Development plan for Vridsløselille by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and landscape architects BOGL aim to design a new district which will attract new residents and activi-ty to the city of Albertslund. Driving west of the city, just 15 kilometers from central Copenhagen, a site with a former correctional facility and a stretch of other historical buildings along the area emerge.

The site has for many years been a closed enclave, and the aim is therefore to open up the area towards the city. Vridsløselille, a 160,000-square-metre district, will become a natural extension of Albertslund and its main thoroughfares. The flexible scheme will draw city life to the area where green parks and residential com-plexes are intertwined creating a strong synergy, while making way for a variety of building typolo-gies, urban qualities and common facilities.

plan for Vridsløselille — Image © Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

The new urban area will create new connections and destina-tions in Albertslund, focused on creating activated green spaces, urban farming as well as movement and sports facilities. Important connections, sightlines, and local identity will be maintained and en-hanced. The main focus is laying the foundation for a healthy and social lifestyle with a broad spectrum of common areas and green spaces.

Making the historic, star-shaped building the beating heart of the development
The design includes five different: Skovbyen, characterized by urban villas among two forest clusters; Bevægelsesbyen, the West-ern district with terraced, multi-storey houses; Gro-byen, the largest and most populated South-Western district containing residential units up to 7 floors; Portbyen, the Southern district along the railway housing up to 10-storey buildings; and Havebyen, the Eastern district characterized by more intimate Re-naissance gardens.

Inspired by the unique relic of the past, the iconic star-shaped prison building is surrounded by trees which once stood as a security fence. The proposal focuses on opening the area and drawing new connections through the “Loop”, a new main pathway surrounding the site and tying the different districts together with the existing prison structure. Ahead are several years of close cooperation with Freja Ejendomme and The Municipality of Albertslund until local plans are approved.

Architectural studio COBE is the other team selected for Vridsløselille’s re-development. For more information (in Danish), visit Freja Ejendomme. Schmidt Hammer Lassen has a variety of ongoing masterplan projects in Denmark and abroad including Sydhavnskvarteret, a masterplan for the South Harbour District in Aarhus, Denmark, and Molobyen, a flex-ible development in Bodø, Norway. Source by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects.