‘Sandskredsfaldstrappen – the natural path to Møns Klint’ is winner of the Møns Klint Staircase Concept Competition, organised by Naturstyrelsen (The Danish Nature Agency) and Realdania.
The competition aimed to develop a staircase concept that strengthens public access to and experience of Møns Klint, one of Denmark’s UNESCO World Heritage areas, while responding sensitively to its unique landscape and geological conditions.
“The evaluation committee is impressed by the proposal’s analytical approach, which identifies distinctive morphological and landscape characteristics across a larger stretch of the cliff. It is highly valued that the design of the path is based on knowledge-driven analyses addressing accessibility, geological stability and potential landslide conditions.” — From the Evaluation Committee Report
The existing geomorphological conditions of Møns Klint form the foundation of the concept, which is characterised by a strong respect for the landscape, a focus on user experience, and a coherent set of recurring design principles.
Based on extensive analysis of the site, MASU Planning, DIFK Dipl.-Ing. Florian Kosche AS, and GEO has developed a modular, adaptable, scalable and low-maintenance staircase system that provides a variety of visitors unique opportunities to experience Møns Klint according to their own preferences and inclinations — without necessarily having to descend all the way down to the beach.
The evaluation committee particularly highlights the proposal’s adaptability and broad accessibility:
“The proposal is especially distinguished by its valuable geomorphological analysis, which forms the basis for a landscape-sensitive design and a building system and solution that can be applied at many different locations along Møns Klint. The proposal is further recognised for its insightful analysis of user groups and its functional solutions, which makes Møns Klint accessible to a broad audience.”
Together with Naturstyrelsen and Realdania, the winning team will now further develop and refine the staircase concept before construction begins.
Read the press release from Naturstyrelsen (Text in Danish) →
Visualisation from the competition by MASU Planning. Adjustments will be made before finalisation.
“Based on extensive analyses of the site, we have developed a modular, flexible, scalable and easy-to-maintain staircase concept. The new staircase offers visitors unique opportunities to experience Møns Klint on their own terms, without necessarily having to go all the way down to the beach to enjoy this exceptional natural world heritage area,” says Malin Blomqvist, Partner at MASU Planning
Visualisation from the competition by MASU Planning. Adjustments will be made before finalisation.
MØNS KLINT STAIRCASE CONCEPT
WINNER TEAM
MASU Planning (Lead consultant and landscape architect)
DIFK Dipl.-Ing. Florian Kosche AS (Construction Engineering)
GEO (Geotechnical engineering)
CLIENT
Naturstyrelsen with economic support from Realdania
COMPETITON SECRETARY
Artelia