Everyone should be able to move through our shared public spaces and buildings in a safe and dignified way. In complex environments such as stations, terminals, and other public transport hubs, universal design is not just a feature – it’s a fundamental design principle that ensures equal access and high functionality for all, regardless of physical or cognitive ability.
UdforskFive new underground metro stations in Copenhagen
Metro & Railway
The Sydhavn metro
Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: Copenhagen South
Gottlieb Paludan Architects has developed and designed the five new underground metro stations on the Sydhavn line. The latest knowledge about behavior and technology is incorporated into the station design.
The future metro line to Sydhavnen will have five stations and run through the urban development areas in the southern part of the Port of Copenhagen and the old South Harbour district. The new deep stations are based on the design of the existing stations and the Cityring, but further developed taking into account the latest knowledge about lighting, layout, accessibility and information systems.
Client
Metroselskabet
Status
Completed
Year
2024
Collaborators
COWI, Systra and Arkitema
Areas of Expertise
Photos
Rasmus Hjortshøj
Enghave Brygge Station
Enghave Brygge Station
The identity of the Sydhavn Line
The five new underground stations on the Sydhavn Line each carry a unique architectural identity. Building on the design of the existing stations and the City Circle Line, the design team has further developed the station concept with a focus on lighting, interior layout, accessibility, and information systems. One of Metroselskabet’s key ambitions was to create a “white line,” which was achieved by replacing the original fibre concrete cladding — which tends to become grey over time — with white ceramic lamellae. These lamellae feature a variety of surfaces and patterns, some matte and others profiled.
In collaboration with selected contemporary Danish artists and the Danish Arts Foundation, the stations are adorned with striking artworks that define and enrich each individual station space. This aesthetic element helps to unite art and transport within a modern urban context. Photo: Sluseholmen Station
Mozart's Square Station
Sydhavn Metro strengthens connections to southern Copenhagen neighbourhoods and opens up new development opportunities
With transfer options to regional and S-trains at Copenhagen South, the project paves the way for a more coherent and sustainable transport solution in the capital.
The project is the result of a close collaboration between two specialised infrastructure design studios that have worked with Metroselskabet on many other large-scale projects. This long-term relationship has created a strong, dedicated team of architects who have complemented each other's competences and worked across practices. For more than a decade we have worked to realise this vision and we are delighted to welcome passengers to a new era of public transport in Copenhagen.
Havneholmen Station
Havneholmen Station
Open and inviting stations
The new metro line is characterised by wider main staircases with escalators and integrated daylight through innovative skylights, creating open and inviting stations, with forecourts that function more as seating areas. The predominantly glossy and reflective surfaces of the stations increase the natural sound levels on platforms and in access routes, creating safe and welcoming spaces.
Together we create cohesion
The new underground stations are developed based on the design of the existing stations and the Cityring, but further developed taking into account the latest knowledge about lighting, layout, accessibility and information systems.
Challenge
The design challenge was to create five new metro stations on the Sydhavn metro line in Copenhagen, each reflecting the unique character and urban identity of their local environment while incorporating modern advances in lighting, layout, accessibility and information systems, creating a cohesive identity for the metro line.
Method
The architecture of the stations is based on the design philosophy and geometry developed for Cityringen and the early metro stations on the M1 and M2 lines. To give the Sydhavn metro its own character, each station has a distinctive wall cladding of light grey glazed terracotta panels inspired by the reflections and movements of the water in the nearby harbour.
Impact
The Sydhavn Metro has been given its own identity that differs from the other metro lines. At the same time, each station on the line has been given a subtly unique character that reflects the local neighbourhood. The M4 extension creates new connections in the capital, opens up new neighbourhoods for the city's citizens and makes everyday life easier for commuters in the region and the rest of the country.
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Well-functioning metro and railway systems play a vital role in connecting people's daily lives. We develop and design functional and safe stations that support accessibility, flow, and positive experiences for all users.
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Inge Fredslund
Head of Metro & Railway, Project Manager, DGNB consultantArchitect MAA
ifp@gottliebpaludan.com+45 4171 8215