Islevbrovej and Islev Square

Islevbrovej has been given a new street profile that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists, marked by a one-kilometre-long red pavement line running from Vestvolden to Ringvejen. At Islev Square—together with the Butikstorvet, the most urban space in Islev—the character of the square has been enhanced through the use of refined materials, the creation of simple, comfortable settings for public life, and a design that encourages the attraction of new retail activity.

In September 2013, the Rødovre Municipal Council approved the Masterplan for Islev, developed in collaboration with Sleth Architects and Rødovre Municipality. Since then, LYTT, in partnership with Artelia, has been responsible for the design development and execution of the entire one-kilometre stretch.

A key ambition was to create a distinctive “identity line” from Vestvolden along Islevbrovej and Slotherrensvej to the future light rail station at Ringvejen. The aim was to make the route more appealing with new urban spaces and a defining row of trees.

The new Butikstorvet is restrained in its architecture: a broad, unified surface of brick pavers stretches like a generous carpet toward the parking areas behind, elevating the buildings as if they stand upon a fine, grey brick tapestry. The one-way traffic flow through the square allows the horizontal paving to be punctuated by a series of sculptural highlights and low walls. These simple interventions guide traffic through the space while giving the square a renewed sense of identity.

For the project, a bespoke brick paver was developed with a profile that traces the emblem of Rødovre. Appropriately, the paver is red, refering to the name 'Rødovre'. Rød translates into 'Red' in Danish.