Under Ground, Over Town: Shelters and Landscapes in the Railway City

Our transformed security situation calls for architecture that mitigates the risks involved if Denmark ends up in a crisis. The project studies how it is possible to meet the need for protection and rethink the style of civil defence shelters at the same time. In so doing, the shelters can be ready when needed, but are available for use at any time by simultaneously considering other utilisation options.

The shelters are designed to serve as locally embedded cultural centres on a day-to-day basis. This flexible utilisation model reduces the risk of the shelters falling into disrepair and helps reinforce community cohesion at the same time.

To protect the facility, the project studies the possibilities of building downwards and also considers different utilisation options. Surplus soil can be used to create green embankments that cover the facility and also create small recreational oases. This enables the shelters of the future to be both socially and environmentally sustainable.