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Densify, Connect, and Activate: A data-informed take on TOD in Copenhagen

Strategic principles for new urban development areas served by Metro

Sector

Civic & Public

Region

Europe

Timespan

2026

Denmark’s national transport habits study gives extensive data around residents’ mobility choices. Results from residents living in Copenhagen are clear, the closer one lives to a metro station, the more likely they are to take public transport. Gehl identified the most convincing and relevant data to the document objective, presenting the information in a clear and informative way. Credit: Gehl

As Metroselskabet takes a more active role in urban development, Gehl partnered with the company to develop strategic policy guidelines. Combining Nordic and global research, we established data-informed principles to inform future developments. These principles highlight how the built environment and everyday passenger experiences directly drive transit ridership. Ultimately, we translated these insights into a clear, compelling format designed to align stakeholders and inspire action.

The document included a extensive set of simple diagram communicating research findings within the Metro Authority’s brand design guidelines. Credit: Gehl
Danish data shows that not all land uses generate the same amount of metro trips. With this in mind, it was clear that the Metro Authority's position needed to focus on concentrating the most generative land useless in the immediate station area. Credit: Gehl

Positioning Metroselskabet as a visionary and collaborative stakeholder.

Historically, Metroselskabet has focused primarily on its core mandate: building and operating the city’s metro infrastructure. However, with a planned expansion encompassing nine new stations and six new neighborhood developments, the Company recognized an opportunity to evolve. To ensure the metro remains a competitive, long-term mobility solution, they needed to play an active role in shaping the neighborhoods their network serves.

Metroselskabet engaged Gehl as a trusted partner to develop and communicate this new positioning strategy. Our holistic approach to urban strategy, sustainable mobility, and the lived experience of cities—combined with our clear, visually compelling communication style—made us a natural fit to lead the project.

We translated complex urban strategies into a clear, cohesive communication framework. This strategic presentation now serves as a advocacy tool for the Company’s ambitions in the capital’s urban development. Metroselskabet’s executive leadership actively uses the principles to drive conversations and align visions both internally and externally with high-level stakeholder meetings.

Metroselskabet CEO, Carsten Riis, presented the strategic principles for new urban development to key stakeholders in public transport, urban development, and academia. Credit: Metroselskabet
James Thoem, Senior Project Manager Ruben Le Sueur, Architect
Featured artwork: Memory Lane presented in partnership with Midsumma Festival, State Library Station 2021. Credit: Theresa Harrison

Offsetting construction impact and connecting communities through creative interventions

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Place Activation
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
A reimagined William St. as a vibrant, green connector offering a walkable, bike-friendly experience with reduced through-traffic. It will offer more dining options, and be activated with everyday amenities. Credit: Gehl

Shaping Perth City Centre Towards 2036 and beyond

  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: RAMSA

Bristol: A complete neighborhood for Santa Ana

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Urban Strategy
Belle Isle Context Map. The focus area for Belle Isle Commons is at the nexus of the Isle’s most popular and walkable destinations. Credit: Gehl

Crafting a unifying public realm for Detroit’s Belle Isle Commons

  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Community Engagement
  • Urban Strategy
Connecticut Avenue is a wide, historic corridor that has grown less pedestrian-friendly over time. Yet, it holds strong potential to string together public spaces like Dupont Circle, Longfellow Park (pictured), and Farragut Square. Credit: Gehl.

Shaping inclusive public realm transformation in Downtown DC

  • Place Activation
  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Urban Strategy
The public realm poses a challenge to healthy food access in peripheral neighborhoods of Bogotá. Steep terrain, lack of transportation, and limited healthy food offerings make it difficult for Bogotanos to access the fresh produce needed to cook at home. The nature of the public realm forces people to rely on processed and fast food that is more accessible and heavily advertised. Credit: Gehl

Working across silos to address Bogotá’s food deserts through public space improvements

  • Community Engagement
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy

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