Climate Courtyard Copenhagen is part of Copenhagen’s first climate-resilient neighbourhood adapted to climate change. The aim is to equip the area to withstand the large volumes of rain we have experienced in the torrential downpours that have occurred in recent years.

In the climate-resilient neighbourhood we have developed methods and expertise to be used when the rest of Copenhagen – over the next 20 years – is future-proofed against heavier rain and torrential downpours.

The courtyard renovation places a strong emphasis on fostering communities and implementing sustainable strategies, including local rainwater collection. This extensive transformation seeks to create an inviting and secure atmosphere where diverse users can gather and enjoy the space in harmony with both architecture and urban nature.

The objective was to turn the courtyard into an inspiring living space that combines the energy of community with opportunities for more private and intimate retreats. Through workshops for residents, the project has been shaped to meet the varied needs and preferences of its users, ensuring optimal use of the space.

Strategic placement of larger green areas creates natural spots for relaxation and social interaction. These green pockets serve as hubs for connection and dialogue, while a cohesive pathway system along rainwater beds links different functional areas, including specially designed storage sheds for bicycles and practical amenities. Sheds create cosy niches and enhance the flow throughout the intimate courtyard.

Sustainability is central to this renovation, with the choice of materials and design carefully considered to minimize environmental impact. The project aspires to create a distinctive courtyard that reflects modern principles of sustainability while also fostering vibrant and inclusive community life. This courtyard is not merely a place to live but a meeting ground where urban nature, people, and sustainability come together in a harmonious symbiosis.

The project was completed in 2016, and photos taken in the late summer of 2024 show that it continues to function optimally, both as a climate-resilient courtyard and as a green oasis in the heart of Copenhagen.

Project Data

Landscape architecture: MBYland and Urbanlab Nordic
Location: Otto Mallings Gade, 2100 Copenhagen
Client: Københavns Kommune
Landscape Architect/Designer: Urbanlab Nordic v. Anne Kathrine Edslev Aaris/ MBYland
Project team: Anne Kathrine Edslev Aaris, Mette Bruun Yde & Julie Kaalby Bjerre
Photography: Jan Jul Søndergaard/ Urbanlab Nordic
Drone photo: KeepUp
Size: 1.400 sqm
Opening: 2016