Copenhagen Airport has just announced a historic expansion project worth DKK 4 billion, aimed at accommodating up to 40 million passengers annually. The proposal, designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects in collaboration with Zeso Architects, focuses on nature, daylight, and urban life. The project will be carried out by a team that also includes COWI and Aarsleff, the latter as turnkey contractor.

Nature, the city, and daylight are central elements in the proposal for the new 80,000 m² airport expansion, which, with a budget of around DKK 4 billion, will be one of Denmark’s largest construction projects. At the same time, the new space will be both spectacular and simple, with strong references to Denmark and the Nordic region.

“Copenhagen Airport is one of the most well-known public buildings we have, and most people have a connection to it that goes far beyond its function. The new building will have a clear and easily recognisable identity and will serve as a showcase for the best Denmark has to offer. The vision is a world-class terminal that brings nature, the city, and light indoors, where everything is within easy reach,” says Thomas Scheel, partner at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, who, together with Zeso Architects, designed the proposal.

The terminal, which will handle up to 40 million passengers, will be united under a flowing ceiling that filters diffuse daylight into the large space, referencing the clouds. Skylights and green gardens punctuate the “clouds” through the transparent ceiling surface. During the day, both diffuse and direct daylight will fill the space, and at night the ceiling will become a unifying surface reflecting the starry sky.

Three open, green light wells run through all floors, illuminating the new baggage reclaim area.

Everything within reach in a calm and characterful space

Architecturally, the airport is characterised by distinctive floors and ceilings. The expansion naturally unites the existing architectural expressions in Copenhagen Airport, creating a well-functioning, calm, and characterful space with everything within reach.

The heart of the terminal will be an open, bright square with a large garden, giving passengers a quick overview and a beautiful view of the runways through the 270-metre-long window façade. From the square, a main flow with shops will run, and along the façade there will be a market hall atmosphere with restaurants, food stalls, and shops. The three green light wells will serve as landmarks and meeting places, offering glimpses of the other floors.

A hanging, column-free deck will divide the space into two independent levels and continue the architecture from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, ensuring that the expansion becomes a natural and integrated part of CPH.

“The proposal is based on a coherent architectural concept that breaks the giant space down into smaller areas of intimacy and calm, giving attention to every part,” says Thomas Scheel, partner at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects.

From a technical perspective, the proposal showcases an operationally efficient and modular system with clear construction principles, logical placement of critical functions, and potential for future expansion. There is a focus on the well-being of all users, sustainability, and efficient building operations. The project will be carried out by a team consisting of Aarsleff, Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, Zeso Architects, and COWI.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2023, with the second phase in 2028.