By Laura Johanne Schou Carlsen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: The Research Project The Harbour City and the Divided Town Centres

The project, “The Harbour City and The Divided Town Centres”, explores how Danish harbour cities can be developed sustainably and holistically. Researchers and architects are joining forces to analyse and test new principles for urban development in harbour areas.

Historically, harbours and town centres have been closely connected in Denmark. However, with industrialisation and globalisation, many harbour functions have moved away from city centres, creating both physical and mental distance between city and harbour.

Today, many towns are seeking to restore this connection – but it requires careful consideration. The project will investigate how harbour areas can be developed in ways that do not compete with existing town centres but instead strengthen the city.

Collaboration Between Research and Practice

The project is characterised by close collaboration between researchers, architects, and municipal planners. Through analyses, citizen involvement, and site-specific masterplans, new methods and principles will be developed for use by municipalities across the country.

Aalborg University contributes researchers from the Centre for Mobilities and Urban Studies, while the architectural practice FLÅK leads the design and planning aspects. Together with five municipalities - Thisted, Skive, Aalborg, Kerteminde, and Vordingborg - the project will both map existing challenges and test new solutions in practice.

The project aims to develop new approaches to urban development, where research and local experience go hand in hand. The goal is to create tools that can support municipalities in the complex processes of harbour transformations. Ultimately, it is about shaping vibrant and cohesive harbour cities, where history is respected and the future is planned with care.