The Historic New
The proposal transforms the busy street into a vibrant urban area and restores connections within the historic city. The concept is rebuilding parts of the historic building plots while adding a new architectural layer. Inspired by both the history and Odense's recent development, the proposal brings together future and history in a new vibrant urban area combining new and old.
The proposal, combining new and old, celebrates the city's unique history and its future potential as a lively, more dense and playful mini-metropolis for all. Below the transformed urban area, a large covered parking area spans throughout the site. This gives the urban spaces back to pedestrians and cyclists, safe and comfortable. The parking area is connected to the urban spaces above by large hybrid-use openings and various recreational activities.
The vision evolves from day 1 with temporary streets, alleys, squares and secret pocket parks. A good and vibrant city is created for the people that use it - even whilst the transformation is ongoing.
The temporary activities are developed as an urban scenography: A set of key players in the city are 'directors' and residents and visitors are 'actors'.
Type: Invited international competition 2nd prize
Program: Urbanism
Client: Odense Municipality, Realdania
Size: 5.5 ha
Location: Odense DK
Year: 2011
Collaborators: MVRDV, Thing & Wainø, Esbensen, Sloth Møller, Viatrafik, Lassevegas, ACT, Emcon, Capacent
Image credits: ADEPT, Luxigon
