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Article from issue 4/2000 »Urban Planning Details«

Jarmers Plads in Copenhagen

documentation p. 644 - 647
Architect Brandt Hell Hansted Holscher | Structural Engineer Bertelsen + Holck A/S |

In its treatment of materials, geometry and detailing, the redesign of this open space establishes a close relationship with the architecture of the adjoining insurance building, to which it forms a kind of outdoor foyer. The cobblestone pavings are laid in rows at right angles to the main axis of the building. They enclose a broad, elevated “plateau” paved with large grey Norwegian granite slabs (3.40 ? 0.85 ? 0.12 m), the dimensions of which are related to the modular grid of the building. The raised slabs have a rough-hammered surface and are laid with open joints. Low balustrade walls enclose the square next to the road and next to a sunken courtyard adjoining the building to the north-east. The balustrade walls are clad in polished Norwegian marble from the same quarry as the stone facings to the insurance building. The horizontal top edges of these walls accentuate the gentle slope of the plateau (about 0.9 per cent). The broad flight of steps leading down to the road is in brass, as are the lamp coverings and gratings.
Plinth-like granite benches, housing specially designed light fittings, lend the square a three-dimensional quality. Further lamps are situated beneath the pavings at the foot of the balustrades, and in bollards which are set irregularly in a geometrically planted grove of plane trees. The planes will form a leafy canopy that will correspond with the surrounding buildings. Contrasted with this is an irregular arrangement of lime trees that create a link with the adjoining park.

Details
Balustrade details 1:20
Elevation of granit plinth 1:50
Plan of tree grating 1:50
Section through stairs 1:20
Section through tree grating 1:20
Sectional and elevational details 1:20
Site plan 1:1500