Cities can learn a lot from Copenhagen’s multimodal ways. But how about this inspiring piece of infrastructure from the Danish city: Instead of simply adding a frilly statue to mark its harbor’s entrance, this bridge incorporates housing and provides a stunning vista for tourists and residents alike.




Copenhagen Gate is designed by Steven Holl Architects, which won a competition to connect each side of the harbor. Two colorful spans, each oriented a different direction, are cantilevered 200 feet above the water “like a handshake,” the description says. The bridge is tall enough that cruise ships and other large boats can still sail beneath, and the towers themselves pack plenty of units for living and working into a small footprint.


Besides providing this killer view, the space between the towers doubles as a pedestrian walkway, providing faster transit connections for the outer edge of the harbor. And yes, bikes will be allowed—this is Copenhagen—but this isn’t technically a bike bridge. You can put your bike in an elevator, take it over the bridge, then use another elevator to get down on the other side. Which might be faster than simply riding all the way back around? Or maybe not. Still, you’ve got options.



While Copenhagen Gate is a high-density feat of engineering wonderment, let’s just meditate on the fact that it will be a spectacularly pretty gateway to the city. And it will be even prettier at night as the bright yellow and orange aluminum spans reflect on the water below like an arrow pointing out to sea.

I mean, look at this beauty:


The Copenhagen Gate will begin construction next year.

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