“THE IMPACT” TO TRANSFORM ØRESTAD’S CULTURAL VENUES – INCLUDING FIELD’S AND ROYAL ARENA
"The Impact" project will strengthen Ørestad as a vibrant district and make the area around Field’s and Royal Arena even more attractive to residents and visitors alike. At Steen & Strøm, we're proud to help create an urban space that connects culture, shopping, and everyday life through the partnership in "Byens Scene".
Ørestad is home to some of the biggest cultural venues in the Nordics – DR Koncerthuset, Bella Arena, and Royal Arena – together attracting thousands of visitors every year. Now, these venues will be connected through “The Impact”, an ambitious new urban project blending art, architecture, and landscape design. The winning concept, created by American artist Doug Aitken and Danish architecture firm BIG, will transform the spaces around the venues into vibrant, experience-driven meeting places.
At Field’s and Royal Arena, the project highlights the Earth’s raw energy. A dramatic golden vein will break through the ground, accompanied by two golden sculptures – creating a powerful visual landmark in the area (please see above and below). At DR Koncerthuset, water will take center stage, with a rocky landscape surrounding the existing water basin, shifting between mist and fog. At Bella Arena, wild vegetation will grow through cracks in the ground, guiding visitors through the space.
Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG, describes The Impact as an urban Kintsugi –inspired by the Japanese art of mending with gold: “We are creating cracks where nature, culture, and light can break through, adding warmth and life to Ørestad’s modern surroundings.”
Kim Bohr, Director of DR Koncerthuset, adds: “This project ties together the venues in a shared vision, while also giving each site its own identity and unique appeal.”
Janek Gram, Center Manager at Field’s, emphasizes the importance of the collaboration: “Field’s is not just a retail destination – it’s a meeting place for the city. Through our partnership in “Byens Scene”, we are proud to help create an urban space that connects culture, shopping, and everyday life. This project will strengthen Ørestad as a vibrant district and make the area around Field’s and Royal Arena even more attractive to residents and visitors alike.”
About the partnership
The partnership behind Byens Scene includes Danmarks Radio, Bellagroup, Bellakvarter, Live Nation, By & Havn, Field’s/Steen & Strøm, Metroselskabet, and Ørestad Innovation City Copenhagen (ØICC). The competition is financed by By & Havn, the City of Copenhagen, and DR, with philanthropic support from Realdania. Creator Projects serves as an artistic advisor to the partnership.
