Blox

BLOX

//Copenhagen, Denmark

A new urban space has been created at the waterfront in Copenhagen, in connection with the new building “Blox”. Kragh & Berglund has, in collaboration with Realdania and OMA, developed a multifunctional area with the key concepts of play, movement and recreation.

The project consists of a building (Blox), a waterfront, a plaza and a playground on the corner of Vester Voldgade and Bryghusgade. The fenced playground is a 1,400m2 area that connects the square with the building. Here, different materials and elements create an exciting frame for play and learning. The playground is divided into two levels - an upper outdoor level, called “the mountain”, which acts as a urban space / playground, and a lower indoor level, called “the cave”, dedicated to play and movement.

The plaza covers a 2000m2 area from Vester Voldgade to Frederiksholm Canal, between Materialegården and Bryghuset. The Plaza consists of a submerged area for water games, in the shape of 2 bowls that can be used interactively to play or reflect the surroundings, as well as green islands on the terrain.

The harbor front is an 100m x 15m wide area along the canal. Due to wind, water and traffic, the waterfront appears rough compared to the playground and plaza. This is done to reflect the history of the harbor, and is made explicit in the processing of materials, topography and overall detailing of the space.

Plants are used as the main element in the urban space as a conservation strategy that promotes urban nature and diversity in the city. The green strategy is also visible on the building's roof terraces.

Frederiksholm Canal and Vestervoldgade are reinstated with their original pavements.

Architects: OMA

Landscape Architects: Kragh & Berglund Landscape Architects A/S

Client: Realdania