Thyborøn 2.0 – The Maritime Power
Thyborøn 2.0-The Maritime Power-The Urban Life Connection + The Recreational Storm Surge Protection
The Maritime Power transforms Thyborøn into a more beautiful, more cohesive, and climate-resilient coastal town.
The project connects the harbor, town, cultural heritage, and nature through new urban spaces, nature-based and sustainable solutions, more accessible pathways, storm surge protection, and recreational areas – all created in close collaboration with residents, businesses, and tourism stakeholders.
The project connects the harbor, town, cultural heritage, and nature through new urban spaces, nature-based and sustainable solutions, more accessible pathways, storm surge protection, and recreational areas – all created in close collaboration with residents, businesses, and tourism stakeholders.
Denmark
Jernbanegade 10B, 7680 Thyborøn
Kystcentervej 51, 7680 Thyborøn
Kystcentervej 1, 7680 Thyborøn
Jernbanegade 10B, 7680 Thyborøn
De røde Huse 2, 7680 Thyborøn
Vesterhavsgade 16, 7680 Thyborøn
Jernbanegade 10B, 7680 Thyborøn
Bredgade 27B, 7680 Thyborøn
Havnegade 13A, 7680 Thyborøn
Kystcentervej – matr. nr 7000a, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Bredgade - matr. nr 7000ad, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Vesterhavsgade - matr. nr 7000ac, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Harboørevej - matr. nr 7000ac, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Kystcentervej 51, 7680 Thyborøn
Kystcentervej 1, 7680 Thyborøn
Jernbanegade 10B, 7680 Thyborøn
De røde Huse 2, 7680 Thyborøn
Vesterhavsgade 16, 7680 Thyborøn
Jernbanegade 10B, 7680 Thyborøn
Bredgade 27B, 7680 Thyborøn
Havnegade 13A, 7680 Thyborøn
Kystcentervej – matr. nr 7000a, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Bredgade - matr. nr 7000ad, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Vesterhavsgade - matr. nr 7000ac, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Harboørevej - matr. nr 7000ac, Thyborøn by, Thyborøn
Prototype level
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund
ERDF:
Programme: 2021DK16RFPR001
Priority: 3 Turismeinfrastruktur
Specific Objective: Udvikling af turismeområder
Operation ID: RF-23-0048
2023
and:
Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse (Decentrale midler)
Realdania (Filantropisk forening)
Fonden Thyborøn
Lemvig Kommune
Programme: 2021DK16RFPR001
Priority: 3 Turismeinfrastruktur
Specific Objective: Udvikling af turismeområder
Operation ID: RF-23-0048
2023
and:
Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse (Decentrale midler)
Realdania (Filantropisk forening)
Fonden Thyborøn
Lemvig Kommune
No
665: Lemvig (DK)
Sustainability, Beauty, Co Creation and a Strong Sense of Place
Thyborøn 2.0 – The Maritime Power is a holistic urban and landscape project owned by Fonden Thyborøn and Lemvig Municipality. Through a consistent participant based approach, the project strengthens local community and supports the sustainable development of Thyborøn as a coastal town where natural forces, industry, tourism and everyday life coexist and shape a distinct identity. The project promotes sustainability through climate adaptation and nature based solutions, and beauty through place specific, experience rich public spaces. Its goal is to create a resilient and attractive coastal town linking harbour, town, cultural environments and coastline for the benefit of residents, visitors and businesses.
Target Groups and Co Creation
Target groups include residents, visitors, employees and local businesses. The project has been developed through broad co creation involving citizens, associations, the tourism sector, cultural actors, the harbour and other stakeholders—ranging from the Strategic Physical Development Plan (2020) through the Masterplan (2023) and into implementation. This ensures real user influence and solutions rooted in local needs and identity in a town where sea, industry and tourism are tightly connected.
Specific Objectives
– Integrated storm surge protection that strengthens urban life
– Attractive public and recreational spaces
– Improved path networks, wayfinding and future proof parking
– Activation of cultural heritage at The Red Houses and a new use for The Red Fish Auction Hall
Expected Results
A more beautiful, climate prepared and well connected coastal town, where nature, everyday life, industry and tourism are strengthened year round through sustainable, co created and experience rich solutions rooted in Thyborøn’s unique identity.
Thyborøn 2.0 – The Maritime Power is a holistic urban and landscape project owned by Fonden Thyborøn and Lemvig Municipality. Through a consistent participant based approach, the project strengthens local community and supports the sustainable development of Thyborøn as a coastal town where natural forces, industry, tourism and everyday life coexist and shape a distinct identity. The project promotes sustainability through climate adaptation and nature based solutions, and beauty through place specific, experience rich public spaces. Its goal is to create a resilient and attractive coastal town linking harbour, town, cultural environments and coastline for the benefit of residents, visitors and businesses.
Target Groups and Co Creation
Target groups include residents, visitors, employees and local businesses. The project has been developed through broad co creation involving citizens, associations, the tourism sector, cultural actors, the harbour and other stakeholders—ranging from the Strategic Physical Development Plan (2020) through the Masterplan (2023) and into implementation. This ensures real user influence and solutions rooted in local needs and identity in a town where sea, industry and tourism are tightly connected.
Specific Objectives
– Integrated storm surge protection that strengthens urban life
– Attractive public and recreational spaces
– Improved path networks, wayfinding and future proof parking
– Activation of cultural heritage at The Red Houses and a new use for The Red Fish Auction Hall
Expected Results
A more beautiful, climate prepared and well connected coastal town, where nature, everyday life, industry and tourism are strengthened year round through sustainable, co created and experience rich solutions rooted in Thyborøn’s unique identity.
Co creation
Sustainability
Beautification
Identity
Climate-adaptation
The project’s sustainability strategy is built on climate resilient design, nature enhancement and reduced resource use as key principles for Thyborøn’s sustainable development. The ambition is a coastal town that can withstand climate change while strengthening local nature through robust, low impact design.
Climate adaptation as added value
Storm surge protection is integrated into harbour buildings and recreational structures so climate adaptation supports daily life, safety and urban quality rather than appearing as a technical barrier. Nature based measures—native species, climate resilient planting, local rainwater infiltration and ecological links—boost biodiversity and reduce maintenance.
Resource efficient and circular use of materials
The project reduces its climate footprint by reusing existing pavements and layers, avoiding asphalt where possible, and using low CO₂ natural materials such as mussel shells, brick, stone and non tropical timber. Materials are chosen for long lifespan, reparability and recyclability, keeping resources in circulation. Furnishings allow individual parts to be replaced. Concrete is used only where necessary for safety and durability (exsample: storm surge protection), with future recycling potential.
Sustainable mobility
Coherent paths, good access and clear links make walking and cycling the easiest and most climate friendly way to move between town, harbour, beach and cultural environments.
A scalable model for green transition
The project shows how climate adaptation, circular resource use and nature enhancement can be combined in practice: reused structures, robust construction, strengthened local nature and place based design form scalable solutions that can inspire other coastal towns aiming to become greener, more resilient and more vibrant.
Climate adaptation as added value
Storm surge protection is integrated into harbour buildings and recreational structures so climate adaptation supports daily life, safety and urban quality rather than appearing as a technical barrier. Nature based measures—native species, climate resilient planting, local rainwater infiltration and ecological links—boost biodiversity and reduce maintenance.
Resource efficient and circular use of materials
The project reduces its climate footprint by reusing existing pavements and layers, avoiding asphalt where possible, and using low CO₂ natural materials such as mussel shells, brick, stone and non tropical timber. Materials are chosen for long lifespan, reparability and recyclability, keeping resources in circulation. Furnishings allow individual parts to be replaced. Concrete is used only where necessary for safety and durability (exsample: storm surge protection), with future recycling potential.
Sustainable mobility
Coherent paths, good access and clear links make walking and cycling the easiest and most climate friendly way to move between town, harbour, beach and cultural environments.
A scalable model for green transition
The project shows how climate adaptation, circular resource use and nature enhancement can be combined in practice: reused structures, robust construction, strengthened local nature and place based design form scalable solutions that can inspire other coastal towns aiming to become greener, more resilient and more vibrant.
Aesthetics, Beauty and Quality of Experience
Beauty and enhancement are central aims of the project, understood as visual expression, sensory experience, accessibility and well being. Thyborøn 2.0 – The Maritime Power creates coherent, identity shaping public spaces where cultural heritage, nature and everyday life come together in strong, integrated experiences.
Materials, planting and spatial design activate the senses and create sequences from sheltered seating areas to viewpoints connecting town, beach and harbour. The project draws on Thyborøn’s coastal culture and dune landscape. Dune motifs, stone, resilient planting and the historic Red Houses - build by the Coastal Authority 1930–45 – today home to Sea War Museum Jutland, UNESCO Global Geopark West Jutland, restaurants and shops – play a central role. In Phase 1, the former working street between the barracks was reinterpreted into new recreational spaces that invite stay and social interaction.
Framed views towards the harbour emphasise the interplay between nature and urban life, offering strong sensory impressions year round. Wayfinding and spatial coherence are strengthened through paths in natural materials and planting that guide users intuitively.
In Phases 2 and 3, these aesthetic principles continue, creating visual and material consistency across the area. The harbour is developed with new seating and activity spaces, and the historic Red Fish Auction Hall (build 1928) receives a strengthened façade so it can become part of future storm surge protection—integrating heritage as an active element of a safe and inviting waterfront.
The project shows how climate adaptation, functionality and place specific aesthetics can advance together, allowing enhancement, heritage and everyday experiences to support one another. It demonstrates how coastal towns can strengthen identity, atmosphere and quality of life through thoughtful design, cultural anchoring and inviting public spaces.
Beauty and enhancement are central aims of the project, understood as visual expression, sensory experience, accessibility and well being. Thyborøn 2.0 – The Maritime Power creates coherent, identity shaping public spaces where cultural heritage, nature and everyday life come together in strong, integrated experiences.
Materials, planting and spatial design activate the senses and create sequences from sheltered seating areas to viewpoints connecting town, beach and harbour. The project draws on Thyborøn’s coastal culture and dune landscape. Dune motifs, stone, resilient planting and the historic Red Houses - build by the Coastal Authority 1930–45 – today home to Sea War Museum Jutland, UNESCO Global Geopark West Jutland, restaurants and shops – play a central role. In Phase 1, the former working street between the barracks was reinterpreted into new recreational spaces that invite stay and social interaction.
Framed views towards the harbour emphasise the interplay between nature and urban life, offering strong sensory impressions year round. Wayfinding and spatial coherence are strengthened through paths in natural materials and planting that guide users intuitively.
In Phases 2 and 3, these aesthetic principles continue, creating visual and material consistency across the area. The harbour is developed with new seating and activity spaces, and the historic Red Fish Auction Hall (build 1928) receives a strengthened façade so it can become part of future storm surge protection—integrating heritage as an active element of a safe and inviting waterfront.
The project shows how climate adaptation, functionality and place specific aesthetics can advance together, allowing enhancement, heritage and everyday experiences to support one another. It demonstrates how coastal towns can strengthen identity, atmosphere and quality of life through thoughtful design, cultural anchoring and inviting public spaces.
The project’s central inclusion goal is to create a public urban and coastal area where everyone can move safely and freely. Inclusion here covers physical access, economic access, and a user driven approach to design.
Citizen input has directly shaped the physical solutions.
A test section with different paving types was tested by users with disabilities, who approved both the material and the width of the hard surface path. The mussel shell surface proved firm enough for wheelchair users, and the natural guiding lines (surface variations) were likewise approved for their clarity and intuitive orientation. Insights from older citizens led to the decision to install support ropes/handrails on the nature trails towards the sea, allowing more people to experience the coastal landscape. Several users also pointed out the need for places to sit without having to buy anything, which resulted in benches along paths and seating zones on the harbour.
Social and economic accessibility is supported through free, public seating areas and wind sheltered furniture that everyone can use. The area around The Red Houses is freely accessible, enabling people to experience the cultural heritage without payment. The harbour area will function as an open gathering place, strengthening community and urban life.
Inclusive governance is ensured through a co creative process in which citizens, tourism actors, cultural institutions and the harbour have real influence on the project’s form and concrete design choices. Users’ knowledge of routes, needs and barrier points has directly shaped the solutions.
Overall, the project demonstrates how design for all principles, user tested solutions and economically open public spaces can create an inclusive coastal area where more people gain access to nature, cultural heritage and urban life. It stands as a model for other coastal towns seeking to combine climate adaptation with community and social sustainability.
Citizen input has directly shaped the physical solutions.
A test section with different paving types was tested by users with disabilities, who approved both the material and the width of the hard surface path. The mussel shell surface proved firm enough for wheelchair users, and the natural guiding lines (surface variations) were likewise approved for their clarity and intuitive orientation. Insights from older citizens led to the decision to install support ropes/handrails on the nature trails towards the sea, allowing more people to experience the coastal landscape. Several users also pointed out the need for places to sit without having to buy anything, which resulted in benches along paths and seating zones on the harbour.
Social and economic accessibility is supported through free, public seating areas and wind sheltered furniture that everyone can use. The area around The Red Houses is freely accessible, enabling people to experience the cultural heritage without payment. The harbour area will function as an open gathering place, strengthening community and urban life.
Inclusive governance is ensured through a co creative process in which citizens, tourism actors, cultural institutions and the harbour have real influence on the project’s form and concrete design choices. Users’ knowledge of routes, needs and barrier points has directly shaped the solutions.
Overall, the project demonstrates how design for all principles, user tested solutions and economically open public spaces can create an inclusive coastal area where more people gain access to nature, cultural heritage and urban life. It stands as a model for other coastal towns seeking to combine climate adaptation with community and social sustainability.
Involvement of neighbours and daily users has been fundamental to Thyborøn 2.0 – The Maritime Power. The process began with the Strategic Physical Development Plan (2020), where local input shaped the direction. Since 2023, around 110 meetings have been held with citizen groups, affected neighbours and other stakeholders, supported by open house events, guided walks, website updates, direct mail, Facebook posts, on site information boards and press coverage. Subprojects were presented along the way, and feedback was systematically carried into the next phases.
Roles & degrees of involvement
• Citizens/neighbours: knowledge of routes, barriers, safety and comfort
• Associations/civil society: shared needs and local perspectives
• LTHT (trade & tourism association): insights on tourism and retail
• Harbour: operational and safety requirements
Input that changed the design (cause → effect)
• Traffic safety: request for a missing sidewalk → sidewalk added
• Neighbour impact: planned path too close to property → path removed
• Neighbour considerations: planned storage building would disturb a property → function relocated
• Harbour operations: need for vehicle passage → concrete ramp integrated
• Accessibility & materials: test field with disabled users → approved width, mussel shell surfacing and natural guiding lines
• Older users: need for support on nature trails → handrails added
• Economic access: desire for seating without purchase obligation → benches added along paths and harbour zones
Why this matters?
1. Solutions tested against real use and operations
2. Greater legitimacy as citizens see their influence
3. Stronger community through ownership and trust
Consistent co creation - from planning to delivery - has transformed local knowledge about routes, needs and barriers into durable, inclusive public spaces that reflect Thyborøn’s identity and everyday life, offering a practical model for other coastal towns.
Roles & degrees of involvement
• Citizens/neighbours: knowledge of routes, barriers, safety and comfort
• Associations/civil society: shared needs and local perspectives
• LTHT (trade & tourism association): insights on tourism and retail
• Harbour: operational and safety requirements
Input that changed the design (cause → effect)
• Traffic safety: request for a missing sidewalk → sidewalk added
• Neighbour impact: planned path too close to property → path removed
• Neighbour considerations: planned storage building would disturb a property → function relocated
• Harbour operations: need for vehicle passage → concrete ramp integrated
• Accessibility & materials: test field with disabled users → approved width, mussel shell surfacing and natural guiding lines
• Older users: need for support on nature trails → handrails added
• Economic access: desire for seating without purchase obligation → benches added along paths and harbour zones
Why this matters?
1. Solutions tested against real use and operations
2. Greater legitimacy as citizens see their influence
3. Stronger community through ownership and trust
Consistent co creation - from planning to delivery - has transformed local knowledge about routes, needs and barriers into durable, inclusive public spaces that reflect Thyborøn’s identity and everyday life, offering a practical model for other coastal towns.
Local: Lemvig Municipality and Fonden Thyborøn lead planning, dialogue based decisions, implementation and co financing. The project builds on broad involvement from the Strategic Physical Development Plan for Thorsminde-Thyborøn (workshops/dialogue meetings), where input from tourism and cultural actors, associations, retail and businesses has been continuously discussed and integrated to ensure broad representation, clear frameworks and strong local ownership.
Regional: Dialogue with VisitNordvestkysten adds tourism data, audience insights and regional potentials - raising content quality and the visitor experience.
National: The project is anchored in the Strategic Physical Plan, linking to national goals for climate adaptation, coastal development, cultural heritage and turism. Realdania and the Danish Board of Business Development (decentralised funds) have, through financing, lifted ambition and enabled transformation.
European: The EU Regional Fund provides financial weight and alignment with European goals for the green transition and climate resilience, positioning the project as a model for coastal towns uniting climate adaptation, heritage and social inclusion.
Added value:
• Core = local ownership - crucial for durable, widely accepted solutions.
• Recommendation: Involve all stakeholder layers from the outset (citizens, business, culture, operations, tourism, associations) to boost quality and legitimacy.
• Cross level effect: Local actors ensure relevance and a place specific foundation; regional partners add expertise; national frameworks give direction and robustness; European support lifts the project into a broader resilience and sustainability movement.
Conclusion: Cross level collaboration makes the project more legitimate, long term and transformative - showing how partnerships can shape a coastal town that is resilient, inclusive and true to its identity.
Regional: Dialogue with VisitNordvestkysten adds tourism data, audience insights and regional potentials - raising content quality and the visitor experience.
National: The project is anchored in the Strategic Physical Plan, linking to national goals for climate adaptation, coastal development, cultural heritage and turism. Realdania and the Danish Board of Business Development (decentralised funds) have, through financing, lifted ambition and enabled transformation.
European: The EU Regional Fund provides financial weight and alignment with European goals for the green transition and climate resilience, positioning the project as a model for coastal towns uniting climate adaptation, heritage and social inclusion.
Added value:
• Core = local ownership - crucial for durable, widely accepted solutions.
• Recommendation: Involve all stakeholder layers from the outset (citizens, business, culture, operations, tourism, associations) to boost quality and legitimacy.
• Cross level effect: Local actors ensure relevance and a place specific foundation; regional partners add expertise; national frameworks give direction and robustness; European support lifts the project into a broader resilience and sustainability movement.
Conclusion: Cross level collaboration makes the project more legitimate, long term and transformative - showing how partnerships can shape a coastal town that is resilient, inclusive and true to its identity.
Design and Implementation.
Design and delivery of Thyborøn 2.0–The Maritime Power are grounded in close,cross disciplinary collaboration. A core team (engineer, architect, project manager,operations lead) aligns vision, construction,project management and daily operations to secure solutions that are ambitious, robust and practical in a harsh coastal environment.
Disciplines & Interaction
• Landscape architect+engineer: joint workflows for spatial design,materials,drainage and detailing.
• Lemvig Municipality (Nature, Roads & Parks): input on planting,biodiversity,maintenance levels,operations and accessibility; ongoing reviews ensure durability and economic feasibility.
• Lemvig Vand: data on high groundwater and existing networks guide infiltration,pavement build ups, stormwater handling and storm surge detailing.
• Landowners: transitions between public/private areas clarified and integrated into drawings and tender documents.
• Lemvig Museum+Local History Archive: cultural history of the harbour, coastal protection and key buildings (Red Houses, Red Fish Auction Hall) informs the public realm design.
Ways of Working
Joint meetings,hearings and site inspections, combined with co creation through short design sprints with quick prototypes (e.g., parking demarcation, material and paving tests) and decision notes that link inputs from nature, operations, water and cultural history directly to solutions and tendering.
Added Value
• Aesthetics + technology in balance: solutions that both function and enrich the experience.
• Operations embedded from the start: longer lifespan, fewer mis investments, lower O&M costs.
• Heritage as an asset: cultural identity strengthens the design instead of limiting it.
• Local knowledge applied: soil, groundwater and historical context produce long lasting, place specific solutions.
This cross disciplinary approach makes the project more buildable,scalable and transferable-a practical model for other coastal towns
Design and delivery of Thyborøn 2.0–The Maritime Power are grounded in close,cross disciplinary collaboration. A core team (engineer, architect, project manager,operations lead) aligns vision, construction,project management and daily operations to secure solutions that are ambitious, robust and practical in a harsh coastal environment.
Disciplines & Interaction
• Landscape architect+engineer: joint workflows for spatial design,materials,drainage and detailing.
• Lemvig Municipality (Nature, Roads & Parks): input on planting,biodiversity,maintenance levels,operations and accessibility; ongoing reviews ensure durability and economic feasibility.
• Lemvig Vand: data on high groundwater and existing networks guide infiltration,pavement build ups, stormwater handling and storm surge detailing.
• Landowners: transitions between public/private areas clarified and integrated into drawings and tender documents.
• Lemvig Museum+Local History Archive: cultural history of the harbour, coastal protection and key buildings (Red Houses, Red Fish Auction Hall) informs the public realm design.
Ways of Working
Joint meetings,hearings and site inspections, combined with co creation through short design sprints with quick prototypes (e.g., parking demarcation, material and paving tests) and decision notes that link inputs from nature, operations, water and cultural history directly to solutions and tendering.
Added Value
• Aesthetics + technology in balance: solutions that both function and enrich the experience.
• Operations embedded from the start: longer lifespan, fewer mis investments, lower O&M costs.
• Heritage as an asset: cultural identity strengthens the design instead of limiting it.
• Local knowledge applied: soil, groundwater and historical context produce long lasting, place specific solutions.
This cross disciplinary approach makes the project more buildable,scalable and transferable-a practical model for other coastal towns
Project innovation is shown through sustainability via discretely integrated storm surge protection (Phase 3), beauty via place specific,experience rich public spaces, and inclusion via user tested solutions and open coastal access (Phases 1–2).
Sustainability as an innovation driver
Instead of a dominant barrier,storm surge protection is integrated into buildings and public spaces-invisible day to day,effective when activated.Climate adaptation becomes an aesthetic asset,creating new recreational areas and strengthening the harbour’s identity.
Beauty and enhancement as a design principle
The Red Houses and The Red Fish Auction Hall are not backdrops but active heritage assets that lift experiential quality. Dune motifs,place specific materials and framed views stitch town,harbour and beach into a single aesthetic composition.
Inclusion → concrete design changes
Co creation and a test field directly refined solutions: approved path width and mussel shell surfacing,natural guiding lines, support rope/handrail on nature trails, a new sidewalk, omission of a planned path near a residence, more free seating, and a concrete ramp for vehicle passage through the surge defence.
Innovative process and scalability
Cross disciplinary collaboration-landscape architecture, engineering, operations, cultural expertise and the harbour-delivers solutions that are aesthetic, technically robust, place specific and operations friendly. The blend of nature based solutions, activated heritage, integrated climate adaptation and inclusive design offers a new way of living with the sea: high aesthetic quality, low barrier impact and local ownership.
Model value
The approach is scalable: combining nature based solutions, active heritage, integrated climate adaptation, social inclusion and cross disciplinary development provides a transferable model for coastal communities balancing tighter climate adaptation requirements with the need for community, access and place based identity.
Sustainability as an innovation driver
Instead of a dominant barrier,storm surge protection is integrated into buildings and public spaces-invisible day to day,effective when activated.Climate adaptation becomes an aesthetic asset,creating new recreational areas and strengthening the harbour’s identity.
Beauty and enhancement as a design principle
The Red Houses and The Red Fish Auction Hall are not backdrops but active heritage assets that lift experiential quality. Dune motifs,place specific materials and framed views stitch town,harbour and beach into a single aesthetic composition.
Inclusion → concrete design changes
Co creation and a test field directly refined solutions: approved path width and mussel shell surfacing,natural guiding lines, support rope/handrail on nature trails, a new sidewalk, omission of a planned path near a residence, more free seating, and a concrete ramp for vehicle passage through the surge defence.
Innovative process and scalability
Cross disciplinary collaboration-landscape architecture, engineering, operations, cultural expertise and the harbour-delivers solutions that are aesthetic, technically robust, place specific and operations friendly. The blend of nature based solutions, activated heritage, integrated climate adaptation and inclusive design offers a new way of living with the sea: high aesthetic quality, low barrier impact and local ownership.
Model value
The approach is scalable: combining nature based solutions, active heritage, integrated climate adaptation, social inclusion and cross disciplinary development provides a transferable model for coastal communities balancing tighter climate adaptation requirements with the need for community, access and place based identity.
The project’s method is based on a step-by-step, dialogue driven and firmly anchored planning process, in which a long-term strategic goal, local knowledge and interdisciplinary expertise are gathered in an iterative model (strategic plan → master plan → subprojects) and continuously brought into play. The starting point is the Strategic Physical Development Plan for Thorsminde–Thyborøn (2020), which was later developed into a comprehensive master plan (2024) clarifying the connections between urban spaces, path networks, cultural environments and climate adaptation.
Using the master plan as a shared framework, each sub-area has been developed together with advisors and specialists, and in close dialogue with more than 60 stakeholders, including users, neighbours, local actors, landowners and others (see stakeholder analysis). The involvement has been systematic and ongoing. The project has hosted meetings and events in the area, and stakeholders have been continuously informed via emails, digital media and information boards. Rotating information signs have been placed in the area, communicating the background of the initiative and the specific projects to be carried out. This transparent approach has enabled anyone interested to follow the development closely and engage on their own terms.
The final project proposals have been approved by the project owners, Fonden Thyborøn and the Finance and Business Committee of Lemvig Municipality, ensuring both local and political support.
The method creates added value by combining long-term strategic direction, open local dialogue and interdisciplinary expertise. The result is a project in which each decision is rooted in both the overall vision, everyday use and professional requirements – and where the process itself has strengthened trust, ownership and local cohesion.
Using the master plan as a shared framework, each sub-area has been developed together with advisors and specialists, and in close dialogue with more than 60 stakeholders, including users, neighbours, local actors, landowners and others (see stakeholder analysis). The involvement has been systematic and ongoing. The project has hosted meetings and events in the area, and stakeholders have been continuously informed via emails, digital media and information boards. Rotating information signs have been placed in the area, communicating the background of the initiative and the specific projects to be carried out. This transparent approach has enabled anyone interested to follow the development closely and engage on their own terms.
The final project proposals have been approved by the project owners, Fonden Thyborøn and the Finance and Business Committee of Lemvig Municipality, ensuring both local and political support.
The method creates added value by combining long-term strategic direction, open local dialogue and interdisciplinary expertise. The result is a project in which each decision is rooted in both the overall vision, everyday use and professional requirements – and where the process itself has strengthened trust, ownership and local cohesion.
Method and Approach. Thyborøn 2.0 – The Maritime Power uses replicable methods for coastal towns. Sustainability, beauty and inclusion guide a phased, dialogue based approach: strategic plan → masterplan → sub projects, an iterative model applying long term goals, local knowledge and cross disciplinary expertise.
Process and Structure. The Strategic Physical Development Plan (2020) was refined into a masterplan (2024) clarifying links between public spaces, paths, cultural environments and climate adaptation. Sub areas are developed with 60+ stakeholders and advisers through on site meetings/events, continuous updates (email/digital channels) and information boards, enabling broad insight and input.
Physical Tests. Prototypes and test fields verify solutions-e.g., a co creation test where citizens with disabilities path and mussel shell surfacing
Cultural Heritage as a Driver. The Red Houses and Den The Red Fish Auction Hall are preserved and activated with new functions-a transferable approach where history drives identity, urban life, tourism and climate adaptation.
Cross Disciplinary Practice. Landscape architecture, engineering, operations, nature/biodiversity and cultural history (with the harbour) collaborate in joint design/technical workflows (walk throughs, quick prototypes, decision notes), aligning solutions on function, aesthetics/beautification, safety, lifespan and operations.
Governance and Decisions. Final proposals are approved by Fonden Thyborøn and the Finance & Business Committee of Lemvig Municipality, ensuring political backing and local legitimacy.
Added Value. The method unites long term direction, open participation, heritage as an asset and cross disciplinary depth. Outcomes are climate robust solutions (sustainability), experience rich, place specific public spaces (beauty) and socially accessible connections (inclusion), plus a process that strengthens trust, ownership and local cohesion.
Process and Structure. The Strategic Physical Development Plan (2020) was refined into a masterplan (2024) clarifying links between public spaces, paths, cultural environments and climate adaptation. Sub areas are developed with 60+ stakeholders and advisers through on site meetings/events, continuous updates (email/digital channels) and information boards, enabling broad insight and input.
Physical Tests. Prototypes and test fields verify solutions-e.g., a co creation test where citizens with disabilities path and mussel shell surfacing
Cultural Heritage as a Driver. The Red Houses and Den The Red Fish Auction Hall are preserved and activated with new functions-a transferable approach where history drives identity, urban life, tourism and climate adaptation.
Cross Disciplinary Practice. Landscape architecture, engineering, operations, nature/biodiversity and cultural history (with the harbour) collaborate in joint design/technical workflows (walk throughs, quick prototypes, decision notes), aligning solutions on function, aesthetics/beautification, safety, lifespan and operations.
Governance and Decisions. Final proposals are approved by Fonden Thyborøn and the Finance & Business Committee of Lemvig Municipality, ensuring political backing and local legitimacy.
Added Value. The method unites long term direction, open participation, heritage as an asset and cross disciplinary depth. Outcomes are climate robust solutions (sustainability), experience rich, place specific public spaces (beauty) and socially accessible connections (inclusion), plus a process that strengthens trust, ownership and local cohesion.
Phase 1 – Focus
• Sustainability: robust materials/planting for the coastal climate, nature based measures, operations friendly solutions.
• Beauty: place specific, vibrant urban spaces and landscapes and activated cultural heritage.
• Inclusion: user testing, open dialogue, free access and clear on site information.
Sustainability – next steps
Phase 2 (construction start spring 2026): new public spaces, parking, meeting places and wayfinding linked to Phase 1; materials/planting selected for long lifespan, low climate footprint and simple maintenance.
Phase 3 (from autumn 2026): integrated storm surge protection at the harbour and new recreational areas with designs linked to Phase 1+2.
Beauty – next steps
Phases 2–3 continue the aesthetic principles (dune motifs, place specific materials, view corridors) to ensure recognisability and coherence. Cultural heritage is refined as an active framework (Den The Red Fish Auction Hall forms part of the storm surge protection), so urban life, history and climate adaptation go hand in hand.
Inclusion – co creation in Phases 2+3
Open house events, guided tours, news updates and on site information boards will continue so interested parties can follow the progress and ownership is maintained. Example of user impact (cause → effect):
• Operations: need for vehicle passage → concrete ramp integrated in the protection.
Workflow and approvals
Cross disciplinary design/technical workflows (walk throughs, quick prototypes, decision notes) are maintained to secure function, aesthetics, accessibility, safety and operations. Final proposals are approved by Fonden Thyborøn and Lemvig Municipality.
Goal 2027
A living, place specific transformation where sustainability, beauty, and inclusion are the guiding principles - not decoration. A resilient and attractive Thyborøn that connects harbour, town, cultural environments and coastline for the benefit of residents, visitors and businesses.
• Sustainability: robust materials/planting for the coastal climate, nature based measures, operations friendly solutions.
• Beauty: place specific, vibrant urban spaces and landscapes and activated cultural heritage.
• Inclusion: user testing, open dialogue, free access and clear on site information.
Sustainability – next steps
Phase 2 (construction start spring 2026): new public spaces, parking, meeting places and wayfinding linked to Phase 1; materials/planting selected for long lifespan, low climate footprint and simple maintenance.
Phase 3 (from autumn 2026): integrated storm surge protection at the harbour and new recreational areas with designs linked to Phase 1+2.
Beauty – next steps
Phases 2–3 continue the aesthetic principles (dune motifs, place specific materials, view corridors) to ensure recognisability and coherence. Cultural heritage is refined as an active framework (Den The Red Fish Auction Hall forms part of the storm surge protection), so urban life, history and climate adaptation go hand in hand.
Inclusion – co creation in Phases 2+3
Open house events, guided tours, news updates and on site information boards will continue so interested parties can follow the progress and ownership is maintained. Example of user impact (cause → effect):
• Operations: need for vehicle passage → concrete ramp integrated in the protection.
Workflow and approvals
Cross disciplinary design/technical workflows (walk throughs, quick prototypes, decision notes) are maintained to secure function, aesthetics, accessibility, safety and operations. Final proposals are approved by Fonden Thyborøn and Lemvig Municipality.
Goal 2027
A living, place specific transformation where sustainability, beauty, and inclusion are the guiding principles - not decoration. A resilient and attractive Thyborøn that connects harbour, town, cultural environments and coastline for the benefit of residents, visitors and businesses.
