The urban plaza in front of the golden Library and Cultural house in Copenhagen’s Northwest Quarter wins Danish Landscape Architecture Award 2017. The project design team includes Schønherr, COBE and TRANSFORM, with Grontmij as engineer, Malmos A/S as Developer with the municipality of Copenhagen as client.
The urban plaza in front of the golden Library and Cultural house in Copenhagen’s Northwest Quarter wins Danish Landscape Architecture Award 2017. Minister of Culture Mette Bock (LA) handed over the award to the reputable landscape architects of Schønherr, whom accepted the award on behalf of the entire team along with a COBE representative. On stage at the National Museum of Denmark, the two remaining finalists, Vestre Fjordpark and Lindevangen, received honorable mentions.
Jury member Bo Holm-Nielsen, Landscape Architect MDL and associate in ZoffmannHolm Landscape Architects elaborates on the motivation behind the final decision:
“The urban plaza in front of the golden Library and Cultural house in Copenhagen’s Northwest Quarter opens itself up to its surroundings in an inclusive and non-dividing manner, otherwise a risk at plazas close to busy intersections. The successful result is apparent in the attendance on the plaza, which is always buzzing despite its location in a tough neighborhood close to heavy traffic. The plaza is a pinnacle of multifunctionality containing both the option of short stays and space for various activities, and simultaneously satisfy contemporary needs for accessibility. The intelligent green division of the plaza creates multiple spaces, permitting a safe stay for all types of visitors. The patios and flowerbeds are intelligently incorporated with a sustainable drainage system (SUDS). The plaza is a modern facility with classic virtues. The thorough public involvement throughout the project serves as an inspiration for the entire industry.”
The 2000 m2 of urban space made up by the urban plaza in front of the golden Library and Cultural house in Copenhagen’s Northwest, is conducted by Schønherr, COBE and TRANSFORM, with Grontmij as engineer, Malmos A/S as developer and the municipality of Copenhagen as client.
Urban life and climate adaption
Danish Landscape Architecture Award is presented in cooperation between Park- og Naturforvalterne, Danish Association of Architectural Firms and Danish Landscape Architects, consisting of 70000 kroner in prizemoney. The jury consists of representatives from the aforementioned organizations in addition to two impartial judges. Marking the 8th award ceremony since 2009, Bo Holm-Nielsen sees the growing recognition of landscape architecture increasingly adding value to the sectors of building and construction.
The jury adds: “We have had an extraordinary number of recommendations for the award this year, marking a recovery of momentum for landscape architecture in the construction sector. A common thread in this year’s recommendations is the focus on adding value to public spaces and regional areas, serving as a positive catalyst for urban life. Many of the projects combine climate adaption with a development of green spaces for recreational purposes. With the winning project as the point of departure, developing an urban space and adapting it to climate change while also accommodating various forms of public use, the result is a solution containing both social, economic and environmental elements. We selected 3 nominees, all of them great examples of contemporary Danish landscape architecture. They all reflect inspiring, aesthetic and sustainable urban spaces established in close dialogue with end-users, ensuring economic requirements for building and operation.”
New life for public city- and landscape-environments
Following the ceremony, the stage transformed to a debate room with members of the jury discussing “New life for public city- and landscape-environments”. On stage were Ellen Braae, professor and landscape architect, University of Copenhagen, Helle Juul, architect and associate of JUUL | FROST Architects and Jon Stephensen, manager of the theatre Avenue-T and architect. Master of ceremonies throughout the show was Ane Cortzen, culture manager at Kähler, architect and graphic designer.
The jury
The jury consists of representatives from the aforementioned organizations in addition to two impartial jury members. This year’s jury is:
Knud W. Ø. Larsen, KWØL Landscape, landscape architect MDL. MAA – Representing the Danish Association of Architectural Firms
Bo Holm-Nielsen, landscape Architect MDL and associate in ZoffmannHolm Landscape Architects – Representing Danish Landscape Architects
Steen Himmer, landscape architect, Gentofte municipality – Representing Park- og Naturforvalterne
Ane Cortzen, culture manager at Kähler, architect and graphic designer – Impartial jury member
Laura Stamer, architect and architecture photographer – Impartial jury member
Text | The Association of Danish Landscape Architects
Image Credits | As captioned