Architecture

LM Gateway: Two towers, two bridges, one crazy project

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Construction of the LM Gateway is expected to begin in late 2016 to early 2017
Steven Holl Architects
The unusual project comprises two towers joined by a like number of pedestrian bridges that will allow people to cross from one side of the Copenhagen Harbor to the other
Steven Holl Architects
Construction of the LM Gateway is expected to begin in late 2016 to early 2017
Steven Holl Architects
Both towers will feature sustainable design, including a solar screen made from photovoltaic panels and a seawater-based heating and cooling system
Steven Holl Architects
Aerial view render of the project
Steven Holl Architects
Architectural sketch of the project
Steven Holl Architects
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It looks, at first glance, like one of those projects – the kind that doesn't have a hope in hell of being built – but Steven Holl Architects' LM Gateway is finally going ahead after languishing on the drawing board since 2008. The unusual project comprises two mixed-use towers joined by a like number of bridges that will allow people to take a shortcut from one area of Copenhagen Harbor to the other.

LM Gateway was the winner of an architectural competition back in 2008, but was delayed until now due to the recession. Of the two towers, one is situated on Copenhagen Harbor's Langelinie pier, while the other lies on Marmormolen pier. The former will feature a prow-like public deck that points toward the sea, while the latter will sport a large terrace jutting in the direction of Copenhagen.

Both towers will feature sustainable design, including a solar screen made from photovoltaic panels, a seawater-based heating and cooling system, and a layout that ensures maximum ventilation and natural light. Wind turbines will also provide electricity. Clearly though, it's the novel bridges that makes LM Gateway stand out.

The unusual project comprises two towers joined by a like number of pedestrian bridges that will allow people to cross from one side of the Copenhagen Harbor to the other
Steven Holl Architects

"Each tower carries its own cable-stay bridge that is a public passageway between the two piers," explains the architect. "The competition brief required the 165 meter [541 ft] span to be bridged at a height of 65 meters [213 ft] over the water, allowing ships to pass through. Due to the site geometry, these bridges meet at an angle, joining like a handshake over the harbor."

Each tower will also feature a public elevator, so anyone wishing to cross from the Langelinie side to the Marmormolen side will simply take a ride up and cross the bridges. Local website Copenhagenize reports that the bridges will be open not just to pedestrians, but cyclists too.

Copenhagenize also notes that the bridges help the project meet local city policy. Copenhagen requires a maximum of 500 m (1,640 ft) distance between any residence to public transport facilities. Therefore, without the bridges, those on the Langelinie tower would have far too long a trek to get to the nearest train station. Practicality notwithstanding, Copenhagen is clearly willing to go to great lengths to provide easily-accessible public transport.

We've no word on budget, but construction is expected to begin in late 2016 to early 2017.

Source: Steven Holl Architects via Treehugger

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2 comments
Bob Flint
So why not be really adventuresome and have a clear bottom?
Assuming there is a slip joint between both arms, since buildings do move, and so would these arms swaying in the wind..
Freyr Gunnar
There's a much cheaper, simpler and more practical solution, as shown on Copenhagenize: Just use a transporter bridge.
http://www.copenhagenize.com/2015/11/new-elevated-cycle-track-in-copenhagen.html
High-tech isn't the answer to every problem.