From traffic corridor to resilient urban spine

Envisioning the future Copenhagen boulevard. Every day, nearly 57.000 cars pass through H.C. Andersens Boulevard in the heart of the city. Noise, congestion, and air pollution shape the streetscape and frame urban life. The discussion about parking spaces and the role of cars in Copenhagen has never been more relevant.

We need new visions for how Copenhagen can transform to meet new challenges (first image). We believe that the city should first and foremost be for people and nature. It should be open to everyone, providing space for green areas and vibrant public realms where people can meet, linger, and move freely. It is about making the city accessible and welcoming for all - not just those in cars.

‍

In 2016, we were invited to address this challenge in collaboration with COWI, with a feasibility study for Åboulevard - one of Copenhagen’s busiest streets, stretching between Frederiksberg and Nørrebro, continuing as H.C. Andersens Boulevard. The study shows that by redirecting through-traffic into a tunnel, surface traffic could be reduced by up to 60%, freeing the street level for public life and recreational spaces. Our vision was to transform the boulevard into a green, resilient, and people-centered axis where water, nature, housing, and city life coexist harmoniously.

Read the full case description here