RETHINKING PUBLIC SQUARES
COPENHAGEN (DK) | 2023
Redesign proposal for Gammeltorv-Nytorv square(s).
LOCATION
Gammeltorv-Nytorv, Copenhagen
STATUS
Finished
OVERVIEW
Gammeltorv-Nytorv can be considered as a whole public square. This open space is characterized by significant advantages, such as its historical value and prime location. As Scandinavia is a pioneer in urban design, it is common to see new sustainable design approaches in contemporary public squares. So, why not rejuvenate the old historical ones?
Gammeltorv-Nytorv is located in the heart of Copenhagen, and the surrounding car-oriented streets have very low traffic. At the same time, the square is connected to one of the busiest pedestrianized streets in the city. Inevitably, this square becomes a daily passage, and by enhancing its charm, it could become an interesting, multifunctional stop, rather than remaining a monumental, outdated space.
As the analysis maps show, Gammeltorv-Nytorv, considered as a whole square, is located in Strøget, which is likely the most famous and central pedestrianized zone in Copenhagen, Denmark. Strøget is 100% car-free and serves both as a shopping area and a major thoroughfare.
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Strøget divides the square into two zones, Gammeltorv and Nytorv, and acts as an axis, connecting the square to the City Hall of Copenhagen (Rådhuspladsen), which is a 5-minute walk away, as well as to Kongens Nytorv (17 minutes on foot or 13 minutes by Metro – M3 or M4) and the Nyhavn area. Strøget also passes by two key toponyms: Tivoli Gardens and the Central Station of Copenhagen, both of which are located a 10-minute walk from Gammeltorv-Nytorv.
Other important spots are located nearby: Copenhagen Cathedral (Vor Frue Kirke) is just a 2-minute walk away, as is Copenhagen University. Gråbrødretorv is a 4-minute walk, Rundetaarn is 7 minutes on foot, Ørstedsparken and Israels Square are 8-10 minutes away, and Rosenborg Castle is 10 minutes on foot. Other notable locations include the Planetarium, which is a 14-minute walk, and the Museum of Natural History, located 16 minutes away.
The surrounding blocks and functions around and on the square are predominantly centered around food service, including cafes, bars, restaurants, and fast food outlets. There are also many commercial establishments such as gift shops, sports equipment stores, and clothing shops.
During the square’s latest refurbishment in 1993, an octagonal podium was installed at the site where the scaffold once stood in the Nytorv area. Since the square lacks benches, the octagonal podium, the few steps in Nytorv, and the slight height differences around the Caritas
Well are now used as seating, mainly by people who use the square as a temporary stop to eat fast food and then leave.
Furthermore, the surrounding built environment of the square is notable for its architectural aesthetics. The square is encircled by several historically significant buildings, including the Court House, which faces Nytorv and is built in Neoclassical style. On the southwestern corner of Gammeltorv stands the old Cigar Shop, designed by Kaare Klint, which is currently under reconstruction. Diagonally across from the Cigar Shop, on Gammeltorv, is the Stelling Building, designed by Arne Jacobsen in the 1930s, showcasing a Functionalist style. The area also features several old buildings in Renaissance and Neo-Baroque styles.
Regarding the current situation, Gammeltorv and Nytorv, are large open spaces without any specific functions. Located in the heart of the city, they serve as common passage points.
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The dotted lines indicate potential areas for different activities, framing the existing materials and features of the square.
The dark lines explore an idea for the use of water walls, a proposal that emerged from a participatory planning survey. This design concept incorporates the existing fountain. Visual connections between the surrounding functions and viewpoints are also shown with dotted lines.
The black lines represent the intention to retain the existing pavement. The grey area indicates a plan for creating new, well-defined entrances to the square, as well as improving the flow within the space by introducing a new, accessible paving. This new material will be smoother and easier to navigate, especially for cyclists, children, and people with disabilities.
The new Gammeltorv-Nytorv will cover an area of 6,653.62 sqm, which is roughly the same size as the current space. The main interventions include the rhythmic repetition of water walls and ponds, the introduction of new paving (grey area), as well as the addition of lime trees and softscape elements. The octagonal podium, Memorial plaque, telephone kiosk, and fountain will be integrated into the new design.
