Final Words

Danish greenspace has revolutionized my perception of the environment around me. I have learned that there is no one true definition of greenspace because we all interpret and experience it differently. To me, greenspace can be defined as: a foundational element to Danish culture that seeks to create, protect, and preserve various forms of open areas, which reciprocates byway of environmental, economical, and social benefits to society. Of course, this definition does not effectively describe the personal connection and relationship that the Danes have with their environment. As we have learned throughout this course, Denmark has had a unique relationship with the environment due to the dramatic changes and impacts that occurred on the human end and natural end. Nevertheless, Denmark has remained thoroughly appreciated of their land, igniting positive and progressive actions that causes their greenspace to be so renowned. 

Words cannot describe this experience and the impact it has had on me. After walking through these places on foot, I was able to fully witness the power that greenspace can have on your own emotions and senses. During our final reflections, the Danish greenspace experience came full circle. At the beginning we all came to the course with different backgrounds and expectations. Together, we were able to learn about the interdisciplinary relationship that Danish greenspace presents. All in all, I believe that I will always reflect back on this adventure with gained insight into the workings of Danish greenspace. 

Country House & Egalitarianism

When given the question "Does the historic and elitist institution of the country house estate have a role and purpose in Denmark’s egalitarian society?", I would agree that these country houses do in fact play a part in the Danish landscape. As we have seen with Lejre and many other historic greenspaces throughout Denmark, Egeskov Castle in Fyn is a significant landmark for the Danish people. Manor houses such as this one are now public places where many can reflect on the historical evolution from Denmark's monarchy system to a now democratic egalitarian society.

Castles and manors are scattered across Denmark, as well as the rest of Europe because of the rich human history that has occurred here for thousands of years. These royal buildings shape Denmark's identity by acknowledging architecture and art within a landmark. Taking it one step further, places like Egeskov Castle that are now converted for public touring and recreation defies the elitism by opening up the castle to all who wish to see it. Personally, I was surprised to see as much of the manor house and gardens that I did. At first, I thought only several rooms would be open, but it ended up being multiple stories filled with fascinating artifacts and beautiful furniture. Moreover, the infrastructure in place around the castle made the estate feel very welcoming to all people, similar to many of the other forms of greenspace that are found all over Denmark.

In the end, royal remnants of estates and gardens allow us to reflect and educate ourselves on the evolution of a society, and the historic beauty that was created so long ago. It's moments like these where we piece together historical elements and place them together with the contemporary setting of progressive Denmark. As with other sites like Egeskov Castle, such as Versailles or Blenheim Palace, the estate is in essence now a greenspace of equality for allowing everyone to enjoy the royal experience.

National Parks: Denmark vs. America

National parks play a vital role in preserving large areas of land that typically encompass natural wonders, cultural heritage, and recreational destinations. In the United States, national parks have become a part of the fabric of the American experience. Since the first national park of Yellowstone was established in 1872 by President Ulysses Grant, the United States has continued the tradition of honoring many historic sites across the country's landscape. In Denmark, the idea of providing citizens with national parks is fairly new. Besides Northeast Greenland National Park (established 1974) in Greenland, Denmark proper only has three national parks at the moment, since 2008. This shortage can be attributed to the simple lack of space needed to create a large national park, as well as the additional land uses that take place throughout the country, such as agriculture and industry.

Kongernes Nordsjælland & Esrum Kloster

When touring Kongernes Nordsjælland, I was very intrigued by the park planning process involved in forming the proposed national park in Northern Zealand. Of course, there was an abundance in forested landscape and pristine lakes, but when observing the proposed park on the map, I was surprised at the scale and inclusivity represented in the plan. In detail, the boundaries include many farms in between the national parks, creating an ecological corridor between the larger protected areas. From an environmental standpoint, I was very happy to see that this was taken into consideration, knowing that natural corridors play a major role in encouraging biodiversity and species migration and ranging. However, I was still conflicted at the actual politics behind the park legislation. I still have questions regarding the security of the farmland; whether it can be developed or rezoned to another land use. Also, I am curious to know more about who is responsible for regulating the farmland in the park, and whether or not the farmland will encounter restrictions in the future. Nevertheless, I think Kongernes Nordsjælland would be an excellent national park for Eastern Denmark, because it will protect the region's existing natural features, increase biodiversity, generate tourism and recreation.

Shenandoah National Park

Front Royal, Virginia U.S.

After walking through Kongernes Nordsjælland Nature Center, I found it somewhat comparable to Shenandoah National Park in the American state of Virginia. Shenandoah is located approximately 70 miles outside of Washington, DC, and follows the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachians. Established in 1935, Shenandoah National Park has provided Virginia, Washington, DC and even Maryland a unique retreat from the crowded urban corridor. Examples of common activities found in the park are not that different from Kongernes Nordsjælland: hiking, biking, and camping, to name a few.  For the most part, the landscape of Shenandoah is drastically different from Kongernes Nordsjælland due to its mountainous terrain and old growth forests. However, the park itself has many different segments that are not connected, similar to Kongernes Nordsjælland. Moreover, the park has wild horses and other farm animals in some areas to support tourism and land maintenance. In contrast, I find Shenandoah to have more of an identity and connection to the local population, resulting in a heightened respect towards the region. This aspect is probably a result of the park's history and age, whereas Denmark's proposed national parks are confronted with the harsh politics of the twenty-first century. By and large, Denmark is pursuing similar national park creation to the U.S., but is doing so very efficiently by working with the physical and monetary limitations they experience.

Forests and Forestry in Copenhagen

An open lawn adjacent to the forest and lake at Bådfart

The process of preserving, restoring, and managing forested lands has become a major movement for much of Copenhagen's metropolitan area. Like many other European cities, the allocation of greenspace and forest resources is constantly needed. The proper appropriation of this measure can sometimes be difficult to accomplish in these urban areas, but Copenhagen proves itself to be a city committed to protecting local forests. Copenhagen's forests provide numerous benefits similar to a traditional park, such as environmental, economical, and social. However, these large tracts of forests are different in that they permit effective natural resource management so that wood can be selected for cutting, and bodies of water can be used for drinking water purposes. Moreover, this land can be used for numerous recreational activities that otherwise would be inappropriate to do in a traditional city park (e.g. fishing, long distance rowing, water sports). All of these aspects, along with the progressive and respectful Danish environmentalism mindset, contribute to the cause of sequestering valuable land for forest in Metropolitan Copenhagen.

Two men fishing to the left, along the lake.

In Denmark, forests only cover about 486,000 hectares (11% of the total land area), making forested land a rare landscape throughout the country. As mentioned in posts prior, Denmark's long history of human settlement and agricultural production has caused almost all of the removal of natural ancient forests. Because of this deficiency, there is a lack of forest resource for the general public, driving the need for forest expansion and management. About ten years ago, Denmark established the Danish Forest Act in 2004, highlighting the need for conservation and protection, increased forest area, and the promotion of sustainable forest management. Within this paradigm, cultural values can be preserved in the forests, transcending the meaning of Denmark's landscape. This act was a major step in protecting Denmark's existing forests, as well as outlining the future for forests and forestry in the country.

In the capital region of Copenhagen, the presence of forest around the urban core is essential to this mission. One excellent example of this forested land would be Store Hareskov and Bådfart in Northwest Copenhagen. This extensive forested land surrounds a lake and its tributaries. Here, people can use the greenspace for recreation, fishing, and even controlled wood cutting. Having this reserve so close to the city, and a stone's throw away from the S Train makes it very accessible so that anyone in the Copenhagen metro area can take part in the experience. The allocation of all this valuable land helps makes this possible. The proximity alone makes it more sustainable in regards to transportation to and from the site, as well as creating an even larger greenspace so close to a major city. In a way, it works well for both private residences along the lake that want to maintain the natural beauty, as well as outside citizens who wish to take advantage of the numerous resources it presents. 

Our class waiting for the ferry

Visualizing the Danish Landscape

The Danish Golden Age of painting was an artistic movement that occurred in the early nineteenth century. During this time, Denmark was beginning to develop its own artistic style, with much of it focusing on the natural landscape within the country. This period was important to Denmark's development of a national identity, especially during a time of great political change and warfare. Through various forms of art, the Danish landscape was transformed into a new perspective, reinforcing the importance of nature in Denmark, and how it can be a symbol of national pride.

Christen Købke

Frederiksborg Castle in the Evening Light, 1835

At the beginning of the Golden Age, paintings were often exaggerated or enhance to imply grandeur and power to Denmark's landscape. An example of this technique would be adding height to cliffs or trees to add a contrast between humans and nature. By doing this, the viewer would perceive Denmark's landscape as a force to be reckoned with, and something that every Dane should value and cherish. Additional methods included manipulating the lighting, weather, or sky in order to make the painting more optimistic and hopeful. Most of this style was applied to scenes in the Danish heartland, or historic castles. The beauty and peacefulness portrayed in these works aspired to free the Danes of worry, and think positively about the future. Just as walking in a park could relieve stress in your day, owning a Golden Age painting of a country lane could bring you solace, nostalgia, and patriotism towards your nation at the end of a long work day.

P.S. Krøyer
Summer day at the South Beach of Skagen 1884
Oil on canvas. 154.5 x 212.5 cm

As the Golden Age continued, alternative styles were applied to the composition of the painting. At this time, humans became larger and more in-focus. In the painting below, the married couple are the centerpiece of the painting, and are compared to the boats on the water drifting apart. This symbolism implies the tragic process of falling out of love. Along with this compositional change, paintings began to express more realism so that it actually portrayed Denmark as the human eye would see it. This sense of Golden Age painting formed a closer relationship between people and nature. This marriage of subjects allows the viewer to perceive the Danish landscape as something relatable and tangible. The Golden Age artists accomplished this perception byway of internalizing what they saw, and creating a more personalized expression. Overall, this movement continues to inspire others, and remind Danes of their national identity and lifestyle.

P.S. Krøyer
Summer evening on the beach at Skagen. The painter and his wife 1899
Oil on canvas. 135 x 187 cm

Public and Private Greenspace

Greenspace is a highly valued entity throughout Denmark, both in public and private spheres. As we have seen with public parks in and around Copenhagen, public greenspace grants citizens the opportunity to share a space with others regardless of status. These public places allow for socialization and healthy living on a community and city-wide scale. Similarly, private greenspaces provide these benefits but on a smaller and more personal level. Whether it be public or private, the presence and valuation of greenspace in Denmark emphasizes its contributions to the country's national identity.

Frederiksberg Kolinhave

The King's Garden at Rosenborg Slot

The idea of private greenspaces has been common for awhile in Denmark, and continues to grow till this day. The first private gardens were within the confines of palaces and monasteries throughout Northern Europe. One famous example of this type of garden would be Frederiksberg Palace, where the previously baroque garden was transitioned to an English style. Like many of the other parks in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg would be repurposed as public space for recreation, knowledge, and socialization.

A house in a kolinihave in De Runde Haver

It wasn't until the turn of the nineteenth century when private gardens became increasingly popular in Copenhagen. These garden allotments are known as "kolinihaves" in Danish. These allotments were usually very simple with a small shed and/or house with a surrounding garden and lawn. As the trend continued, kolinihaves became a symbol of Danish life and culture. Moreover, this space could be used to cultivate their own vegetables and flowers for their home, creating yet another sustainable resource. Here, the Danish values of family, friendship, and hygge could be applied to a special space of their own.

De Runde Haver

De Runde Haver

After experiencing both types of greenspaces, I found them to both share the same qualities of tranquility and community. Even though private greenspaces like kolinhaves are more secluded and away from people, their proximity to other gardens and community centers evoked community spirit, pride, and safety. For example, at De Runde Haver (The Circle Gardens), gardens were more accessible and welcoming compared to the high hedges of the Frederiksberg Kolinhaves in Copenhagen. The two spaces differed in that one is able to leave a greater impression on their own kolinhave compared to a public park. The freedom to design your own space to suit you and your family's needs is what makes kolinhaves so desirable and unique. Each garden has their own identity that reflects their gardener's personality.

A very cozy Kolinhave in Frederiksberg

A Coastal Upbringing

Protected dunes at the beach in Gilleleje

The town canal in Gilleleje

For centuries, Denmark's coast has shaped its national identity and physicality in more ways than one. I found this geography to shape Denmark in two central categories: the human culture of coast life, and the biodiverse environment that trails along it. As with most things, these two topics often clash, but somehow they have a symbiotic relationship in Denmark's seaside towns and villages.

The Danes have taken part in common natural mistakes like that of most other populations throughout history. A few of these include the draining of bogs and straitening of rivers. Fortunately, the Danes have also had a positive history of restoring the coast back to a stable condition so it may thrive in the future. The agricultural movement of plantations of forest along the coast has helped significantly in preventing erosion and dune creep. 

Traveling on the train to Gilleleje, I was pleasantly surprised to see the plantations to be as widespread and vibrant. Moreover, I felt that the longevity of these plantations should be celebrated, since a country like Denmark has very little room to grow as it is. In addition, this increase in greenspace helps the country restore and preserve biodiversity found in coastal streams and beaches. In the end, this helps the nation safeguard its natural wonders, and betters its seafood and tourism economies. 

A house garden in Gilleleje

On the cultural end, I have once again noticed how much respect Danes bestow upon nature and outdoor life. The Danish concept of summerhouses is a perfect example of this admiration. The idea of owning one's own summerhouse is so foundational to the Danish experience, that it was even included in the country's European Union agreements that only Danish citizens may purchase a home. Within a summerhouse, a family gets to escape the confines of the city, and are able to enjoy a small modest home adjacent to nature and seaside fun. Another cultural element of Denmark's coastscape is its value it places on sea industries of boating and seafood. As we have seen in Lejre, the ancestors of Denmark began this tradition of maritime interaction byway of boating and fishing. 

A typical Danish summerhouse

After viewing these sites, I was reminded of my own home state of Maryland, where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean has no doubt shaped its statehood identity and culture. A recurring theme that I have begun to create throughout this course is the idea of a "respectable relationship" between Danes and nature. Over time, the landscape has continued to shape Denmark to accomplish this relationship, and strengthen the traditions that are reflected in these values.

At the beach in Gilleleje, Denmark

A Greenspace Retrospective

Copenhagen is known for its diversity in greenspace in terms of style and design. The provisioning of public greenspace continues to be honored here, propelling the effort to generate new greenspaces to serve the needs of the people. One renowned contemporary park in Copenhagen would be the Superkilen in Nørrebro. 
Opened in 2012, the Superkilen was designed under consultation with the surrounding neighborhood. In the end, a dynamic social space was created that is truly one of a kind. By comparison, the Superkilen was designed very differently than historic parks in Copenhagen. For example, the Botanisk Have (Botanical Garden) in Nørreport exemplifies a completely different energy and environment than the Superkilen. 

SUPERKILEN
Clockwise from top: Entrance to the Red Square,
street art, & the Giant Squid playground.

The three different areas of the Superkilen; The Red Square, the Black Market, and The Green Park, all incorporate unique art that symbolizes the cultural identity of the culturally diverse Nørrebro neighborhood. The space also changes in purpose as it flows from one end to the other, giving visitors a variety of choices on what activities they can join. Each of these spaces are very specialized in design, compared to that of the city's large scale historic parks. One positive change undertaken by the design of the Superkilen was the inclusion of community engagement in the design process. As a result, the space stands out for having a clear cultural influence that represents the surrounding community. This quality of design stands out for breaking the traditional limitations of Danish greenspaces.

The Black Market Hill

Landscape architect's plan of the Superkilen
The Red Square, The Black Market, The Green Park

Looking at the Botanical Garden, we see a very traditional usage of greenspace, where botany is paramount. Probably the most notable of differences between the two parks would be the absence of bicycles in the garden. In contrast, the Superkilen is defined by its meandering cycle track, reaffirming Copenhagen's respect for bicyclists. Normally this prioritization is celebrated, but the central location of the cycle track can be seen as disruptive to the greenspace and pedestrians. Furthermore, the heavy focus of bicycling and physical activity tends to neglect the values of disabled individuals and older citizens. On the other hand, the Botanical Garden creates a peaceful environment for all types of people. It simultaneously allows one to enter bike-free so that they can completely experience the beauty, social, and educational value that the park represents.

 

BOTANISK HAVE
Clockwise from top: University of Copenhagen Greenhouse,
a strolling pathway, & green space along the lake.

After looking at the contemporary and historical side by side, I recognize that the creation of a greenspace must take into account first and foremost the people who use it. As Copenhagen continues to become a diverse and modern city of the twenty-first century, new greenspace must take into account successful design guidelines of old and new greenspaces in the city's history. This reflection reminds me of a greenspace that I have been working on as an urban designer in my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland U.S. The park, Section.1, will be the world's first "Art Park" where artists will be given space to perform, display, and create art. The Superkilen reminded me of this project in that it is trying to accomplish a specific goal of projecting art and diversity, but is also concerned with making the park accessible to all citizens of Baltimore. All of these considerations are essential in ensuring efficient design and productivity of the park at hand.