COBE Architects to transform Copenhagen’s Paper Island into a bustling cultural hub

Copenhagen's Paper Island, which has been used as a newspaper storage facility for 50 years, will soon become the city's new cultural hub.

COBE Architects, Inside Outside, Via Trafik and Transsolar designed the masterplan proposal, which won the international competition to redevelop Christiansholm island-the last undeveloped quay along Copenhagen's inner waterfront, to include informal and public functions, with housing on top.

The artificial island occupies a prime location next to the Opera House and the Royal Danish Playhouse. Building on the provisional urban life already present on the island, the architects’ proposal replaces the old warehouses with new ones containing an event hall, a gallery hall and a new swimming pool. Housing and commercial spaces will be placed on top of the halls, which encircle an intimate green courtyard. A public promenade will run along the perimeter of the island.

“Our vision for the island’s future is to create a place that celebrates the city’s culture and the Copenhagen way of life. It was important for us that Christiansholm will be a first class example of Copenhagen’s generous urban living that can attract tourists and visitors and have a strong local presence at the same time,” says Dan Stubbergaard, owner and creative director at COBE.