C ASE STUDY : N ORDHAVN

On this research, there is a single case study approach. The research decision is made due to the intention of gaining an in-depth understanding of the practices in the case study and the evaluation methodology this indicator’s set proposes. The trade-off of a single case in-depth analysis is that it eliminates the possibility to compare projects and learn about patterns. The intend of the case study evaluation is to learn about the tool usability and not to compare to Urban Districts. Therefore, a single case study approach is the best fit for it.

Urban District Definition

Liveability in cities is determined by all scales, from the individual building design to the neighbourhood elements, to the city systems. For this research, the urban district definition for the tool usability and case study evaluation is considered as follows:

Urban Districts – urban area, neighbourhood, city block with mixed-use that includes open public space. The scale city block is also contemplated as part of this definition, even when not necessarily incorporating mixed-use but when in relation to an existing built environment that complement these functions.

28 Case study selection

To select the case study, the following qualities were considered. A projects size between 2 and 400 ha (DK-GBC-1, 2015) that has a strong urban sustainability approach or that has been developed to pursue a certification scheme. The project is either new development or renovation within an urban grid, but with at least 1 year of being completed if first phase of development.

Liveability in practice: Nordhavn

As described earlier, this section explores one local case study to learn which are the local practices for liveability. The objective is to understand which are the key liveability values for project developers, planners and designers; and how is liveability planned and transformed into physical assets in the urban scale interventions.

FIGURE 3 – NORDHAVN: FROM INDUSTRY TO LIVEABLE CITY TAKEN FROM COBE.DK

Nordhavn is known as “the largest metropolitan development project in northern Europe” (COBE, 2019). It is selected as a case study in the analysis phase due to its great sustainable approach in city planning, its smart city solutions, its great people-centric design and its intent to pursue the DGNB Urban areas certification. Industrial harbour activities occupied the project area since the mid-1800s.

The area is now repurposed as a sustainable urban district. The masterplan is expected to be developed within the next 40-50 years. The plan comprehends a land area of 360 ha grouped into islets which also represent the development stages of the neighbourhoods with their respective identities. The project has developed its first phase, on which there is a current population of 2,500 inhabitants. The general strategy is designed by COBE Architecture, planning and design firm. COBE won the Nordhavn competition in 2009 and designed 1) The structure plan, which is the concept of islets creating districts connected by the ‘green-loop’ – green mobility corridor and canals, and 2) the masterplan for the starting stage of development, which comprehends Traelastholm, Sundmolen and Levantkaj Vest. The project pursues DGNB Certification to align the overall sustainable approach along with the project development. (Boserup, 2020). Nordhavn will pursue the DGNB Platinum Certification on the urban districts and buildings scheme and has currently received the Urban District

29 pre-certification for a 26.2 ha, the Traelastholm, Sundmolen and Levantkaj Vest districts. (DK-GBC-4, 2020). Among the five qualities that the certification scheme evaluates, the Socio-functional quality was the second highest, with 85,7 points. (DGNB, 2020). The following table summarizes the liveability concepts of the project, as explained by the stakeholders mentioned below.

TABLE 6 –NORDHAVN LIVEABILITY CONCEPTS IN PRACTICE Research &

Interview

Cobe Energy Lab By & Havn

Rune Boserup Project Director To know about the plan and design practice of liveability and

Outcome: Liveability concepts status

On site measurements Community management

In practice *Protection against flooding

*Employment possibilities

*Mobility

*On site all energy infrastructures measurements (i.e.

electricity, thermal, transport), Low energy buildings, and additional relevant data as for example weather data.

*Central energy system Not

intended

*Security against crime

*Affordable housing

Nordhavn has developed strategies in all the three pillars of sustainability and aims for a people-centric design. It is after the first stage of development that many positive changes are arising for the masterplan. Through neighbouring meetings, the planning and design firms are now incorporating into the design practices more values for liveability; for example, more green spaces. The project area also has on-site measurement at the district scale. These measurements are related to the energy system in the project and the overall smart technologies implemented. After analysing the applicability of the seven liveability concepts, three have a direct implementation on the first project phase, 2 are to be incorporated in future stages of development due to users demands, and 2 are not considered. Detailed information about Nordhavn’s project description, the interviews conducted and the additional data gathered is included in the appendix section (See page 105). A detailed

30 summary of current strategies for the post-occupancy evaluations the project has are included in the Appendix section page 105.