Steven Holl Architects to Design Bold New Harbor Entrance to Copenhagen

Windpower will generate all the electricity for public areas.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 11/5/2008

Copenhagen is set to receive a striking new entrance by Steven Holl Architects. The firm's design -- consisting of two public walkways towering 213 feet above the harbor to connect two towers -- was unanimously selected last week after an international competition organized by CPH City and Port Development and ATP Ejendomme.

Dubbed the LM Project, the development is intended to be an iconic waterfront landmark, with green features located throughout. Electricity for all public spaces will be generated by wind turbines lining the top of the pedestrian bridge roof and both the Langenlinie tower and the Marmormolen tower are clad in high performance glass curtainwalls. The curtainwalls will collect rays from the sun via a photovoltaic solar screen, providing energy for a seawater heating and cooling system. Reflecting the site's shipping history, the Langenlinie tower includes a "prow-like" public deck allowing access to bridge elevators and public amenities including cafes and galleries.

"With the winning project, we get a great high-rise building, which will bind the city better together and function as a landmark in the harbor," says Copenhagen mayor Ritt Bjerregaard.

Renderings courtesy of Steven Holl Architects