During the 1800s, technological advancements in power, machinery, automation, and construction provided for the development of mass production, mass employment, specialized agricultural production, long-distance transportation, and the accelerated development of the globalized world economy. Cities expanded and segregated, as it became clear that the pollution and noise from industrial facilities was incompatible with inhabitable cities. With the assistance of planes, trains, and automobiles, factories and industrialized monoculture farms moved further away from cities, displacing vast areas of natural habitat and destroying biodiversity along the way. It is nearly impossible to imagine reverting to a pre-industrial existence, but there are elements of cities from before the industrial revolution that we can and should incorporate in the planning of future cities. A

Urban Agency, together with Siaplan, have won 3rd place in an urban planning and architecture competition to convert a bus depot into a multi-level complex development that has the features of a compact city. Due to the continuous expansion of the city of Seoul, bus garages which had been relocated away from urban areas, are being incorporated again into the middle of them. Therefore, the project is focused on giving the bus garage a new role as an Urban Connector – which naturally connects and strengthens the surrounding urban environment. There is a strong paradigm shift, from a grey, closed and disconnected bus garage to a place full of life, nature, culture and urban connections. The extension of the artificial

Frederikssund is an old port town, that has been evolved from medieval town, to merchant city, to industrial port, and into it’s current state as a post industrial commuter town. It is the center of Frederikssund Kommune, but includes close connections to both Roskilde via the fjord, and Copenhagen, via the S-Train connection. While the site is in close proximity to schools, transport, shopping, and cultural institutions, the current buildings are not suitable for housing, and create a barrier between different parts of the city. Our proposal recycles the facades of the existing industrial buildings, and provides high density housing that enhances the connectivity of central Frederikssund. This proposal builds upon the historical urban typologies of Frederikssund’s urban neighborhoods, creating

Falen 40 is located in the calm Ansgard Quarter, just 10 minutes walk from the center of Odense. The property lies adjacent to a kindergarden and large cemetery, and occupies the former site of the cemetery’s administration and maintenance offices. A series of townhouses have been arranged on the site so that each house has generous access to sunlight, fresh air, and an immediate connection to the green park surroundings. The shifting scale of the buildings reflect that of the neighbors, and the collective green spaces provide room for a community garden, play areas, and calm recreational space, promoting a healthy relationship with the existing residents. The buildings are clad in red brick characteristic of the neighborhood, with window frames

Agnes’ Garden is a residential project located in the southeast corner of the future PH Park. The plan follows a cluster type development model and aims to offer high-quality housing with a wide range of housing types and sizes. We established a clear architectural idea creating buildings that form a strong unified entity, but at the same time each type of housing can be easily identified through material choices, roof shapes and facade alterations. The positioning of the buildings and the roof designs are thought to optimize daylight conditions and give all homes a facade facing either south or west. Generating a community based neighborhood and promoting social interaction between the residents is one of the main priorities of the project.

This proposal is a direct geometric manifestation of the motto, “reciprocity”, where a series of smaller offices stand together in a single constellation, representative of the strength and stability of Die Continentale as an insurance provider. The principle that a union of individuals are strengthened by standing together in mutual trust, defines the character of the building from near and far.  There is no single high point, but a collection of interconnected structures that forms a unified silhouette. This choreography of simple orthogonal bodies is emphasized through a common geometric language and materiality, that establishes clear relationships between members of this family of buildings. The primary building mass is arranged to the periphery of the site, a choice which provides

Urban Agency, together with RKW Architektur+, are currently developing design of Metropol complex in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Located on Berliner Platz just next to the central station, the project will be a vital element in city’s urban fabric. Concept of the volume consist of two elements with clear difference in hight. Lower, 6-story high object reacts with its massing to the scale of other buildings on Berliner Platz. The over 60m tall tower will be, on the other hand, an important element of Ludwigshafen skyline and create more urban character in the area. Replacing circular shopping centre from 70’s, Metropol with it’s crystal-like plan reacts to the surrounding buildings and creates new street fronts with clear hierarchy. Multiple retail stores on

This proposal for the development of the harbor in HARD AM BODENSEE finds meaning in the outstanding opportunities for leisure and natural experiences that Hard offers. The city lies at a confluence of mountains, meadows, and water, which makes it a special place that encapsulates the best of the Austrian alpine regions. While the German and Swiss parts of the lake Constance are characterized by private lakeside estates, Hard has the privilege of having the public shore. The city has embraced its civic responsibility, and has initiated this project to reconnect the lake, by creating new, tangible transitions and links between the water and land. These new interventions will provide publically accessible spaces for sport, activities, and liesure. The Hard

This urban planning concept is shaped by the natural conditions of the Dietenbach area. The scheme starts with a traditional network of closed urban blocks, which are adapted to unite the geometries of the local natural environment. The curving form of the Dietenbach and direct lines of Rieselfeld fuse together to form a cohesive and adaptable urban layout. This results in an efficient system of diverse spatial structures, which despite the compact scale of the site, create lively and varied neighborhoods with many green spaces. A “Green Backbone” runs the length of the new district, spanning between Mooswald forest and the Dietenbachpark with an extensive network of for flood protection measures, sunbathing lawns, and play areas. The existing green axis

  URBAN AGENCY, together with RKW Arkitektur, has been invited to design a new hotel at the southern entrance to Düsseldorf Media Harbor. The site at Kaistraße 1 is the last property of a development zone which has made both day and night activity a priority in the revitalization of the district. Towards that goal, this scheme proposes a mixed-use building that promotes maximum exchange between the interior and existing urban environment. The local plan specifies a maximum building volume, within which a series of volumes are stacked according to different criteria. The arrangement of the blocks serves to break down the scale of the building, and corresponds to the geometry of the surrounding urban context. Two high points establish

  This development proposal for Grand Xi Beach highlights the geographical value of Samick Beach, and the opportunity for views toward Busan, Gwangalli beach and Gwangan bridge. In order for Grand Xi Beach to become a landmark, complementing the profile of Gwangan Bridge, it was important to investigate different perspectives for urban skylines. This scheme includes two superimposed skylines which respond to different conditions in the unique urban landscape of Samick Beach. The upper skyline projects the strong local identity of this new development, with 11 towers of varying heights, while the lower skyline responds to the scale of life on the ground, a life rich in social interaction. The clean form of the upper skyline dissolves into more fragmented

Charlottenlundhave is an attractive location directly on the edge of the botanical garden in Charlottenlund, north of Copenhagen. The new residential buildings offer the opportunity to live surrounded by greenery, but in the middle of one of Denmark’s most attractive neighborhoods. The oblong shape of the site lies just east of Charlottenlund station. To get the most out of the site’s orientation and to minimize noise from the railway, we have placed the buildings as linear blocks that run perpendicular to the tracks. At the same time, the layout creates an optimal solar orientation and provides space nature to flow between the buildings. Each block is designed as a 3-storey stack of which shifts at each level to create terraces.

Cherrywood is a key new town along Dublin’s southern coast. The development site at TC5 is within walking distance of the town centre and located on Grand Parade, a vibrant new boulevard which will link the town centre to Tully Park and the surrounding area. The development is situated adjacent to a Luas stop at Cherrywood and has adjacencies to multiple bus and cycle routes. The proposed development is for a mixed tenure development of 146 apartments for sale across the site. The scheme is defined by a strong urban block structure that is in keeping with the overall Cherrywood masterplan whilst respecting the residential amenity of the adjoining environment and providing for pedestrian permeable ground floor. The project is

  Thy is a region on the west coast of Jutland, Denmark that is famous for its scenic fjord landscape. It is also the home of Cold Hawaii, a branded concept for 31 different locations along the coastline which are ideal for surfing. Together with Møller Grønborg and SlotherMøller, URBAN AGENCY has been invited to design Cold Hawaii Inland, a complementary network of water sports facilities along the fjord. All 10 Cold Hawaii Inland locations act as hinges between water and land. They bind those elements together, with comfortable spaces for activity and leisure. Each of the new locations has a unique natural characteristics and a variety of programs, but the entire network also represents a common ideology, which should

  The suburban relocation of Allianz has led to the previously scattered, smaller individual offices around the city to gather to form one large complex. The bold appearance of the new headquarters reinforces a strong, unitary image of the company. While the smaller departments are all situated in the same building, their diversity and individual characteristics remain intact. Freedom of space within the workplace replace the inner-city offerings of the former locations; we call this the 3D campus. The overall concept is characterized by the site’s proximity to nature and the integration of greenery into the project. This is reflected through the integration of courtyards, hanging gardens and outdoor terraces throughout the site whose presence bring an abundance of fresh

  The new marina proposal for Yeouinaru Ferry Terminal, positioned above the undulating Han River in Seoul, presents as a smart typological transformation: the simple bar is transformed into a ‘knotted’ three-dimensional platform promoting efficiency in the maintenance and structural safety of vessels. Continuously connected wooden surfaces in a 3D folded configuration give the impression of the user’s intimacy and connectivity to the water – blurring the line between outside waterfront and the internal terminal facilities. Bar-type marinas are efficient for the maintenance and structural safety of vessels and have a structure that supports the stable anchoring and management of ships of various sizes and functions. Hence, considering the efficiency and safety in the design, the bar-type platform is positioned

  The proposal for the Foum El Oued Technopole in Morocco can be seen not only as an opportunity to design a new campus of innovative architecture, technological innovation and merit but equally an opportunity to rethink the campus typology and carefully examine the ways it should perform for the sake of its multiple users and in a climatically intense environment. The new campus is devoted to research, innovation and training in the fields of science and technology with intent also to encourage sustainable development of the local population and environment through meticulous and thoughtful design choices. This proposal’s ambition, in terms of its architecture, is to reflect the philosophy of the technopole: establishing a dynamic centre and reference point

  Urban Agency, together with TNT Arkitekter, has been invited to design a new housing area in Nærheden located only thirty minutes from Copenhagen’s city center. With a high-density type required, the challenge faced in this project was to create a cosy, diverse housing area without the feeling of being overcrowded and tightly packed. The final urban planning of the estate is shaped by natural factors, it reacts to sunlight conditions and opens towards the green surroundings. With parking spots placed on the edge of the site, the central areas are saved for green, public squares dedicated for group activities of the inhabitants. The quality of the public spaces is enriched by an open-water management system and lush vegetation matching

  Although the MCH Messecenter in Herning is already the biggest exhibition centre in Denmark, that doesn’t hinder the plans for its future development from being very ambitious. URBAN AGENCY was invited to create a strategy that will make the complex a more attractive and coherent structure with a new focal point. The project aims to intersect two loops of circulation at the point of the new entrance to the building. The connecting routes are enriched by the presence of usable art (both permanent and temporal exhibitions) and plants (trees, green walls). The roof spreads over a circular space creating a unique event area, enhanced by versatile sloping ramps that are the perfect scenery for an outdoor concert but equally

  A blue-green delta landscape, like rivers flowing between characterful housing islands, and a loop for social activity, are the main elements of a proposal for a master plan for Amager Fælled Kvarter (Amager Commons Quarter) putting everyday life, nature and social fellowships at the centre. It sets the stage for the Commons’ unique nature as a shared recreational resource and the social grouting interconnecting the urban quarter’s sustainable city life. Community, activity and urban life in the middle of nature. URBAN AGENCY’s proposal for a new master plan for Amager Fælled Kvarter will preserve the special nature resources and recreational function of the area. The Metro just around the corner will be the basis for a new urban space

  URBAN AGENCY has been commissioned to design public spaces and eighty-four new mixed-use buildings for the city of Midan in South Korea. The new development both accommodates local residents and tourists of Incheon Airport and provides new entertainment facilities for Midan City Yeongiong Island. One of the most challenging aspects of this project was to create a village that encapsulates dynamic design and a unique spatial identity whilst maintaining each building’s distinct individuality, despite the primarily commercial masterplan we were presented with. In pursuance of this, we will disperse a multitude of architectural and urbanistic interventions throughout the site, such as pavement design, an open terrace towards the park, an urban square and an abundance of street art. The

  Slagelse, a city strategically located at the point between Copenhagen and rest of Denmark, continues to undergo major transformations: Initially residing with the typical medieval city’s urban and street structure, then evolving through increased industrialisation supported by the railway development and further advancing with the establishment of shopping center in the 1970’s – each of these periods left a stamp in the city’s structure. The old town, train station and shopping mall are all located within a one-kilometre radius and can all be interpreted as an anchor in the town, each acting as main focal points of the city. Unfortunately, the area inbetween does not provide them with proper connections so they do not support each other and are

TThe aim of the competition for a school for 900 pupils in Lurup, one of Hamburg’s districts, was designing a stimulating and comfortable education venue for students, faculty and the surrounding community alike. Given the vast cultural programme proposed such as a community center, library, small theater, auditorium and sports hall, the project is set to become the focal point of the entire district, despite it’s central but hidden location in the “second row” – striving to create a neighbourhood magnet luring residents all day long. The school will have two entrances; the first in direct contact with the existing building and the second leading to the only road from which the building can be directly visible in the urban

The ten town villas are placed as a chain in the hilly landscape and relate both to the 5-6 storey houses of the new development and the small-scale houses of the village itself. The town villa typology has a small volume compared to the traditional social housing slab, combining the qualities of the one-family house with the density of the multi-storey housing typology. The access system and the common outside terrace area melt together as wide wooden bridges, including entrance zones for the units and terrace spaces. This creates housing with a strong community and a high level of safety. The buildings are planned according to the principles of the German DGNB certification system.

The major challenge of our design proposal is to enhance the area around the train station as a new gate to the city of Kronberg, Germany. The new ensemble of chamber music hall, Kronberg Academy and Hotel has been carefully designed to blend in with the station’s forecourt. The unique design of the chamber music hall has evolved from the unique characteristics of the landscape, the idea of ”flow” is to allow the landscape by means of a set-through foyer through the building. The building itself receives its special sculptural form through the curved design of the building’s envelope. Curved wall cutouts allow large-scale, column-free openings, theses characteristics shape the halls and also the exterior facades form.

In 2008 URBAN AGENCY, together with Vandkunsten Architects, won a two-stage urban planning competition for the development of the “Kløvermarken” quarter in Copenhagen. The project comprised the development of a new urban district with about 900,000 m2 of floor-area for housing, public and commercial use. Organised around the existing football fields, the project was designed with a focus on public health and sustainable living. URBAN AGENCY has worked on the project from inception to development plan and has been responsible for the development of a design manual for landscape architecture and public space.