COBE renews israel's square in central copenhagen

six years after winning a competition to develop a major public plaza in copenhagen, danish architecture studio COBE has completed the renewal of the city’s ‘israel’s square’. the reprogrammed design comprises a folded surface that exists between the city core and the neighboring ørsted park. the gardens merge into the square as a series of cut-outs, with folds placed towards the east and west to establish elevated sitting areas. a range of different features and facilities – such as bench formations and sunken playgrounds – are also created, providing a series of meeting places at the heart of the city center.

all images by rasmus hjortshøj – COAST / courtesy of COBE

sporting facilities are contained at the center of the design

the square provides residents and visitors with a place for public congregation

a range of different features and facilities are created within the square

a mini-skate park for younger children

folds placed towards the east and west establish elevated sitting areas

giant stepping stones

areas of greenery are incorporated as part of the plan

the reprogrammed design comprises a folded surface that exists between the city core and the neighboring park

project info:

location: copenhagen, denmark
client: city of copenhagen
program: renewal of israel’s square
size: 12,500 sqm (134,549 sqf)
status: 1st prize in competition 2008, construction start 2013, completion 2014
collaborators: sweco architect, niras, professor morten stræde
team: dan stubbergaard, caroline nagel, morten emil engel, therese wallstrøm, jens wagner, tobias mürsch, christian sander