Karens Minde Aksen

Lead Consultant for the City of Copenhagen and HOFOR – Climate Adaptation and Urban Space Renewal of the Karens Minde Aksen

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Schønherr acted as lead consultant on the urban space and climate adaptation project Karens Minde Aksen, which was inaugurated in 2023. The project was realized in close collaboration between the City of Copenhagen and the utility company HOFOR: the municipality aimed to create a new social meeting place and public space, while HOFOR focused on effective cloudburst solutions. Schønherr coordinated and ensured that both clients’ objectives were united in a coherent whole.

Cloudburst management and urban design‍

Karens Minde Aksen combines highly specialized water engineering solutions with urban space design of strong architectural quality. The area has been designed to channel and retain large volumes of rainwater during cloudbursts, while at the same time functioning as a recreational link between Karens Minde Cultural Centre, Valby Park, and the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Coordination of interdisciplinary collaboration‍

As lead consultant, Schønherr managed project planning and design management, and coordinated a strong team of sub-consultants in close interdisciplinary collaboration: WSP was responsible for the advanced hydraulic and technical solutions, while Vida Local led the citizen engagement process, ensuring broad local support. The project is characterized by the technically demanding execution of complex brick pavements, designed to frame both recreation, play,and water-bearing functions in the public space.

An award-winning urban space‍

The result is an award-winning public space where climate adaptation, social cohesion, and architectural quality go hand in hand. Karens Minde Aksen demonstrates how professional consultancy and close collaboration between multiple clients can create lasting solutions that both enhance the local neighborhood and strengthen the city against future climate challenges.

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