Kalvebod Fælled Masterplan

The Ørestad plan of 1994 sparked an ongoing discourse on the key role urban design plays in the development of a vibrant, diverse and active society.

Along with Holscher Nordberg, PK3, Schulze + Grassov and Exometric, NORD Architects innovative proposal for Kalvebod West sought to create a bottom-up development plan, where neighbourhoods were based on the close and intimate qualities of daily life – the small scale, while at the same time functioned on an overall level, creating a connected, robust and flexible framework for the future.

The masterplan was composed of a patchwork with nine compact neighbourhoods where streets, buildings and meeting places were designed for the human scale. Each of the areas has a distinct identity, which is reflected in the planning, density, architecture, landscape and atmosphere.

Excerpt from the jury report: ‘The plan presents a very captivating and engaging picture of a new Ørestad Syd, consisting of many different neighbourhoods and built typologies, along with a great deal of height and density variation. The proposal embraces the transition from perimeter block to open city, creating many ideals and qualities that will develop over time.’

The plan promotes an urban lifestyle that captures the benefits of living close to nature. Kalvebod West lies on the edge of Fælled, a protected nature reserve. The opportunity for future residents to live next to nature, while still connected to the inner city is a unique and desirable living condition in Copenhagen.

The proposal focused on increasing pedestrian accessibility and bringing the landscape into the neighbourhoods.