Sweeping dramatically from Skuespilhuset into the harbour between Amalienborg Palace and Operaen, Ofelia Plads gives its visitors 360-degree views of Copenhagen's finest buildings, right from its beating aquatic heart.
In all seasons, this is a platform – literally for accessing the water, and culturally as an urban space. Its pavilions bring people together, housing a café, stages and a hidden car park's entrance. The space can also be adapted for giant screens, installations, marquee events and sports.
Known as Kvæsthusmolen, this area was where the Oslo Ferry docked until its final departure in 2004. In 2010, Ofelia Strand was opened, igniting a three-year examination of its potential as an urban space, and coming to inspire the Ofelia Plads of today.
The site measures 13,430m2 – 25% larger than City Hall Square – and was developed alongside Sankt Annæ Plads (see left). The result incorporates complimentary elements including a 500-vehicle underground car park set over three floors, all naturally lit by a grand atrium. Next to this, decked steps to the water are built over a vessel able to absorb nine million litres of rainwater during cloudbursts. Romantically dubbed ‘the kissing stairs’, here you can sit, eat, drink, people-watch or kiss, all in a stunning city setting.
