Out of (urban) order

Christensen, Mathilde Sander ; Thompson, Emma Buus ; Foget, Johan Helweg

4. term

Urban Design, Master

2024

2024-05-31

200 pages

This thesis explores responsible urban design with a focus on Refshaleøen, an industrial port in Copenhagen. Motivated by curiosity about the societal and environmental impacts that local design choices have on a global scale, it addresses the uncertain future of Refshaleøen. The study examines the dynamics of urban development, balancing human and non-human agents, including industrial nature, local communities and cultural environment. The project places itself in a rather general discussion of urban development of industrial areas, but aims to answer the overall question through site-specific key findings. Advocating for a paradigm shift in urban planning, this thesis emphasizes ecological considerations and local community empowerment with a respect for the existing. It discusses how contemporary challenges in urban development can be addressed through physical and organizational strategies. Proposing nature plots, preservation of environments instead of buildings and activating local agents in shaping the city. The thesis aims to set a precedent for future projects by operationalizing strategies into an opening move to exemplify one future. Central to this thesis is answering what ’responsible’ urban planning in the Anthropocene era entails. Hereby highlighting the need for dynamic urban planning, and moving away from rigid, prescriptive planning, it supports adaptive and flexible models. By flipping the power hierarchy in modern planning, this thesis argues that Refshaleøen can be a flagship of responsible urbanism and standout as an example for other development projects.

Byudvikling ; Antropocæn

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