO world capital of architecture. Come with us and judge for yourself.
Copenhagen was among the first cities to set up a strategic plan to achieve carbon neutrality, resulting in an 80% decrease since 2009. The capital of Denmark has become the most cited study cases for its urban planning and infrastructure. The city has transformed its harbor into a vibrant public space with recreational activities and residential developments. And Copenhagen was appointed the 2023 UNESCO world capital of architecture.
Just a 15-minute metro ride from Copenhagen’s central station, you arrive at Nordhavn. Århusgadekvartalet is the core of the new development there. The once-industrial port has been carefully planned to contain schools, restaurants, businesses, apartments and recreational spaces.
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Related: Copenhagen’s New Recreational Hub
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Being named thr 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture emphasizes the city’s position as a laboratory for innovative contemporary architecture and people-centered urban planning. In recent years, bathing areas and leisure buildings have been implemented in Copenhagen’s harbor and plans for further development aim to make the industrial area even more welcoming.
Last summer, I experienced dozens of people lying on colorful beach towels spread across the waterfront, all soaking in the Scandinavian summer sun. It was a peaceful, serene scene, with none of the morning commuter chaos in most big cities around the world.
The city of Copenhagen has had a somewhat unusual evolution. In 1947, the “Five Finger Plan” was developed to guide urban development and expand the city along five main arteries. This led to a transit-oriented infrastructure with small clusters or urbanity along the transportation routes. The major shift appeared in the 1960s, spearheaded by Jan Gehl’s initiative for Strøget,
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Related: Copenhagen – the World Capital of Architecture for 2023
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Copenhagen started transforming its car-heavy areas into pedestrian-friendly zones. What followed was a period of urban development that prioritized the well-being of its residents while encouraging architects to experiment with innovative human-centered designs. The plans for the harbor included creating more activities for visitors to engage with, improved access to the waterfront and more public space by the water.
Nordhavn (officially a district of Copenhagen, but described as a city due to its scale and scope) has been designed to make everything – from schools and play areas to businesses and recreational spaces – accessible within five minutes. It is setting a blueprint for a world where residents can fit in a morning workout before strolling to the office, grab lunch at a cute cafe, have a quick swim at the harbor and still make it home in time to take your kids to the playground – all before enjoying a cozy candlelit dinner at home.
Please join us on this excursion, showcasing 23 contemporary architecture projects that demonstrate the creativity and sensibility of Copenhagen architecture.
Exploring Copenhagen – the 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, compiled by Tor Kjolberg