“Hamburg. A city so important it has a place named after it here in Copenhagen.” That place is Hamborg Plads. Hamborg Plads is nestled in Nordhavnen in Copenhagen. It sits gracefully between Århusgade, Antwerpengade, and Sankt Petersborg Plads.
Hamborg Plads shares its neighborhood’s history. Until 2014, this area was part of Copenhagen’s Frihavn. Access was limited. Before its transformation in 2012, there were commercial buildings. A single silo remained. It reminded people of the area’s past.
The decision to transform Frihavn brought new life to the area. This transformation included new streets and squares. “Århus Torv” was the working name for this place. Copenhagen’s Vejnavnenævnet wanted street names with a theme. International port cities were their inspiration. This idea was approved in January 2014. Hamborg Plads officially received its name in March 2014.
Initially, Hamborg Plads was more idea than reality. Construction started as new buildings rose around it. The western part of the square came first. The rest became a construction site. This supported the conversion of the silo into Frihavns Tårnet. Later, construction of Big Bio Nordhavn continued this process. The whole Hamborg Plads was finally completed in 2020. It became an active space. It has seating and a large copper beech tree.
Five buildings surround Hamborg Plads. Havnehuset stands on the western side near Antwerpengade. Kuben Byg and Casa Nord built this residential complex. Tegnestuen Vandkunsten designed it in 2014-2015. Havnehuset was the first of its kind in Århusgadekvarteret. It includes shops, 50 apartments, a private courtyard on the first floor and rooftop gardens. Most apartments have balconies. Despite its name few offer harbor views. Residents were the first to move into the new district in April 2015.
On the northwestern side, across Århusgade, is Orienten. Domea Copenhagen built this complex. It features 134 public housing units, green spaces, an integrated institution, and shops facing Århusgade. Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter and KHS Arkitekter designed Orienten. Its red, brown, and gray bricks and panels match the neighborhood. Construction took place from 2017-2019.
The former DLG feed silo stands on the northern side. It became the Frihavns Tårnet residential tower. Boll+ transformed it based on designs by Praksis Arkitekter from 2014-2016. The renovation preserved the building’s raw structure. High ceilings reflect its silo past. South and west-facing bay windows and balconies were added. Residents can enjoy views from 50 meters high.
Lüders, a parking garage, stands on the eastern corner near Sankt Petersborg Plads. JAJA Architects designed it from 2014-2016. Its rusty-red facade features harbor life illustrations and green planters. The garage holds 500 cars, a Netto supermarket, and a recycling center. The roof is Konditaget Lüders, a public space for sports and recreation. It offers scenic views.
Big Bio Nordhavn was built on the southern side. Before its construction Hamborg Plads flowed into Göteborg Plads.
Today, Hamborg Plads stands as a testament to urban renewal. What was once a construction site is now a vibrant public space. It connects people and celebrates community in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn. Hamborg Plads reminds us of Hamburg. It shows the bond between cities across borders.