Stunning Copenhagen parkipelago set to 'grow'
Two years ago we brought you the story of the stunning `parkipelago’ of floating islands designed for the centre of Copenhagen by Marshall Blecher and Studio Fokstrot. This year the concept is set to expand.
The first prototype, CPH-01, was launched in 2018 and fast became a popular feature in the waterfront as it was transported from place to place.
The 20 square-metre wooden platform with a linden tree at its centre, was, “the first taste of a completely new type of public space coming to Copenhagen. Moveable, floating, public spaces free for people to explore and conquer.”
The first floating island is set to get company this year with three more set to be added.
Flexible in use, and with the user of the island often dictating the use, these platforms are accessible by boat, kayak or swimming, reintroducing, “wilderness and whimsey to the rapidly gentrifying harbour.”
Three more islands, CPH-01, CPH-02 and CPH-03, are planned for this year, with even more islands proposed for following years. These will be moved seasonally around the harbour, and free for use by the public.
The Copenhagen Islands are covered with endemic plants, trees and grasses, providing a habitat for birds and insects, with anchor points below water level attracting seaweed, fish and molluscs.
The original floating island launched in 2018.
They are also made from sustainably sourced, recyclable materials- steel and recycled floatation elements clad in sustainable Forest Stewardship Council-approved timber, and constructed by hand using traditional boat-building techniques.
The platforms can be used for different activities, such as swim zones, floating gardens, saunas, mussel farms, and even sail-in cafes. During winter, or for special events, there is the option to float the islands together to create a super-continent. While the islands can be dispatched to suitable locations around Copenhagen Harbour, they can also be used to catalyse activity in forgotten and underused areas.
Rapid development along Copenhagen’s waterfront has posed a threat to recreational areas, but the Copenhagen Islands, “offer a constantly changing, generous, green space in the centre of the city.”
More islands are planned post 2020.
As rising sea levels also create challenges for urban environments, it is hoped that Marshall Blecher and Studio Fokstrot’s prototype can translate to other cities.
“The intention is to renew the proud traditions of the Danish harbour life,” say Studio Fokstrot, “by strengthening the social cohesion and awareness of the maritime life in, and around the harbour.”
Not only have the Copenhagen Islands won a Taipei International Design Award for public space and the award for social design, but they are a finalist in the Beazley design prize at the London Design Museum and for the Danish Design Prize.
The user of the island often dictates its purpose.