Cobe A/S

Israels Plads Square

Israels Plads Square
© Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST

ISRAELS PLADS SQUARE

Cobe + Sweco Architects

ARTISTIC DECORATIONS
Morten Stræde

CLIENT
The City Of Copenhagen

CONTRACTOR
Barslev

MANUFACTURERS
Aco, Cado, G9

PROGRAM
Urban Plaza With Underground Car Park

ENGINEER
Niras

AREA
12500 m²

AREA
12500 m²

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Denmark

CATEGORY
Square

Text description provided by architect.

The history of Israels Plads (Israel’s Square) reflects the history of Copenhagen’s transformation. This central plaza was once where the city ended in a ring of protective fortifications.

Israels Plads Square
© Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST
Israels Plads Square
© Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST

As the city gradually extended, the plaza became a vibrant market square – until the 1950’s, when it was turned into a lifeless carpark.

The new plaza is elevated above the existing street level - it hovers over the many cars that used to dominate Israels Plads, which are now placed in the underground car park.

Israels Plads Square
© Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST
Israels Plads Square
© Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST

The cars are literally swept under the new urban carpet. The plaza also works as a transition between two worlds, the city, and the neighboring park.

The landscape character of the park continues into the plaza in the form of the organic pattern of trees. Towards east and west, the plaza is raised up and folded to provide niches.

In addition, it has a sculptural expression that refers to its historical past as part of the fortifications. The surface functions as a large urban playground and a space for activity.

Israels Plads Square
© Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST
Israels Plads Square
© Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST

On the surface, unique facilities have been created to generate inspiration and space for many different kinds of activity. For example, the cut-outs feature round bench formations under the tree crowns, where people can observe the life unfolding on the plaza.

There is a green oasis next to the neighboring school, and generous lowered areas for ball games and play are designed in rounded formations. The idea with the new Israels Plads is to celebrate the significance and the history of the site and revitalize it, turning it into a vibrant, diverse plaza for all kinds of people - for leisure, culture, activity and public events.

Israels Plads Square
Plan

Cobe A/S
T +45 3254 4300
Cobe A/S
Orientkaj 4, 2150 København, Denmark