Copenhagen Urban Greenspaces and Their Benefit to 21st Century Urban Living

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 18^th 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 21^st 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 21^st 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!