The new branch extension of Copenhagen’s M4 metro unlocks the potential for a Nordhavn masterplan by developing a transport hub for docklands redevelopment in the city. Two new stations on this branch – Nordhavn and Orientkaj – will connect an additional 11,000 passengers daily to Copenhagen’s metro network. Arup’s role for this expansion included architecture, geotechnics and structural engineering, passenger modelling, construction planning, and fire and life safety of the project.

Arup’s role for this expansion included architecture, geotechnics and structural engineering, passenger modelling, construction planning, and fire and life safety of the project.

Arup worked as part of the project’s Joint Venture with management consultants Ramboll and in collaboration with architecture firm Cobe to help make the project feasible, while also participating in a separate joint venture involved with extending the M4 metro further south of Copenhagen. Arup was responsible for the design of the bored tunnels, cut and cover tunnels and a subway station box at Nordhavn, plus an elevated trackway and station at Orientkaj. 

This new branch connects the existing Cityringen M3 line to the M4 line’s new Nordhavn metro station. Passengers will now also be able to transfer between the main line system to the metro via a new pedestrian interchange tunnel at Nordhavn station. The new stations will connect Copenhagen’s port to the city and enable the Nordhavn Masterplan, the largest new development in northern Europe.

Nordhavn station: design goes underground

Our 1.9km long twin-bore tunnel connects the existing line to the Nordhavn; the tunnel then rises through a cut and cover tunnel and embankment, to an elevated viaduct and overground station at Orientkaj. At Nordhavn station we have created design continuity with the recently-opened Cityringen line to create a seamless travel experience for passengers travelling between the two lines: platform length, information systems and wayfinding are the same, and the interior façades are clad in the red tiles characteristic of Cityringen’s interchange stations. Once again, stations on the line possess distinct visual characteristics that reflect the local communities they serve.

An underground transfer station at Nordhavn S-train lies under busy Kalkbrænderihavnsgade – a key traffic artery. Intuitive wayfinding was a key design consideration. Our design team created clear lines of sight between the underground station and the transfer tunnel, allowing users to see all the way through to the other side, enhancing the feeling of comfort and safety. Re-using another design idea from Cityringen, the new metro station’s origami ceiling has been designed to reflect natural light throughout.

Two floors of an underground train station with escalators in the centre

Our design team created clear lines of sight. © Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST

Exterior of a train station on the shoreline

Metro systems are motors for a city’s growth, connecting people and areas to jobs and investment opportunities. © Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST

Orientkaj overground station: connecting the port

The new above-ground station at Orientkaj celebrates the large-scale, brutalist features of industrial design and port/harbour structures: bold concrete claws bolt the station onto twin concrete viaducts housing the tracks, supported on 33-metre span, v-shaped  concrete piers that minimise footprint and maximise the open, flexible urban space underneath.

Inside the station, the vast rectangular hall is column-free, supported by the external concrete frames, with glazed skylights that mimic the shed roofs found on former industrial buildings in the areas. Our guiding principle was to achieve a bright and safe passenger experience. A white mosaic on the station’s stairs and lifts provides a friendly and welcoming visual experience.

Externally, anodised aluminium cladding is used on all facades as well as roof and soffit, to ensure the station looks appealing from all angles, anticipating the future high-rise developments around the station.

Serving an office area with larger buildings, the station needed to be distinctive enough to become a local landmark, while blending in with its surroundings – all while allowing clear lines of sight. Views from the platform were also a key consideration: the large, glass platform screen doors mean that on a clear day, passengers can look across the Øresund into Sweden.

Passengers boarding a train at Orientkag train station

The new branch unlocks the potential for the Nordhavn docklands redevelopment. © Rasmus Hjortshøj- COAST

Inside view of Orientkaj train station

Intuitive wayfinding was a key design consideration. © Rasmus Hjortshøj - COAST

Partners & collaborators

Ramboll / COBE

Photos © Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST