Karens Minde Aksen

The project covers an area of approximately 37,000 square metres and forms a 600-metre-long continuous stretch of park, streets and urban space.

WSP carried out the project in collaboration with Schønherr as general consultant and Givrum as sub-consultant.

The project team has been working on the project since 2017; construction is scheduled to start in August 2021. Landscaper and contractor Ebbe Dalsgaard will carry out the project.  The project will help to upgrade the Music Quarter (Musikkvarteret) in Sydhavn, a district characterized by great social diversity and a strong local identity. Copenhagen’s climate adaptation provides a unique opportunity to rethink the city's space and create a framework for diversity, local initiatives and events.  

This applies in particular to the Karens Minde project, in which climate adaptation is integrated with other needs and plans for the area. A new pathway through Karens Minde will be established to link the South Harbour better than ever before. 

Biodiversity and greenery 

As part of the project, a number of improvements will be made to the landscaping and urban space. Thanks to a lighting initiative, the area’s character will be strengthened while creating greater safety for residents. The area’s biodiversity and greenery will be enhanced by a planting strategy designed to protect and preserve iconic trees.  

In addition, a link to stormwater management will be provided while emphasizing local environments and climate zones. Over 100 iconic trees in the current landscaping design will be preserved, thus largely defining the park’s future layout and configuration. 

Increased road safety

WSP's traffic planners have a special role to play as residents expressed a strong desire for increased mobility and road safety in the area. Mozartsvej will be adapted, parking spaces will be managed and preserved, and new access will be provided to Karens Minde Kulturhus (community centre) and local institutions as part of this urban design project. 

Day-to-day rainfall is to be managed and treated using the established water management concept, which is integrated in the landscape design. A rice field will be implemented before the inlet to the permanent stormwater basin, which together will ensure the necessary treatment of day-to-day rainfall. This holistic solution will ensure that the stormwater service level is met.  

As part of the stormwater plan, the City of Copenhagen and the HOFOR water company will provide storage for 15,000 cubic metres of rain in the event of a major storm. This challenge was solved by the project team by designing the Karens Minde area so that the total flood event can be handled by groundwater ponds without damaging the surrounding buildings.  

At the same time, this solution includes a number of other features, including developing the area’s recreational amenities, enhancing the local spirit, improving the outdoor environment for cultural and social activities and integrating urban development with flood solutions. In addition, the project will enhance safety and accessibility in the area around Karens Minde, as well as local biodiversity and the natural world. 

Residents' voices

In parallel, a community involvement process is underway to ensure that all Sydhavnen residents are involved in the process and that their voices are heard. The project is expected to be completed by December 2022.