Place: Roskilde, Denmark
Team: MASU Planning
Client: Municipality of Roskilde
Size: 5.000m2
Timeline: 1st prize in competition, 2024 / Construction ongoing
Hestetorvet & Algade
Our vision is to improve functionality, enhance the overall experience, and revitalize urban life in the city centre.
Over the past decade, Roskilde’s city centre has undergone significant development. To build on this progress, Roskilde Municipality is launching a comprehensive renewal project for the central thoroughfare of Algade and Hestetorvet, the arrival square at Roskilde Station.
A dignified entrance to Roskilde
Currently, neither Hestetorvet nor Algade fully meets the needs of residents, businesses, or visitors.
The aim of the project is to create a dignified entrance to Roskilde and a main street that balances modern functionality with climate adaptation, all while respecting and building on the city’s existing charm and potential.
From sloping square to green spaces
Hestetorvet serves as the arrival square for Roskilde Station and the upcoming S-train station. Currently, its sloping design poses challenges for outdoor dining and makes the square less suitable for markets and events.
Planned improvements for Hestetorvet include leveled outdoor dining areas and lush greenery that separates surrounding traffic while creating recreational spaces within the square. To minimize the climate footprint, as many existing materials as possible will be reused on both Hestetorvet and Algade.
An open and flexible area will be maintained near the cemetery, offering seating along the brick wall and accommodating various events.
Algade, a key thoroughfare in the city center, is due for renovation. The winning project transforms Algade from a disjointed corridor into an inviting urban space.
This will be achieved by adding greenery, outdoor furniture along the street, establishing a safer traffic hierarchy, and enhancing the identity of Algade’s three squares.