Two Projects in Copenhagen: Sluseholmen and Orestad
The Sluseholmen District plan by the Dutch architect and urban designer Sjoerd Soeters, and the Figure of Eight project in Orestad by Bjorn Ingalls (BIG) represent two different urban design approaches to the creation of new neighborhoods.
Sluseholmen represents a traditional urban pattern made up of multiple buildings in each block, while the BIG 8 House in Orestad is an example of a single building as a megastructure. Soeters’ approach drew on understanding the elements that make up Copenhagen’s urban fabric, while also drawing on his previous experience designing Java Island in Amsterdam’s Eastern Harbour. In both cases he broke the block into individual parcels made up of stacked flats or stacked townhouses. He and his Danish partners Arketima planned and designed all the buildings on each block and hired local architects to design the individual facades. This was a response to what had occurred at Java Island Amsterdam where Soeters faced the challenge of the individual architects wanting to change the planning framework and compromising the overall urban framework.
BIG’s 8-House is a fascinating example of a megastructure in the spirit of projects such as Alexandra Road in London by Neave Brown. The continuous ramped walkway allows pedestrian and bicycle access to each dwelling without relying on lifts. Every dwelling is double aspect with a small outdoor front yard which acts as a buffer zone between the walkway and the front door.
Sluseholmen and Orestad
Orestad is a greenfield site on the southern borders of Copenhagen. Accessed by a new Metro line it contrasts with the single family neighborhood to the west.
The project is a high-density development consisting of a series of large blocks typically designed by a single architect.
The dramatic form of the building is revealed as it steps down towards the water.
