Copenhagen, Denmark - Max Freyberger
COPENHAGEN is the capital of Denmark, the largest city in the country, and the second largest city in Scandinavia after Stockholm. The urban area of Copenhagen is coastal, contained entirely on the islands of Zealand and Amager. Since World War II, the city has developed along the “Finger Plan,” constructing neighborhoods around sophisticated transportation infrastructure. Copenhagen has also undergone considerable development since connecting to Malmo, Sweden via the Oresund Bridge in 2000.
As a coastal city, many of Copenhagen’s neighborhoods press directly up against various waterways and canals that cut across the urban fabric. Most of the city is in relatively low-lying areas, with only slightly hilly neighborhoods in the northwest. Like other older European cities, the central portion of the city is a dense historic district around which the more modernized neighborhoods have developed.
Historically a traditionalist city, Copenhagen has undergone tremendous growth and transformation since the conclusion of World War II, after which it experienced a period of rapid industrialization. The dawn of the 21st century has marked a new era in Copenhagen’s history, characterized by an expansion of the service industry, growth in its educational institutions, and an increasing presence on the global stage for arts and architecture.
Copenhagen has risen to prominence for its urban planning and transportation infrastructure, which focuses on the widespread implementation of cycling lanes and public transit. The cityscape of Copenhagen is incredibly diverse, with neighborhoods ranging considerably due to their historic and geographic character.
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As a coastal city, many of Copenhagen’s neighborhoods press directly up against various waterways and canals that cut across the urban fabric. Most of the city is in relatively low-lying areas, with only slightly hilly neighborhoods in the northwest. Like other older European cities, the central portion of the city is a dense historic district around which the more modernized neighborhoods have developed.
Historically a traditionalist city, Copenhagen has undergone tremendous growth and transformation since the conclusion of World War II, after which it experienced a period of rapid industrialization. The dawn of the 21st century has marked a new era in Copenhagen’s history, characterized by an expansion of the service industry, growth in its educational institutions, and an increasing presence on the global stage for arts and architecture.
Copenhagen has risen to prominence for its urban planning and transportation infrastructure, which focuses on the widespread implementation of cycling lanes and public transit. The cityscape of Copenhagen is incredibly diverse, with neighborhoods ranging considerably due to their historic and geographic character.
The Districts and Quarters of Copenhagen, with yellow indicating areas of higher density
Population:
Urban: 659,350 people
Metro: 1,378,649 people
Area:
Urban: 90.0 square km
Metro: 292.3 square km
Population Density:
Urban Average: 7,254 people/km2
Metro Average: 4,71 people/km2
Top Right: Nyhavn - The famous historic harbor and tourist destination
Bottom Left: Orestad - New development in the city and site of several Bjarke Ingels projects
Bottom Right: Port of Copenhagen
Politics:
The metro area of Copenhagen is consists of 16 municipalities, each of which is responsible for various public services like planning, maintenance, public housing, etc, with the largest municipality by far being Copenhagen itself. The Copenhagen City Hall or “Radhus” is the seat of the municipal council, and can be found in the historic city center. As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is also the city where much of the national administration is seated, including most of the country’s high courts and its parliamentary body, The Folketing.
Building Typologies
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Urban Void![]()
Neighborhood Studies
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www.plandesignxplore.com/buildingportland/2019/9/13/perimeter-blocks.
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Vooght, Clare. “The Best Copenhagen Parks and Gardens.” Plum Guide, 13 Nov. 2023, www.plumguide.com/journal/the-best-copenhagen-parks-and-gardens.
Young, Mike. “Seven Unique Places In Historic Copenhagen.” University Post – Independent of Management, 21 Aug. 2020, uniavisen.dk/en/seven-unique-places-in-historic-copenhagen/.
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