BOGL: Sundbyøster Plads, located at a busy junction in Sundby on Amager, has been transformed from a grey, empty space into a green and vibrant square that fosters safe and social urban life. Once perceived as dull and uninviting, the square now connects surrounding functions—two sports halls, a supermarket, a school, a playground, and residential blocks—into a coherent and accessible public space.
BOGL’s design creates new connections and cohesion between buildings and urban space, transforming the square into a natural meeting point before shopping, after school, or during a break from training. Inspired by the beach to the east and the commons to the west, five lush park rooms, forming the backbone of the design, emerge from the square’s surroundings and connect to the different daily activities taking place. The elevated pocket parks break down the scale of the large, open space, define it visually, and make it more inviting, pleasant to use and easier to navigate.
The terrain is gently lowered in the center, creating a bowl-shaped plaza that feels protected and flexible. Around it rise green edges framed by limestone benches—both a practical and poetic reference to Denmark’s geological heritage. The limestone, sourced locally, contains visible fossils, becoming both a seating area and a place of discovery. Though the edges appear organic, they are the result of carefully planned construction techniques, including mock-ups to ensure precision.
Plantings reflect Amager’s local nature—villa gardens, beaches, meadows, and commons—with a mix of wild and manicured lawns, pine trees, perennials, sea buckthorn, and fragrant herbs. Local materials like clay, sand, silt, and limestone create a tactile, site-specific palette. Mature trees were preserved, reinforcing the connection to place and the area’s identity.
Located at a busy urban junction, Sundbyøster Plads is shaped by both residential tranquility and heavy city traffic. The transformation places safe mobility and traffic management at its core—ensuring clear access for children walking to school, accommodating delivery vehicles and emergency services, and protecting vulnerable road users. The square’s lighting design enhances safety and visibility, extending the sense of security into the evening hours.
The transformation of Sundbyøster Plads was carried out in close collaboration with Copenhagen Municipality, local stakeholders, and residents through workshops and dialogue. The result is a public space that preserves the spirit of the area while opening it up for new uses, connections, and experiences.
With its focus on inclusive design, urban ecology, and social cohesion, Sundbyøster Plads is a powerful example of how thoughtful landscape architecture can turn a forgotten square into a resilient, green, and meaningful urban space.
Landscape Architecture: BOGL
Project location: Amagerbrogade 189, DK-2300 Copenhagen
Design year: 2020
Year Built: 2022
Team: Eduard Troelsgaard, Valentin Trafikplanlægning, Artlightcph (lighting design)
Photographer: Melissa Ørntoft, Kirstine Autzen, Rasmus Hjortshøj
