How a small Danish town became a symbol of new sustainable urban development

Mathias Nordby Urban Studio.

This article is written based on the podcast series "Nordens Bæredygtige byer" (Nordic Sustainable Cities), in which urban planner Mathias Nordby travels around and investigates Nordic trends in sustainable urban development.

Aabenraa, a small town in Denmark, has become a model of sustainable urban development by taking a different approach than many other towns. Instead of building large shopping centers outside of the city center, Aabenraa has focused on revitalizing its existing downtown area. This has not only helped combat the problem of declining retail sales but has also laid the foundation for a more sustainable and livable community.

In this article, we will explore Aabenraa's journey towards sustainable urban development and how it has become a role model for other small towns facing similar challenges.

Aabenraa from above. Photo: Aabenraa Kommune

Aabenraa's Development Plan

Aabenraa's development plan, "Fremtidens Aabenraa," outlines the town's vision for sustainable urban development from 2014 to 2035. The plan includes a long-term strategy for how the town will develop, including specific goals and initiatives for the future. This strategy is a collaborative effort between the town's government and its citizens, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the town's future.

The focus of the plan is on three main areas: the development of the city center, the development of the campus, and connecting the town across the different neighborhoods. In this article, we will focus on the city center's development, where Aabenraa has achieved remarkable success.

Challenges Aabenraa Faced

About a decade ago, Aabenraa faced a significant challenge as many small towns and cities do, the decline of retail sales. The city's downtown area was losing businesses, and buildings were in disrepair, leading to an overall decline in the area's attractiveness for both residents and visitors.

At that time, Aabenraa had three options. It could have followed the common approach of building large shopping centers outside of the city center. It could have done nothing and let the downtown area continue to decline. Or, it could have taken a unique approach to revitalizing the downtown area, which is precisely what the town chose to do.

Revitalizing the City Center

Instead of building new shopping centers, Aabenraa decided to invest in revitalizing the existing downtown area. The town's leaders focused on making the area more attractive to both residents and visitors by creating an exciting and vibrant environment.

One of the ways they achieved this was by incorporating art installations into the city center. One example is a provocative art installation of a fish fillet, which attracts visitors' attention and creates a conversation about the town's unique character.

The town also worked to make the city center more pedestrian-friendly. They reduced car traffic, created more space for outdoor dining and recreation, and added bike lanes. By making the city center more accessible, Aabenraa has encouraged residents to walk, bike, and use public transportation instead of driving, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

The town's leaders also focused on promoting local businesses. They worked with existing businesses to make the downtown area more attractive and helped entrepreneurs start new businesses. By promoting local businesses, Aabenraa has not only helped the town's economy but also helped create a unique and authentic environment.

The Result: A Model for Sustainable Urban Development

Thanks to Aabenraa's unique approach to sustainable urban development, the town has become a model for other small towns and cities facing similar challenges. Aabenraa's revitalized downtown area has become a destination for both residents and visitors, with vibrant shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

The town's success is not only measured by the increase in retail sales but also by the creation of a more sustainable and livable community. Aabenraa has reduced car traffic, air pollution, and created a more walkable and bikeable community, making it more attractive to residents and visitors

Listen to the Danish podcast series "Nordens Bæredygtige byer" (Nordic Sustainable Cities), here: