Problem
Carlsberg Byen, a new district in Copenhagen, sits on the site of the 1847-established Carlsberg Brewery, developed following a master plan that won the world’s best master plan award at the 2009 World Architecture Festival. Ottilia Jacobsens Plads is one of Carlsberg Byen’s new central squares, located where the original spring emerged, supplying water to the brewery founded by Carl Jacobsen.
Solution
A Sanctuary in the Urban Hustle
Today, water springs again at Ottilia Jacobsens Plads. WERK has created a poetic water and urban space for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round. The water offers play opportunities for the city’s children. Alongside water elements, the square features trees and seating areas, providing a space for café life and a momentary escape from the bustling city.
Water is central to the square’s narrative. A unique water curtain, unlike any other in Copenhagen, defines the urban space. The water’s experience is poetic, changing continuously. In summer, it’s a lively waterfall; in winter, an ice mirror adorned with ice crystals.
An Urban Haiku
The square is based on a simple architectural concept, like a Haiku poem with three elements: a surface, a cut, and a circle. The surface naturally rises to the large water feature—a water curtain, the square’s focal point. From the water curtain, a small stream runs through the square and Paula’s Passage, emphasizing the terrain. At the square’s center is a large round wooden bench, providing informal gathering spaces and camouflaging the square’s air shaft.
A series of unique urban spaces
Ottilia Jacobsens Plads is part of a larger landscape project, including two courtyards associated with Theodora Hus and Caroline Hus. While the courtyards are primarily for residents, the square, with its urban expression and public access, nourishes social activities and larger communities in the city.
Water Curtain and Water Channel
The square’s theme is the different movements, states, and sounds of water. The large water curtain and the long course of the water channel will stage the many different sounds of water. At the upper surface of the square, there is a large water feature in the form of a water curtain, which becomes the square’s focal point and what defines the identity of the square.
Furniture
On the square, there is a large round seating element in steel and wood, which provides seating and serves as the focal point of the square while also forming the basis for tranquility amidst the other dynamics of the square. The staircase to Carl Have is made of steel grates that float over the water curtain. This will allow for the experience of flowing water when walking down the stairs.
Why Ottilia Jacobsens Plads should be awarded
With a holistic approach, we’ve ensured aesthetic, functional, and social coherence, revitalizing the old brewery’s history. The square connects the old and preserved part of Carlsberg Byen with the new part, providing space for green and blue nature. It’s a unique sanctuary for residents and visitors, offering meditative qualities and play opportunities for children. The square serves as a meeting place for various communities, contributing poetically to the good life in one of the world’s best neighborhoods.
Facts about Ottilia Jacobsens Plads
– The waterfall is 36×6.6 meters and 2 meters high, with an 18-degree slope.
– The water channels are 70 meters long and 50 centimeters wide.
– Located at the original spring, where the brewery’s water was sourced.
Location: Ottilia Jacobsens Plads, Copenhagen
Design year: 2019
Year Completed: 2022
