Hiva Bamshad
(She/her)
Copenhagen has historically developed around its harbour, where industry, trade, and shipbuilding played a major role in shaping the city’s identity. Areas such as Refshaleøen were once centres of heavy industry and maritime production, particularly through the B&W shipyards, which were among the largest industrial employers in Denmark during the twentieth century.
As industrial activity declined, many waterfront areas became disconnected from the surrounding city, leaving behind large-scale industrial structures and underused landscapes. Today, Copenhagen is transforming its harbour into a more sustainable and people-oriented environment, focusing on public space, climate adaptation, and ecological restoration.This thesis responds to that transition by reimagining Refshaleøen as a connected civic landscape where infrastructure, ecology, and public life coexist.
The proposal develops a continuous network of floating and adaptable pedestrian bridges that reconnect disconnected areas while creating spaces for gathering, pause, and interaction with the water. Guided by the principles of Belong, Connect, Float, and Reuse, the project reimagines infrastructure as public space that supports both people and biodiversity.By reusing the existing B&W industrial building and integrating lightweight structural systems, passive environmental strategies, and ecological waterfront interventions, the thesis proposes a resilient and adaptable urban landscape that strengthens the relationship between city, water, and community.
Between the water and the city
This thesis explores how urban infrastructure can move beyond its conventional role of movement and connection to become a mediator between social interaction, ecologicalsystems, and climate adaptation. As coastal cities face increasing environmental pressures, including rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and urban growth, architecture must respond through integrated and ethically driven approaches that consider both human and ecological needs.
Situated within Copenhagen’s evolving harbour, the project focuses on Refshaleøen,a former industrial island transitioning into a new urban district. Despite its central location, the area remains physically and socially disconnected from the surrounding city. This presents an opportunity to rethink the harbour as an active civic landscape rather than a boundary.
The proposal develops a network of floating and adaptable pedestrian bridges that reconnect fragmented waterfronts while creating spaces for pause, interaction, and observation. The design is guided by four key principles: Belong, Connect, Float, and Reuse, establishing an ethical framework that prioritises inclusivity, adaptability, and the reuse of existing structures.Architectural technology is central to the proposal, exploring lightweight structural systems, photovoltaic shading, and bio-concrete habitat modules that support marine biodiversity. Through design-led research and tectonic exploration, the project investigates how infrastructure can operate across multiple scales, forming resilient relationships between city, water, and community.
