Take Me To Your Garden: Urban Greenspaces in CPH

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 first place we visited was Ørstedsparken, which is nestled in the center of the city, butting up against the glass markets. The park comes from direct efforts of the city to create more urban green spaces for the growing number of Copenhagen citizens (circa 1872) as well as the long overdue decommissioning of the old Copenhagen fortifications that no longer served their original purpose.

Ørstedsparken consists of several walkways around the small lake, as well as some hills with a bridge that bisects the lake, which is the lowest point of the park. The park derives its interesting shape from the old rampart that was part of the fortification, and the lake is a remnant of the moat that used to also serve as protection from the city. The park was created in order to give Copenhageners more access to parks in 1872 (as were many other parks; Ørstedsparken is part of a larger consortium of parks called the Fortification Ring) and still serves that purpose today, as it creates place for people to descend into a natural area to escape the city. Ørstedsparken is also a known meeting place for gay men who wish to meet somewhat discreetly outside of gay or gay-friendly local bars. As of 2015, a municipal law is in place that ensures that all citizens of Copenhagen are able to reach a green space or beach in under 15 minutes—on foot.

Map of Ørstedsparken

source: http://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%98rstedsparken

The bridge spanning the lake in Ørstedsparken

source: http://www.bt.dk/krimi/to-anholdt-for-voldtaegt-af-mand

The next space visited was the Botanical Garden, which is part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark and part of the University as well. In 1870, around the same time the fortifications of Copenhagen were being taken down and decommissioned, the Botanical Garden (Botanisk have) was moved to its final location near The King’s Garden by Nørreport Station. The garden serves both educational and recreational purposes, as well as having a seed bank and museum. The Botanical Garden arose from a need for a place to store seeds, dried plant specimens, as well as living plant specimens, mostly for medical purposes, though its use has also included recreational purposes today.

Both of these parks contribute to enforcing Copenhagen’s municipal 15-minute green space access rule. Parks within the city, but especially Ørstedsparken and the Botanical Garden, serve as places for residents to spend time in a leisurely way. While other parks, like the Kings Garden, serve as gathering spaces for large groups, these two parks are far more independence-based. This may be on account of having less grass that can be sat on, or the size of the parks themselves. On any (sunny) given day, people can be found meandering, eating lunch, or reading in both parks visited during our field study. Relaxation seems to be the goal of everyone who uses Copenhagen urban greenspaces.