ACTIVATING

architecture and urban planning

50 Examples of
Development of
Attractive and
Active Urban
Spaces

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minmin

5 min
5 min

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P

200m
200m

5 min
5 min

15 min
15 min

400400
m m

800m
800m

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800m

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15 min

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5 min

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500

1.000m

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ACTIVITIES

Activity areas and facilities should

ideally target all age groups,
making it possible to be physically
active throughout life.

open
character

ease
of access

multiple
uses

shelter

flexible
form

small
niches

lighting

visibility

scenarios

social
meeting place

smaller
spaces

dimensions

public
ground floor

mixed
functions

varied
street spaces

flexible
use

a-b
direct
connection

through
vibrant
areas

varied
paving

cohesive
areas

multiple
programmes

green
space
5 min

RECREATION
Good views of the area and

surrounding life should be available

along with shelter from the
elements, all carried out in
welcoming materials and with
ample lighting.

SCALE

Dimensions related to the body.

Open and public functions are
accessible. Smaller spaces and
places
for
recreation
with
appropriate
consideration
of
climate.

URBAN SPACE
Vibrant urban spaces with mixed
functions bring the area to life and
create a sense of security. Varied
facade sequences offer interesting
experiences. Good lighting.

PATH SYSTEMS
Good even surfaces in unbroken
sequences dimensioned to allow
room for pedestrians, strollers and
street meetings.

LANDSCAPE

Outdoor areas should strive for a

cohesive character. They should
create good connections for
multiple uses with adjoining
specific activity areas.

PROXIMITY

A recreational and play area should

be accessible within a 3-5 minute
walk in the local area.
A green space should be accessible
within a 5 minute walk, providing
room for children and adults to be
physically active in a setting
accommodating a range of different
activities.

3-5 min

play/
recreation
3-5 min

5 min

informal
activities
5 min

5 min

green
space
5 min

ACTIVITIES

200m

setting /
delimitation

multiple
uses

dispersed
point of
units
departure
- in
type of movement

sports /
exercise
200 m

Activity requirements can serve as a

planning parameter and can be
incorporated in the initial planning
stages. Activity areas and facilities
should be placed and oriented in
order to be visible.

RECREATION

5 min

flexible
form

social
meeting place

affiliation
with
local area

facing
the sun

green
space
5 min

Outdoor areas should be integrated

and located with a view to achieving
close contact with the local community, allowing them to serve as a
meeting place.

SCALE

utilize roof /
wall surfaces

density

URBAN SPACE

10 %
activity

remote
parking

Dimensions related to the body.

Urban spaces of different sizes
appear well dimensioned and allow
for an overview throughout the area,
contributing to a sense of security.

3D
planning

reserve
special
areas

Varied and unbroken urban space

sequences with a dense and open
character
with
overlapping
functions. Variations in type and
character of urban spaces. Visual
and experiential variation.

PATH SYSTEMS
varied
connections

hub

continuous
connections

Continuous
connections
link
relevant destinations and urban
areas. Different types and forms of
connections that promote social
encounters.

LANDSCAPE

landscape
design

topography

landscape
cohesiveness

Landscape design capable of

accommodating various activities.
Outdoor areas should be given
flexibility that allows for use all year
round.

PROXIMITY

400 m

800m

larger
activities
400 m

city
space
800 m

15 min

green
space
15 min

A 10-15 minute bicycle ride should

provide access to a sizable green
space with room for children and
adults to be physically active in a
setting that can accommodate a
range of different activities. It
should be possible to reach a larger
nature area within 30 minutes.

ACTIVATING architecture and urban planning

addresses
the development of attractive and activating public spaces in the city. Using 50 Danish and international
examples, the book describes how physical activity and sports activities can be integrated in the development
and design of Danish urban spaces. The book also outlines how the activating urban space can provide inhabitants with new opportunities for fitting sports activities into a busy week.
By way of the examples, the author illustrates how the use of creative design and simple measures can transform a space in the city into an attractive and active urban space capable of accommodating a wide range of
physical and mental activities.
A good space in the city can accommodate a wide range of activities and can be adapted to various activities,
events, users and weather conditions. The 50 examples in Activating Architecture and Urban Planning show
how the good urban space can be achieved and integrated in urban planning.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS

The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts

The School of Architecture
Centre for Sports and Architecture