Encouraging Sustainable Travel Through Landmark Design

Køge Nord Station. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Køge Nord Station was inaugurated by Crown Prince Frederik on 31 May 2019 and is an exemplary example of Danish architecture and engineering. Cobe and Dissing + Weitling architects were commissioned to create a new traffic hub in the rapidly developing area Southwest of Copenhagen. The structure’s futuristic design is fitting for an area undergoing transformation. The traffic hub includes a footbridge, a station, and a park area. A significant goal was to encourage commuters to opt for efficient, green travel options. The footbridge crosses 2 commuter rail lines, a new double-track high-speed rail line and Denmark’s busiest (8 lane) motorway. The exterior was designed to spark curiosity while blending with its industrial surroundings. Materials include concrete, aluminum, and structural steel. In contrast, the interior is made warm, inviting and tactile through the use of oak wood cladding. This creates a space commuters can enjoy and interact in while waiting for arriving trains. The footbridge’s loose s-shape is sinuous in part due to its surroundings- and offers views of Køge Bay to the east and a wooded area to the west. The northside of the footbridge offers a 180 degree panoramic views to the north and smaller viewing windows dot the southside. The travel experience is enhanced by viewing platforms and zones for pausing. The structure has been successful in getting people out of their cars, promoting green travel options, and attracting qualified employees to the region. Dan Stubbergaard, architect and founder of Cobe, is quoted saying, “Together, we have designed a landmark for the development that the city of Køge is currently undergoing. A development driven by innovation, pioneering spirit, and a bold outlook that is embodied by the station bridge and the related facilities.” The hub expects to service 8,000 people a day.