Blog Post 4 - Copenhagen Green Spaces

5 Copenhagen Green Spaces That Promote Well-Being

The different green spaces we visited during the field study for Garden Art in European Culture all seemed to revolve around a similar purpose of promoting well-being for the population that occupied them. However, each one targeted and achieved this goal in different ways. The first area we visited, Mimersparken, was easily accessible for the residential area occupied by 16,000 residents. It's football pitch, hockey rink, basketball court, and playground provide areas where residents can exercise and enjoy sports, which help promote individuals well-being. Furthermore, the expansiveness of it allows for community gatherings to enhance social interactions and a sense of belonging among the community members.

The second area we visited, Superkilen, used similar techniques as Mimersparken to promote well-being, but also differentiated itself. The park uses objects such as benches, trash bins, trees, and playground toys from different parts of the world to celebrate the diversity of its residents. It creates a sense of world and cultural inclusiveness inside one park in Copenhagen. This sense of belonging is imperative to well-being. The park also features areas where children can play and older residents can sit and talk.

The third place we visited was the Assistens Kirkegaard, which is the cemetery where numerous notable Danish citizens lay to rest. The cemetery honors and remembers the deceased by keeping the area full of trees and flowers and keeping the pathways well kept. This area seems to target and promote well-being because it goes beyond just remembrance of the past and the finality of death as it allows individuals to take a walk through a beautiful and serene area and avoid the busy and noisy streets.

The Botanisk Have provided a calming and pleasant escape from urban life as it was essentially a scene from nature plopped down in the middle of the city. All kinds of animals, such as turtles, birds, and ducks were on display for people to view from just a short distance away. In a sense, the Botanisk Have felt like an area that could provide a modern day otium because of the ability to relax and engage in activities outside those of everyday life.

The last place we visited was the Østre Anlæg which was a park by the National Art Museum and Østerport station. This park allowed for individuals to learn about art and then to lay in the lush grass and enjoy the sun. Hidden farther into the park was a play area for kids, which was well thought out as it was deep enough away that the noises from the park were drowned out, but also gave an area for families to gather and enjoy themselves.

This link provides insight into Copenhagens "pocket parks"
http://www.dac.dk/en/dac-cities/sustainable-cities/all-cases/green-city/copenhagen---pocket-parks-a-drop-of-urban-green/

photos:
source of photos: all taken by me