Copenhagen's new trafic hub

Metro & Railway

Copenhagen South Station
Copenhagen, Denmark

Gottlieb Paludan Architects has consulted on the development of the capital's new transport hub.

Copenhagen South (previously Ny Ellebjerg) Station, is part of an infrastructural hub with commuter trains, regional trains, metro and buses. Previously, the site was characterised by the large railway line, which separated the surrounding - very different – urban districts from each other, while the new station creates better connections between the different urban districts and modes of transport.

Client
Metroselskabet
Status
Completed
Size
400 m2
Year
2024
Areas of Expertise

An accessible and manageable transition between different modes of transport

Gottlieb Paludan Architects' services have included the development, sketching, design and tendering of an open concourse area at the station, which connects the different modes of transport in a clear and accessible way. The organisation of intuitive flows around the station is the focal point of Gottlieb Paludan Architects' consultancy. Passenger and traffic flows are arranged to facilitate a smooth transfer and allow for future urban planning with good and safe access to, from and between the urban areas in the station vicinity. Signage in the concourse area is developed in collaboration with DOT.

The station tunnels are also designed with a focus on safety and quality, supported by knowledge of what makes pleasant public spaces.

The triangular ceiling creates a play of light and shadows, reminiscent of the sun's rays through tree crowns. This lighting effect enhances the atmosphere of the space and increases the perceived safety of the passengers.

Red bricks as a coherent visual marker

An important architectural element in the concourse area is the red brick, which is characteristic of the entire Valby area. At the new station, the brickwork has a slightly different look than the traditional brick building facades of the neighbourhood, but still helps to connect the station to the local area. The brick also acts as a wayfinding element, with the red brick wall guiding passengers to the station's different platforms.

Together we create cohesion

Copenhagen South is designed with a focus on user experience and functionality, making it easy and safe for passengers to change modes of transport. The station's intuitive concourse area creates smooth transfers and safe access to different modes of transport.

Design Challenge

The primary design challenge at Copenhagen South was to transform an older train station into one of the capital's most central infrastructural hubs. The project was designed to ensure an efficient and smooth transition between S-trains, regional trains, metro and buses. Although the station is an open space and not a traditional station building, the design still had to integrate all necessary elements to ensure functionality and fulfil the requirements of a modern station.

Method

To create coherence between the many modes of transport at Copenhagen South, Gottlieb Paludan Architects has designed an open and accessible concourse area that can both handle large passenger flows and create an intuitive transition between the different modes of transport, supported by a visionary flow strategy for the entire surrounding area and its neighbourhoods.

Impact

Copenhagen South is both a new transport hub and an architectural solution that contributes to increased cohesion, accessibility, identity and safety in a fragmented part of the city. The project has helped create an even stronger public transport network that increases mobility in the metropolitan area and promotes urban planning in the neighbourhood.

Lighting design plays a central role

The lighting design at Copenhagen South plays a central role and supports the open architecture of the station, compensating for the absence of a traditional station building with a distinctive and functional lighting concept. To strengthen the station's identity and visibility, a distinctive red pylon is placed in the centre of the station's recessed square. The pylon acts as an architectural landmark and creates a visual centre that contributes to intuitive wayfinding. The lighting concept was developed in collaboration with Jesper Kongshaug.

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Alle mennesker skal kunne bevæge sig trygt og værdigt gennem vores fælles byrum og bygninger. I komplekse anlæg som stationer, terminaler og andre offentlige knudepunkter er universelt design ikke bare en funktion – det er et grundlæggende designprincip, der sikrer lige adgang og høj funktionalitet for alle, uanset fysiske eller kognitive forudsætninger.

Udforsk

Lighting is an indispensable part of our daily lives. It shapes the environments in which we live and work, and has a significant impact on our well-being. When the lighting is right, it supports our activities, creates a sense of security, and enhances the visual experience of the spaces we inhabit. This is why it is crucial that lighting design is planned with care and insight to support both function and aesthetics in our spaces and buildings.

Udforsk

Metro & Railway

Well-functioning metro and railway systems play a vital role in connecting people's daily lives. We develop and design functional and safe stations that support accessibility, flow, and positive experiences for all users.
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Do you want to learn more about Copenhagen South Station?

Inge Fredslund

Head of Metro & Railway, Project Manager, DGNB consultantArchitect MAA