COPENHAGEN

CAPITAL OF DENMARK
Group 4 | Planning 3 ARCH42S7

LOCATION MAP DETAILED MAP OF COPENHAGEN TERRITORIAL SIZE LOCATION AND RESOURCES

86.4 SQ KM
MUNICIPALITY
ESTIMATED AREA
Municipality (Copenhagen City):
86.4 km² (33.4 sq mi) THE ØRESUND STRAIT

Urban Area: Located on the Øresund Strait,

606.5 km² (234.2 sq mi) a major European waterway.
Allowed control over Baltic-
Metro Area: North Sea trade.
3,371.80 km2 (1,301.86 sq mi) Denmark charged the Øresund
Toll, boosting its economy.
Population (Municipality):
Around 660,000

DENMARK MAP IN EUROPE Population (Urban Area):

Around 1.4 million

PLANNING

RICH FISHERIES

Surrounding waters provided

abundant herring and fish.
Herring trade made
Copenhagen a major
commercial hub.

COPENHAGEN MAP IN DENMARK

FERTILE FARMLANDS
IN ZEALAND
SPECIFIC SITES POPULATION
COPENHAGEN 2025

1,401,000
Located on the island of
Zealand, with fertile soil.
Supported agriculture and
livestock, ensuring food supply.

ESTIMATED POPULATION
NYHAVN Copenhagen's 2025 population THE FINGER PLAN
is now estimated at 1,401,000. In
This 17th-century waterfront, lined with 1950, the population of Developed in 1947, this visionary
colorful townhouses, offers a picturesque Copenhagen was 1,215,900. urban planning strategy expanded
setting filled with restaurants and historical Copenhagen has grown by Copenhagen along five 'fingers' FRESHWATER SOURCES
landmarks. 9,540 in the last year, which extending from the city center,
represents a 0.69% annual integrating green spaces and
change. efficient public transportation. Lakes like Peblinge Lake and
Sortedams Lake provided
drinking water.
RELIGION AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Essential for early settlements
and industrial development.

KEY FIGURES AND LEADERS

Cultural Influence of OF COPENHAGEN
Christianity Iconic
THE LITTLE MERMAID STATUE
Protestant Identity & Religion &
& the Rise of Religious
Reformation Danish Culture on
Copenhagen Landmarks Bishop
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy Hygge Architecture Absalon (c.
tale, this iconic bronze sculpture is a 1128–1201)
symbol of Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Denmark Hygge – a cultural Religion and culture A Danish
Church of Our bishop,
became a center of officially becomes Saviour & concept of coziness, shapes Copenhagen’s
togetherness, and well- landmarks, traditions,
statesman,
faith. Lutheran Grundtvig’s Church and warrior.
being. and social values.

COPENHAGEN’S HISTORY AND TIMELINE

AMALIENBORG PALACE Viking Beginnings King Christian

(10th-12th Century) IV (1577–1648)
The royal family's residence consists of One of
four identical classical palace façades Denmark’s
around an octagonal courtyard. Visitors most
can witness the changing of the guard 10th century 12th century 12th century
Established as a small influential
ceremony. Bishop Absalon builds a fortress Growth as a trade hub due monarchs.
Viking fishing village called (1167) to protect against pirates. to its strategic location.
Havn.

Rise as the Capital

(15th-17th Century)
King Christian
VII (1749–1808)
CHRISTIANIA 1417 16th-17th century In 1660, he
King Eric of Pomerania Flourishes as a center of trade Christian IV (1588-1648) introduced
and culture. modernizes the city absolute
declares Copenhagen the monarchy,
This self-proclaimed autonomous capital of Denmark.
neighborhood is known for its alternative centralizing
lifestyle, art, and unique communal living power in
structures. Copenhagen.
Disasters &
Rebuilding (18th-19th
Century)

1728 & 1795 1843 Late 19th century Georg Brandes

Massive fires destroy large Tivoli Gardens opens, becoming a Industrialization, railway (1842–1927)
parts of the city. cultural landmark. expansion, and urban growth.
Christian VII
was a
mentally
ROSENBORG CASTLE World War II & unstable king,
Resistance (20th and
Struensee, his
Built in the early 17th century, it houses the Century) advisor, briefly
Danish crown jewels and regalia, set within ruled in his
the King's Garden. place.
1940-1945 1943 Post-war recovery
Nazi occupation of Denmark Citizens help smuggle 7,000+ Modernization and urban
during WWII. Danish Jews to Sweden, saving renewal begin.
them from Nazi persecution.
Georg Brandes
(1842–1927)
Danish
Copenhagen Today philosopher
and literary
(21st Century) critic who
STRØGET
influenced
modern
One of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, Transforms into the world’s Pioneers green urban planning A global leader in Danish
it's a shopper's paradise, featuring a mix of most bicycle-friendly city. and aims to be carbon-neutral architecture, sustainability, culture.
high-end shops and local boutiques. by 2025. and quality of life.

PLANNING 3: THE CITY OF COPENHAGEN, DENMARK | EUROPE GROUP 4 | DELANTAR | FRANCISCO | MAGBANUA | SASPA
COPENHAGEN
CAPITAL OF DENMARK
Group 4 | Planning 3 ARCH42S7

KEY ECONOMIC PLAYERS GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT PER CAPITA OF COPENHAGEN FROM 2002 TO 2023 (IN 1,000 DKK) EMPLOYMENT LANDSCAPE

The city's workforce is

699 DANISH KRONER

predominantly engaged in the
service sector, encompassing
transport, communications,
FINANCE & TECHNOLOGY SHIPPING trade, and finance.
BANKING & INNOVATION & LOGISTICS
ESTIMATED GDP
2023
Copenhagen stands as Denmark's primary
economic and financial hub, boasting a robust
TOURISM PHARMACEU- DESIGN & and diverse economy. The city's economy is OUT OF 350,000 WORKERS (2010)
AND TICALS & CREATIVE based largely on services and commerce. In
2023, Copenhagen's GDP was approximately 699

10,000
HOSPITALITY BIOTECH INDUSTRIES
Danish Kroner. Copenhagen is positioned among
Europe's most affluent metropolitan regions.
FINANCIAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX OF DENMARK ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ARE INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING

1ST DENMARK 110,000

IMD BUSINESS SCHOOL'S WORLD

RANK
COMPETITIVENESS RANKING (2022)

ALM BRAND ARE INVOLVED IN EDUCATION AND

2022 HEALTHCARE
Alm Brand, one of Copenhagen’s financial Denmark received high marks for its
institutions, is a unified, leading Danish resilient economy, law and order, TRADE AND LOGISTICS
insurance group focused on non-life social responsibility, stability, cohesion,
insurance. absence of corruption, openness to
trade, adaptability, ongoing Shipping plays a crucial role in
education and motivated employees. Copenhagen's economy, with
Maersk, the world's largest
shipping company,
“Denmark is the most digitally headquartered in the city.
advanced country in the world and
now takes the top spot thanks to good
policies, advantages afforded by
being a European country, a clear
focus on sustainability and a push
COPENHAGEN STOCK EXCHANGE from its agile corporate sector,” Arturo
Bris, a professor at the Lausanne,
The Nasdaq Copenhagen, formerly known Switzerland-based IMD. COPENHAGEN MALMÖ PORT
as the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, is an
international marketplace for Danish PROBLEMS AND ISSUES COPENHAGEN ELEVATION MAP
securities, including shares, bonds, The Copenhagen Port,
treasury bills and notes, and financial Predominantly flat terrain, with some managed by Copenhagen
futures and options. Copenhagen, known for its sustainability and high quality of life, faces several arreas rising up to 50 meters above sea Malmö Port (CMP) after a
challenges tied to its location, history, and rapid urban growth. While the city level. merger with Malmö harbour,
leads in green initiatives, it struggles with infrastructure demands, housing Situated on the eastern shore of the serves as a pivotal freight hub
affordability, and climate resilience. island of Zealand. for the Baltic countries.
Facing the Oresund Strait.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES OTHER INFO
ROOTS IN LOCATION AND HISTORY
Environmental Sustainability Concerns
Copenhagen’s development is shaped by its coastal location and historical
NOVO NORDISK urban layout. While its waterfront position has driven trade and tourism, it also
poses flood risks and limits expansion. The city's medieval origins result in
narrow streets and dense neighborhoods, making infrastructure upgrades
Novo Nordisk is a leading global challenging. Additionally, Copenhagen’s popularity as a tourist destination
healthcare company, founded in 1923 and and its modern housing policies influence urban development and
headquartered in Denmark. Their purpose affordability.
is to drive change to defeat diabetes and
other serious chronic diseases. COPENHAGEN CITY EXPANSION
Geographical Constraints
LYNETTEHOLMEN PROJECT Copenhagen’s coastal location makes Copenhagen’s urban planning
it vulnerable to rising sea levels and strategies, economic growth, and
extreme weather events. Projects like sustainability efforts are closely
Lynetteholmen aims to expand urban the Cloudburst Management Plan and linked to its geographical
space and protect against rising sea harbor barriers help mitigate flooding, constraints and historical
COPENHAGEN FLOOD RESILIENCE PROJECT evolution. The city's coastal
levels, but critics warn it could alter water but continued urban expansion is
currents, harm marine life, and generate restricted by limited land availability. location, medieval layout, and
high CO₂ emissions from construction. Additionally, storm surges and heavy rapid modernization influence its
LUNDBECK housing policies, infrastructure
rainfall put pressure on existing
Social Integration Policies drainage systems, requiring constant expansion, and climate
Lundbeck is a global pharmaceutical upgrades. adaptation projects. Solutions like
company specialized in developing Lynetteholmen and the Cloudburst
innovative treatments for brain diseases. Management Plan aim to balance
development with environmental
responsibility.
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS Historical Urban Development
The city's medieval street layout results KEY TAKEAWAYS
Copenhagen’s growth must in narrow roads and compact building
balance sustainability, patterns, making it challenging to
affordability, and modernize infrastructure. Expanding
infrastructure needs. Future roads and public transit in the historic
planning should focus on center is difficult due to heritage
housing accessibility, GHETTO LAW preservation laws. As a result, traffic
efficient transport, and congestion and limited pedestrian
environmental impact. space remain persistent urban issues.
Denmark’s "ghetto law" seeks to reduce
segregation by demolishing public INDRE BY COPENHAGEN
housing in immigrant-heavy areas, but COPENHAGEN GREEN URBAN
critics argue it forces out low-income,
non-Western residents. Tourism Appeal
Copenhagen’s cultural landmarks and Sustainable urban planning is
Climate Change and Infrastructure scenic waterfronts attract millions of crucial for climate resilience and
Resilience visitors annually, particularly in areas green infrastructure.
like Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens. The Balanced development helps
influx of tourists supports local address housing shortages and
businesses but also drives up rental transportation needs.
prices in central districts. Additionally, Heritage conservation must be
overtourism leads to overcrowding, integrated with modern urban
waste management issues, and noise growth.
pollution, affecting residents' quality of
NYHAVN life. PURPOSE AND RELATION TO
How can housing remain affordable ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING
as cities expand?
AMAGER BAKKE Housing and Affordability Issues
Developments like Ørestad and
Nordhavn aim to address housing
Denmark’s "ghetto law" seeks to reduce shortages, but rising real estate prices
segregation by demolishing public continue to exclude lower-income
housing in immigrant-heavy areas, but residents. The increasing demand for
critics argue it forces out low-income, housing, combined with foreign
non-Western residents. investments and short-term rentals
(like Airbnb), contributes to affordability
Housing Affordability and Gentrification issues. Many Copenhageners are
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

forced to relocate to suburban areas,

ØRESTAD COPENHAGEN MODERN increasing commuting distances and Copenhagen serves as a model for
Can other cities apply Copenhagen’s ARCHITECTURE dependency on transportation. integrating history, geography, and
sustainability model? sustainability in urban
development. Key insights include:
Transportation and Mobility Limitations
Mixed-use planning and
While Copenhagen is famous for its transit-oriented development
bicycle-friendly infrastructure, public enhance livability and
transportation remains expensive and efficiency.
less accessible in suburban districts. Innovative land reclamation
HOUSING IN COPENHAGEN
The metro and bus networks are projects (like Lynetteholmen)
expanding, but connectivity gaps in help address space limitations
outer areas create commuting but require careful
challenges. Additionally, growing car environmental assessment.
Copenhagen’s housing crisis worsens as dependency in suburban regions leads
luxury developments and Airbnb-style Smart infrastructure solutions,
to congestion and parking shortages, such as climate-adaptive
rentals limit affordable options, forcing counteracting the city’s sustainability
What are the long-term impacts of students and low-income residents to COPENHAGEN BIKE LANES urban spaces, improve long-
goals. term city resilience.
urban expansion on the environment? move to the outskirts.

PLANNING 3: THE CITY OF COPENHAGEN, DENMARK | EUROPE GROUP 4 | DELANTAR | FRANCISCO | MAGBANUA | SASPA