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Loop CityLOOP City is a master plan for the suburbs of Copenhagen, Denmark centered around an expansive new<a href="http://inhabitat.com/china-develops-first-fuel-cell-light-rail-locomotive/"> light rail system</a> that instead of just being a way for people to get around, will actually act as a catalyst to develop the surrounding communities. Conceived by<a href="http://inhabitat.com/big-unveil-massive-mobius-strip-library-for-kazakhstan/"> BIG Architects</a>, the transportation loop will feature an undulating rail line with peaks at each station. In addition to acting as "an artery of true urbanity, pumping life into the heart of the suburbs," the project will also incorporate strategies for energy efficiency, waste management, and water treatment.1
Loop CityAt the moment, the industrial zones of Copenhagen's suburbs are next in line for urban development.2
Loop City<a href="http://inhabitat.com/hill-house-by-bjarke-ingels-is-a-house-under-a-garden/">BIG</a>'s vision calls for a new light rail loop that will connect the 20 development zones within a total area of 11km2.3
Loop CityInstead of just providing transportation for the area, the loop will harbor development for the cross border region, allowing different programs to grow around the new stations.4
Loop City”At certain points the rail becomes a building itself almost like a Roman aqueduct passing through the suburbs," says BIG of the project. "At other points it forms small pockets of urbanity around the stations.”5
Loop CityIn addition to connecting the areas around the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98resund">Øresund</a> Strait, Loop City would serve as a sustainable spine, implementing not just emission-reducing <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/transportation/">public transport</a>, but also energy exchange, waste management, water treatment and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=electric+car">electric car</a> infrastructure.6
Loop CityAnd BIG's plan goes much further than just hashing out the details of the metro loop itself. It also defines the new development areas, with specific zones such as the Food Strip, the Industrial Leisure Park, the River Delta and the Urban Pocket.7
Loop CityThe Sports Acropolis.8
Loop CityThe Health Center.9
Loop CityEducation City.10
Loop CityThe Shopping Hub.11
Loop CityThe Energy Park.12
