Sankt Hans Vest

Sankt Hans Vest is a new urban district west of Roskilde. The area was formerly part of the Sankt Hans psychiatric hospital and consists of a large park landscape with mature trees. It is surrounded by forest and meadows, and the existing buildings reflect several centuries of architectural history, with several of them listed as heritage buildings. In recent years, the area has been undergoing a transformation from a psychiatric hospital into an attractive residential neighbourhood with cultural institutions and businesses.

As part of this transformation, we have advised Roskilde Municipality on the development of a masterplan for the area. In addition, we have been responsible for the overall strategy and planning of parking and logistics in relation to its future role as a residential area, as well as the development and detailed design of the Sankt Hans Path—always with a strong focus on the site’s history and its landscape context.

The backbone of the transformation is the Sankt Hans Path, which forms a recreational connection between city, park, and nature. It provides access across the entire area—bridging boundaries, level differences, and functions—while linking new residential neighbourhoods, existing buildings, and the surrounding fjord landscape.

With respect for the site’s topography and habitat types, the path has been carefully adapted to the landscape, with great consideration for existing vegetation and the many mature trees. Along the route, a series of key points unfold, creating spaces for rest, movement, learning, and communication of the area’s rich history, inviting users to experience, understand, and engage with the landscape.

The project actively responds to existing plans, regulatory requirements, and local stakeholders, and has been developed with careful consideration for the area's heritage protections and sensitive natural values.

The first phase of the Sankt Hans Path was completed in autumn 2025.