Inner City living lab

Copenhagen’s historic center is undergoing a bold shift toward pedestrian-friendly streets and reduced car dominance. Third Nature leads this transformation through a temporary living lab along key corridors—broad white stripes, public seating, and over 250 trees. These striking markings visually reset the streetscape, reminding all users that pedestrians share equal rights on roads once heavily trafficked by cars. In a district defined by quaint medieval alleys and narrow corners, the interventions ignite conversations about balancing cultural heritage with modern needs. By routing only essential car traffic, Copenhagen envisions a safe, green, and dynamic city core—one that welcomes residents and visitors to explore on foot, gather in public spaces, and relish everyday life within a historic framework.

Through the living lab, a notable outcome emerged: after witnessing the benefits of the temporary measures, Copenhagen’s policymakers decided to permanently remove 70% of surface parking in the medieval heart. By eliminating around 750 parking spaces, the municipality freed up vital land for new uses such as green corridors, bicycle infrastructure, and community spaces. This reallocation directly addresses pressing climate challenges by introducing permeable surfaces and vegetation to handle extreme rainfall and reduce strain on drainage systems, while trees and planting help combat urban heat through natural shading and evaporation. The painted white stripes also reflect sunlight more effectively than traditional asphalt, lowering surface temperatures and improving the microclimate for pedestrians.

By piloting these measures under real conditions, Copenhagen collected tangible evidence of how reimagined space allocation can benefit both quality of life and environmental resilience, even in compact historic quarters. The living lab also highlighted how targeted green interventions attract pollinators and small wildlife, further enriching urban biodiversity. Altogether, these pioneering steps underscore Copenhagen’s determination to merge its cultural legacy with forward-thinking climate adaptation.

At the core of the Medieval City transformation is meaningful citizen involvement. Public workshops, assemblies, and meetings with local stakeholders gave voice to residents who had long sought cleaner air, quieter streets, and safer, more inclusive mobility options. Third Nature’s collaborative, flexible approach tested solutions incrementally, allowing direct feedback and creating a sense of shared ownership. By distributing over 250 trees in large, temporary containers, the city introduced dynamic greenery that offers color, shade, and habitat for local wildlife. Beyond improving aesthetics, these installations highlight how nature-based solutions can thrive even in dense, heritage-rich settings. Ultimately, the living lab demonstrated that better conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, coupled with the embrace of biodiversity, can spark new visions of community well-being.

Encouraged by these results, policymakers established permanent changes, solidifying Copenhagen’s global reputation as a leader in sustainable urban design. This experience proves that historic city centers can adapt, flourish, and provide a healthier environment for generations to come—when communities unite around shared goals.

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