Klingenberg

The Klingenberg area is one of Odense's oldest and most central urban spaces. It consists of several streets and open spaces, including the city hall square, Flakhaven. The area is dominated by monumental and historical buildings like Odense City Hall and Skt. Knuds Kirke (Sct. Knud's Church). Since 1997 the local authorities have been working on improving the traffic conditions in the area while at the same time creating more room for pedestrians and activities in the new open spaces, e.g. Platanpladsen in front of Magasin's (department store) functionalist building. A new access ramp from Munkemøllestræde leads to the underground parking under Magasin. The covering of the access ramp is shaped like a sculptural flight of steps. Particular emphasis has been given to lighting in the area. Besides meeting the functional requirements, the lighting accentuates the shape and architecture of the space. In some places the lighting creates special atmospheres and effects, such as the three lamps by the French designer Philip Starck in front of Skt. Knuds Kirke; or spots, which can change colours on the flight of steps by the ramp to the underground parking.