COPENHAGEN TRIP – Day 2
8th November 2013
We spent the second day exploring the centre of Copenhagen – walking along Strogert, the famous pedestrianised urban centre (the focus of Jan Gehl’s research into urban space), exploring some of the key historic landscapes and buildings of the city, and finishing down by the harbour at Nyhaven (New Harbour) – the classic Copenhagen photograph of brightly coloured buildings.
Yao and Yuchen in Amagerstrasse, part of the Strogert open space pedestrian network.
Intricate paving systems throughout the centre add to the overall sense of place as well as evidencing the value put on the urban landscape.
Beautiful glazed tile courtyard down a small alley off Strogert – we stumbled across spaces like this throughout the city which made it such a joy to explore.
Another accidental discovery, a living wall and nest box in a courtyard just of Strogert.
Simple colours, functional forms, beautiful materials, and cycling. Copenhagen.
Just before lunch we went up the RoundTower http://www.rundetaarn.dk/en/the-tower/ a 17th Century brick structure with a 209m long spiral ramp running from ground level up to the roof – a completely original building found nowhere else in the world. Views from the top across the whole of Copenhagen, over the offshore windfarms to Sweden.
Inside the tower – everything is curved, floors, walls, ceilings – yet all made of brick.
Meeting after lunch outside the RoundTower – left to right … Jen, Yuchen, Gethin, Yao, Ximena, Jess, Rachel, Andy, Ben, Corthan, Sophie, Danny, Ellen, Bob, Qian, Cat, Susie, Francis.
And yet another discovery – shared space streets between the barracks, same material running across the whole space with trees, picnic tables, seats, lights helping to turn what could be a vehicle focused street into a pedestrian focused place.
Walking through the 18th Century barracks built for the navy defense of the city. The buildings are beautifully coloured using natural pigments in unexpected combinations – in fact the whole city celebrates colour in its architecture with a sense of joy missing from so many other places.
On to the Citadel – the final part of the defensive structure built around the city in the 18th Century. A massive star shaped landform with buildings sheltered in the centre, overlooking the sea to the East and protecting the city to the West. Now a public park with barracks, some residential buildings, paths and a memorial.
The memorial within the Citadel earthworks – a ‘Monument to Denmark’s International Effort Since 1948’.
Obviously it is vital to have your photograph taken in front of the Little Mermaid.
Tutors Bob and Jane sketching the Mermaid.
From the Mermaid we walked down to Amalienborg and the Amalienhaven gardens – a 1980s design that connects the Royal Palace to the harbourside.
Finishing the day at Nyhaven, the New Harbour area of Copenhagen between the Royal Palace and the Parliament area, another celebration of colour in the urban landscape.