The architecture of the M3 line and Nordhavn
Stations reflect their surroundings
Wall cladding materials and platform coverings are new and different. New colours and materials give the M3 line stations a local identity, from the colourful Vesterbro district to the historic character of the M3 line's inner city. The idea is to bring elements from the city around the stations into the Metro. Passengers should be able to see where they are on their journey and be able to recognise their local neighbourhood - even underground.
Three red boarding mirrors
Copenhagen Central Station, Østerport and Nørrebro metro stations are all decorated in a warm red colour to signal to metro passengers that they can change to S-trains here.
More lifts and escalators
At M3 line stations, the number of lifts has been increased, so there are two lifts at each station. There are also escalators to ground level at the metro stations Aksel Møllers Have, Frederiksberg Allé, Frederiksberg and Nørrebro.
More light in the stations
A bright station space helps create a sense of security, which is why the focus has been on developing the lighting, among other things. This includes light panels under the escalators and at the handrails on the main stairs.
Whimsical origami ceilings
The ceilings in the M3 line metro stations are inspired by the Japanese folding art, origami. The white panels of the ceilings form different patterns on a small or large scale in each station and help to diffuse the light in the station.
Easy to find the bicycle cellars
In the M3 line, it has become easier to find the bicycle cellars. The access doors are made of glass and the bicycle sheds are painted in a bright orange colour, which is easy to spot when coming down the main or back stairs to the platform. There are bicycle cellars at the metro stations Rådhuspladsen, Marmorkirken, Trianglen, Poul Henningsens Plads, Skjolds Plads, Nørrebro, Nørrebros Runddel, Nuuks Plads, Aksel Møllers Have, Frederiksberg and Frederiksberg Allé.
Station squares on the M3 line
The M3 line station squares, which were built in connection with the construction of the stations, are designed with the existing M3 line neighbourhood in mind. In many places, they function as urban spaces where spending time in the square is planned as a natural part of the square's function and purpose.
Nordhavn - the start of the M4
In 2020, the M4 metro line opened, initially running between Orientkaj and Copenhagen Central Station. In 2024, the line was extended to Sydhavn and Valby with five new stations. You can read more about the architecture on that line here.
Design close to the M3 line
The metro stations in Nordhavn were built according to the same principles as the M3 line. Nordhavn has red wall panels like Copenhagen Central Station, Østerport and Nørrebro, and the station is also designed in the style of the M3 line's original ceilings.
New type of elevated railway station
Orientkaj is a new type of elevated station with longer distances between the supporting piles to create more space for activities under the metro station. The tracks run in two separate chutes to minimise the shadow cast by the metro system.