A City Centre for All

Redesigning the High Street in Horsens

Client: Horsens Municipality
Team: arki_lab, Schul Landskabsarkitekter, OKRA Landschapsarchitecten, ICP & Grønlund Consultants and Engineers
Our role: Concept development, Design & Consulting
Location: Horsens, Denmark
Year: 2018 -
Status: Winning proposal, Ongoing

This was the winning proposal for the competition to redesign Horsens High Street, organized by the Horsens Municipality. With the rapid population growth in Horsens, urban redevelopment has become the municipality's top priority, with a focus on creating an inclusive, liveable and well-connected city. Our multidisciplinary team made it possible to respond to the wide range of requirements, stated in the competition program. Furthermore working with groups from different disciplines contributed to the success of the proposal, addressing issues from all perspectives.

The competition had three main themes: city life & liveability, connectivity, and identity. The winning proposal was the one that could incorporate these three themes into one holistic design. Our proposal responded to these themes by incorporating various elements in and around the high street, such as lighting installations, annual events, paving improvements and green spaces to strengthen the street's role as the main artery in Horsens. Furthermore it proposed to transform the street into a place that accommodates various activities like shopping, meeting and play. These different interventions also extend the hours of use by keeping the street activated even when the shops close.

Spatially, the proposal establishes three main zones on the street: an inviting arrival experience, an activity-focused central area, and a destination. The arrival creates a smooth transition into the street from the surrounding residential landscape. The central zone provides space for numerous activities and gathering areas that accommodate all age and user groups. The church square suggests a monumental and unstructured space that strengthens the image of Horsens as a destination, while simultaneously giving the locals the possibility to use it for various events, markets, etc. The project aims to create a unique experience in Horsens and to strengthen the local community through urban design.


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