Third Nature: Copenhagen's climate district pioneer expands green urban projects

Founded in 2012, the Danish architecture firm Third Nature has reimagined Copenhagen’s Skt. Kjelds district, establishing Denmark's inaugural climate district, covering 100 hectares that have remained flood-free. In an interview with Abitare, founder Ole Schrøder and CEO Malene Krüger shared insights into their methodology. Notable initiatives include five streets redesigned to favor pedestrians and cyclists, the Climate Tile for managing rainwater, Adaptation Park for water retention, and Resiliency Island, a 60-hectare area designed for sea level defense. Additionally, they developed Habitat 25, an urban farm producing nutrients equivalent to 100 times that of traditional cattle farming. The firm advocates for systemic urban planning and community involvement, criticizing car-dominated designs. They are also repurposing the Verket wastewater treatment facility in Ulricehamn into a hospitality venue, set to open in October 2025.