Julián Huertas
17 April 2015
Professor Musgrave
Garden Art in European History
Blog Post Seven:
Describe the character and uses of the
different urban greenspaces created in Copenhagen the 19th century and explored
on our Field Study, and the ways in which these parks are relevant and
beneficial to 21st century urban living.
The
modernization and redevelopment of Copenhagen’s primary urban greenspaces began
in 1872 when the City Council created several new parks. To this day, greenspace is still of vital
importance to the government and people. Although it has not happened yet
(though there is still time in the year!), the city wants to allow for all
urban greenspaces to be within a fifteen minute walk – not just a bike-ride,
trainride, or drive – of each individual by 2015. In this blog post, I will analyze three major
urban greenspaces within the city and how they demonstrate the city’s focus on
urban greenspaces.
Ørstedsparken
is the central park right next to to Nørreport Station and Torvehallerne, the
glass market. It covers about sixteen acres and is highly accessible by everyday
people. There is a small pond within the park surrounded by trees, an array of
different plants and flowers, and open grassy areas. When walking at this park
as a class, it was evident how much the park functions as a space for everyday
use. People walk through the park to get from the street Nørre Voldgade to
Torvehallerne. Others amble around the park, while others relax on the open
grassy areas in front of the pond. Although it is easy to be aware of the
city’s presence while in the park (due to the city skyline and sounds of cars,
buses, and bikes), it serves as a relaxing retreat in the center of the city.
The
botanical gardens, Botanisk Have, had
two other city locations before being settled in its current location within Østre Anlæg park. It currently belongs to
the University of Copenhagen Faculty of Science. The botanical gardens is used
for research and education. It not
only educates university students but everyday people who visit the garden.
Going throughout the different rooms of the botanical gardens informs the
visitor about different plant species. One not only learns their technical
names but can infer their optimal climates for growth based on the climates of
the rooms. When visiting as a class, it was evident how the glass windows and
walls of the rooms served as an efficient means of keeping the plants at a warm
climate. The gardens not only served as a nice retreat from the city but as a
warm way to escape the windy day.
Frederiksberg Park used to be the summer
palace and gardens for King Frederik IV beginning in 1699. When there was the 18th century
influence of English landscapes and gardens, Frederiksberg Park underwent a
transformation to make it a more romantic landscape that combined artistic and
natural elements. These inspirations were landscape paintings,
rediscovery of classical texts, the Grand Tour, anti-French sentiment, and a
general philosophical shift. Winding paths control the sights of the
viewer, and the park seems separate from the city as if it were in the
countryside. The ponds and canals
throughout park imitate natural settings and serve as good contrasts to the
winding paths. The Apis Temple on a
periphery path of the park demonstrates the influence of classicism. The Swiss cottage and Chinese gazebo demonstrate
the “worldliness” of the park to visitors and how it can function as an
“escape” from normal European citylife. When
we interviewed random people in the park, they appreciated the different
functions of the greenspace. Individuals run through the park, relax by the
park, and celebrate May Day,
International Workers’ Day, at the park.
These
urban greenspaces are relevant and beneficial to 21st century urban
living in a number of ways. They all serve everyday use – such as relaxation,
recreation, and passing through – along with research and education. The Third Earl of Shaftesbury, Anthony
Ashley-Cooper, believed that the spirit of nature interacted with the human
mind to bring about emotions and motivate intellect and curiosity. This greenspaces serve this function and,
consequently are beneficial for 21st century urban living, by
keeping people more active and in touch with nature through each greenspace’s
proximity. This is especially important within a city as it sets a good example
for other cities as they undergo their own urban development.
Here is a link for sustainable urban development by the American
Society of Landscape Architects.
It discusses how greenspaces should be interconnected and create sustainable
solutions for living, commuting, and planning. It cites international
organizations attempting to carry out these types of concepts and cites international
cities already successful at implementing or developing urban greenspaces.
 | |
| Ørstedsparken is the central park right next to to Nørreport Station and Torvehallern. This view captures the pond, walking path, surrounding trees, and city skyline. It is a park that serves for recreation, relaxation, and passing through. |
 |
| Botanisk Have, the Botanical Gardens, currently belongs to the University of Copenhagen Faculty of Science and is used for research and education. |
 |
| Once a summer palace and gardens for King Frederik IV, Frederiksberg Park in Copenhagen is currently used for recreation, relaxation, and passing through. This picture shows individuals lounging on the central open green. This is likely on May 1st, known as May Day for International Workers' Day, which is coming up soon! |
