Six new metro stations that will connect a growing Copenhagen

Designed as an integral part of the overall metro system, the M5 line increases capacity and creates new transfer opportunities between M1, M2, M3 (Cityringen), M4 and Copenhagen Central Station. The line reinforces the metro’s role as the city’s primary connector by making everyday movement easier while giving the city room to grow. The first phase of M5 will consist of the five underground stations: Copenhagen Central Station, v/Bryggebroen, DR Byen, v/Amagerbrogade Syd, Lergravsparken, and one elevated station: v/Prags Boulevard Øst. The second phase is planned to consist of three elevated stations: v/ Refhaleøen, v/ Lynetteholm Syd and v/ Lynetteholm Nord.

The architectural vision builds on the strong legacy of the Copenhagen Metro while pushing it forward. Proven principles such as open, column-free stations, generous daylight and intuitive wayfinding are combined with new ambitions for carbon reduction and closer integration with the city. All stations share a coherent architectural language, ensuring a clear identity along the line, while allowing each station to respond to its specific urban context.

The coming six new stations are designed as more than transit points. They will function as integrated mobility hubs that connect seamlessly to the city above and contribute to active urban life at street level. A new skylight typology, spanning the full width of the platforms, brings daylight deep into the stations and strengthens the visual and spatial connection between underground spaces and the surrounding city.

Passenger experience has been a key parameter from the outset. Station layouts are developed using pedestrian flow analysis based on forecasts towards 2070, ensuring high levels of service even during peak hours. Clear sightlines, direct lift access and simple spatial organization support safe, intuitive movement for all users. The fully automated, driverless system further enhances reliability and ease of use.

Reducing CO₂ emissions is a central design driver for M5. The project targets a 50% reduction compared to previous metro lines through a “back to the bone” approach. Alignment has been optimized, station volumes are minimized, and unnecessary elements are removed. This combination reduce excavation and material use, lower operational energy demand and shorten passenger travel distances between street and platform.

Arkitema is part of the CAJV design team, working for Metroselskabet as an integrated architectural partner. The collaboration spans concept and reference design, architectural station design, landscape, CO₂ reduction strategies, wayfinding, and visualization. Through close co-creation with engineers and the client, the project aligns architectural quality, passenger experience and long-term sustainability.

Arkitema’s responsibilities in the CAJV include:

• Phase 2.1 Concept Design and Phase 2.2 Reference Design
• Architectural Station Design (Front and Back of House)
• Design Excellence
• Landscape Design
• Station Package leads
• Assistant Design manager.
• Design development of Architectural Finishes
• Design development of integrated high quality underground bike parking.
• Signage and wayfinding
• Input to disable panels coordination.
• Visualizations, VR and video.
• Physical models.
• BIM coordination, modeling and clash detections.