karres+brands together with EFFEKT, ALECTIA, WTM, K.E. Andersen and EDC have been selected for the second and final stage Ny Østergade competition in Denmark. The 3 hectares sized station area of Roskilde is to be developed into a vibrant, attractive and sustainable urban area that can serve as a bridge between the northern and southern part of the city and contribute to a vibrant centre. A total of about 100,000 m² of new public, residential and office program will replace the currently parking dominated area.

We propose using the new program to completely redefine what the station is. By opening up the public space to the railway we generate together with the new functions a different type of station. From a static building to a vibrant station area! A porous urban fabric which maximizes accessibility and brings together the two previously separated parts of the city. Infrastructure can thus become completely integrated in the fabric of the city. The station is the city and the city is the station!

Central to our proposal is the gesture of seamlessly connecting the two sides of Roskilde with a sunken public square. With maximum openings for daylight the railways become a series of bridges; pergola like constructions above the square. Patches of green animate the crossing making for an open, lit, and friendly connection that brings the park and green structures in the south all the way into the city center and further down to the waterfront.

Towards the extremities of the site, a mix of offices, small shops and housing react to the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhoods. Together with strong necklace of public spaces along the Ny Østergade they act as a membrane binding the new and old together in a context grounded development.

Together with our team and the COBE-led team has been selected out of seven teams competing in the first stage. The winning proposal will be announced in the Autumn of 2016. Please visit also the website of the Roskilde municipality for more information.