Gottlieb Paludan Architects is behind the restoration of a historic staircase entrance to Copenhagen Central Station. The reopening of the entrance facing Reventlowsgade will improve passenger flow and create more security in and around the station.

When Copenhagen Central Station was built in the early 20th century, it had two entrances from Reventlowsgade, giving access to separate arrival and departure halls. Since then, the functions of the hall have been unified, resulting in the closure of one of the entrances. With the opening of the M4 metro and an increased need for better flow and safety, DSB has now decided to reopen the old staircase access facing Vesterbro and Istedgade.

The project, which was carried out in close collaboration with the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces, included a reopening and renovation of the closed entrance and a meticulous reconstruction of the historic staircase. The old staircase was exposed and building parts were analysed by the Danish Technological Institute, which made it possible to recreate the original concrete mix and produce a number of special bricks that are no longer in production.

The reopened entrance is designed to meet contemporary safety and accessibility requirements and the staircase is equipped with steel leading edge markings with inlaid contrast markings and synthetic anti-slip protection. The stair railing is hand-forged, and its historical design has been recreated, but raised from the original railing to meet modern safety standards. The original floor design has also been recreated and updated with guidelines for better accessibility.

The project contributes to improved functionality and safety for travellers as well as the preservation of our architectural heritage.

The project was carried out in collaboration with Artelia as consulting engineers and Elindco as main contractors. The Danish Technological Institute has produced and delivered the specially designed concrete steps and Emil Nielsens Smedeværkted has produced and delivered step nosings and hand-forged handrails.