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... exploring København’s designation as the 2014 European Green Capital
B.Boisclair | Off-Campus | 2014 faculty advisor: Jamie L. Vanucchi
Denmark
København
table of contents
København, Denmark
world map
3-4
project outline
5-8
københavn history | planning
11-12
a green capital
13-14
grøn by_ 2014
15-16
energy in the city
23-26
land-use
27-30
buildings
31-34
transport
35-38
energy
39-42
waste
43-46
water
47
the solution_community
48
conclusion
This comprehensive study examines the role ‘ENERGY’ plays within the urban construct and it’s contribution toward the layers in Copenhagen’s 2014 European Green Capital designation. Copenhagen, Denmark served as a test location from 8.17- 11.16.2014.
project outline
In 2014 Copenhagen, Denmark was awarded the prestigious honor of becoming the European Green Capital. ‘The city has placed public-private partnerships at the core of it’s approach to Eco-innovation, working with companies, universities and civil society to create forums dedicated to developing green growth and increasing employment.’ -European Commission. In 2025, Copenhagen is also aiming to become the world’s first carbon-neutral city.
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This project explores the energy that goes into Copenhagen’s designation. The people, physical energy production and machinery that goes into each layer of Copenhagen’s successful initiatives.
The world is evolving at an unexpected rate. The climate is changing, weather is worsening and technological advancements are surpassing human consumption. As populations begin to surge, the impact humans have on the surrounding urban landscape is taking a turn for the worse. We now live in a world where every move is beginning to be evaluated based upon environmental impacts. The urban fabric sets itself up to be a prime canvas for the implementation of strategic urban planning and strategies to lessen this human impact. Copenhagen, Denmark [2014 European Green Capital] will serve as this studies test site. The benefit of strategic environmental urban planning relies not only in the physical layout, but in the impact to citizens lives. Studies have shown that the integration of ‘green design methods’ into the urban environment affects human health, carbon sequestration, access to public space, perceived + physical health, and many more factors. By assessing the layers of a Green Capital at site and city-wide scales, we can learn to adapt these practices around the world. What if every urban inhabitant was within walking distance to public transportation, a park, and it was easier to bike than walk or take a car or bus? As we walk around the urban environment, we are constantly observing our surroundings. “The landscape is an important means of anchoring people’s memories”. off-campus manual 14 What if these observations were integrated within the urban environment? The success of a green capital lies in planning as a base, and the people making these observations a reality; the energy produced.
Topic_ The integration of environmentally friendly design techniques into the urban fabric for the benefit of human + terrestrial and aquatic life and the surrounding environment.
How can Copenhagen, Denmark serve as a model for cities working toward a unified connection between the built environment and sustainable adaptation? Subquestions: 1. What ‘ENERGY’ goes into the success of Copenhagen’s Green Capital? 2. What entitles a city to become a Green Capital and why was Copenhagen selected? 3. How do the layers of a Green City layout in the Copenhagen urban environment? 4. In what unique ways is Copenhagen moving forward sustainability? 5. What other (secondary) benefits | performances | values come with planning for a sustainable future? 6- How to the people of Copenhagen view the sustainable identities the city is pursuing?
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Established in 1947, the Copenhagen Finger Plan was the cities solution to target urban growth in a smart and sustainable manner. The plan puts goals forth to ‘control urban development to ensure that people are always able to access open space, parks and undeveloped, natural areas on a regional scale’. 1 Resembling a traced hand put over the city map, the main principle is that as development occurs, most of the future city should be in dense urban corridors (fingers) and the wedges 1-2: Cahasan, P., & Clark, A. (n.d.). Copenhagen, Denmark. Retrieved November 6, 2014, from http://depts.washington.edu/open2100/Resources/1_OpenSpaceSystems/Open_Space_Systems/copenhagen.pdf 3: FACTS AND STATISTICS. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Copenhagen_metropolitan_area
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statistics_3 Country: Denmark Capital: Copenhagen (København) Population: Copenhagen 1,246,611 (2014) Currency: Danish Kroner DKK (kr) GDP per capita: DKK 277,500 (2014) ~$46,770 USD.
‘38
1930
View the timeline to the right and see how Copenhagen has > adapted over time...
‘29
-The first bike lanes were installed in 1915. Today, they have evolved to over 400+ kilometers of cycle track and half the population commuting by bicycle. -In 2008, 2013, and 2014 Copenhagen was named the most livable city in the world. These striking facts came about through a core centered radial plan, dating back 67 years.
The finger plan has allowed Copenhagen to guide development over the past 67 years to become a thriving metropolis and green city. In 2014, Copenhagen was named the European Green Capital. This project is centered around Copenhagen’s initiatives that earned it such a prestigious designation and the people that make the designation a reality.
Green areas of Copenhagen Plan
history of København
Copenhagen, Denmark has always been a city focused on sustainability and living with nature. The earliest city plans reflect this mentality and show how Danes have evolved over the years to manipulate their lifestyle for the good of the surrounding environment as well as their own physical and mental health.
Copenhagen adopts a regional council
-Morten kabell (Mayor for technology and the environment)
between act as open green space. Urban development will follow public transportation routes (rail and bicycle), suburbs will develop along a common thread, and all inhabitants will live within close proximity to green space. 2
maps adopted from historical Finger Plan maps
‘like most Copenhageners, I bike because it’s fast and efficient’
metropolotian Copenhagen heating scheme created
COPENHAGEN 2014 EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL
bike highway opens 24% cut in city carbon emissions
updated finger plan... still basis for development 3rd phase Copenhagen metro opens City of Copenhagen Eco-Metropole vision unveiled in November British Lifestyle Magazine- Copenhagen best city to live in the world Copenhagen electric bus scheme begins UN Climate Change Council held Copenhagen awarded most livable city
sustainability in construction & civil works guidelines
2nd phase Copenhagen metro opens
2014
‘12
‘06
2000
‘94
1980
1st phase Copenhagen metro opens
Øresund Bridge opens in July MIddelgrunden Wind Farm opens
Local Adgenda 21 adopted [UN blueprint] 1st sustainable urban renewal + construction guidelines issued
beginning free bike scheme_ in designated zone sewer discharge into harbor_ down 98 to 38_ safe swimming allowed construction started on Copenhagen metro
municiple plan of Copenhagen
Danish + Swedish government decide to build fixed link to Øresund
Vesterbro urban renewal center Dissolution of greater Copenhagen council
Denmark’s 1st geothermal heating plant
‘86
1979
Amendment_ Act of Environmental Protection_ waste + recycling
‘78
‘70
‘62
‘54
‘46
1961
heat supply act_ incentives for district heating
The BIG H: plan for motorwat + rail infrastructure
Finger Plan for greater Copenhagen; legal zoning in 1994
1948 2001 current
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Today Copenhagen is arguably one of the greenest cities in the world. While cities around the globe strive for sustainable solutions, Copenhagen has incorporated the use of city green initiates to round out sustainable growth combined with economic and environmental growth. In just the past 5-years, Copenhagen’s “growth in the green sector has increased turnover by 55%”.1 These sustainable solutions involve incentives such as reducing traffic congestion through innovation solutions with transportation and cycling, cleaning of the harbor for use by residents for recreation and swimming, as well as reducing the amount of waste heading to the landfill to a staggering 1.8%. The city believes in green growth at the core of its development plans. By 2025 90,000 more residents are expected to move into the region, bringing the municipalities population growth to an impressive 18%.2 Copenhagen’s green growth also lies in its strong environmental credentials. Today, the metropolitan green building sector employs over 25,000 people in just over 6,000 companies.3 However, the Finger Plan still remains the basis for Copenhagen’s success in the fight for sustainable cities. Although it may seem an obvious approach to planning, the finger plan continues to serve as a ground plane for all environmental motifs and decisions. Many initiatives today revolve around this initial plan and sticking to its core economic and residential strings radiating out of the city center. By 2025, 75% of all transportation trips are planned to radiate from the city center and occur in a sustainable fashion (bicycle, walking or train). Moving into the future, Copenhagen is focused on educating its citizens and 1: City of Copenhagen | Profile | State of Green. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2014, from https:// stateofgreen.com/en/profiles/city-of-copenhagen 2-3: Rode, Philipp and Floater, Graham (2013) Going green: how cities are leading the next economy: final report. LSE Cities and ICLEI, London, UK. 4: City of Copenhagen: Municipal Plan 2011. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2014, from http:// subsite.kk.dk/sitecore/content/subsites/cityofcopenhagen/subsitefrontpage/business/growth_and_ partnerships/~/media/FA57688D4A864155B232C4B173941B75.ashx
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combating climate change. There is no doubt that CO2 levels are rising in the atmosphere due to human activity and global temperatures are at historic highs. By 2025, Copenhagen, Denmark strives to combat this and become the world’s first carbon neutral capital. On a larger image scale, the future of Copenhagen’s success may lie within a direct partnership between the city and Malmö, Sweden (see diagram on next page). With the joint relationship between two of the most sustainable cities in the world, a thriving economic, cultural and technological hub for the Scandinavian region will co-exist. Copenhagen and Malmö are becoming the testing ground for innovative green technologies. This is evident today in the carbon neutral initiates; 2025 in Copenhagen and 2030 for Malmö. Small plans such as the Bynet 2018, which include the integration of the buses, metro and S-trains, are also making life more convenient for the cities residents. This report is an account of my direct relationships and interactions with Copenhagen’s green initiatives and designation as the 2014 European Green Capital.
(image) _ right business hub become a business hub for the Scandinavian region CO2 neutral Copenhagen 2025, Malmö 2030 healthy and green growth laboratory for testing innovative and new cleantech solutions innovation and knowledge a ground for attracting international talent and strength and research institutions mobility efficient transportation methods to and from the region
København
the north
Malmö
diagram adopted from ‘City of Copenhagen Municipal Plan 2011’
City Focused Urban Development Vision_ “With 637,000 Copenhageners by 2025, we need to focus on urban development enabling the City of Copenhagen to target its investments. Depending on the demographical changes in the city and on the size of government and private investments, the City of Copenhagen can achieve its visions by prioritising the development areas. By supporting urban development in the areas already benefiting from government or private investments, we can achieve synergies and intensify the effect of these investments by adding local government investments and for this purpose, the City of Copenhagen will identify new action plan areas each year. Hence, focused urban development is a dynamic tool which can identify new areas on a current basis, while other areas are cut out as they are completed. Our efforts concerning the action plans and focused urban development should be viewed in the context of the efforts already being made within urban renewal, overall plans and troubled urban areas.” 4
europe
the world
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København, Denmark
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green roofs_ osterGRO
parks_ Islands Brygge
green roof_ 8 house, BIG
biking + tradition_ Amalienborg
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‘20 years ago some Copenhageners suggested it should be possible to swim in the city harbor... politicians at City Hall listened...10-years later the first harbor bath opened... today it is now one of the most popular place in Copenhagen’ 1 -Frank Jensen (Lord Mayor of Copenahgen)
Stockholm_2010
Copenhagen_2014 Bristol_2015
Hamburg_2011
Nantes_2013
‘The European Green Capital Award encourages environmental excellence. It turns a spotlight on cities with innovative practices, where progress in social, economic and environmentally spheres are combined to improve the quality of life for citizens who live and work there’. 2 -European Commission. Urban settings and their residing numbers are increasing. As cities begin to grow, innovative solutions are necessary to develop housing, transportation, waste and energy production in an environmentally concious manner. Copenhagen, Denmark was selected as the 2014 European Green Capital due to its innovative approach to planning and design. It is a cycling mecca of the world, its waste is incinerated into energy and district heating and it’s harbors are cleaner than they ever have been in 100 years. just a few examples of Copenhagens innovations.
Vitoria-Gasteiz_2012
a green capital
Copenhagen puts its residents at the core of it’s planning approach. City events encourage the interaction with climate change and it’s effect on home, and planning efforts take into heavy account the publics comments and perceptions.
1-: 2014 – Copenhagen. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2014, from http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/winning-cities/2014-copenhagen/index.html
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However, the selection process to become a European Green Capital is rigorous. ‘A panel of environmental experts examines all EGCA applications, evaluating cities’ performance in 12 indicator areas... The experts submit their technical assessment report to the jury, which then agrees on a shortlist and collects further information about the selected cities’ action plans, communication strategies and visions for the future, before choosing a winner’. 3
Why Copenhagen?... a few examples -science and culture Copenhagen serves as the cultural hub for Scandinavia. World-class museums, shops, music and design elements of all styles attract many to the city. -carbon neutral capital In 2025, Copenhagen aims to become the world’s first carbon neutral capital. The city is well on the way to achieving this goal. By 2012, it has already cut emissions by 24% from 2005 levels. -low-emission zone Starting in 2008, Copenhagen as well as it’s neighboring municipality Frederiksberg, classified themselves as low-emission zones. This designation applies specific regulations to heavy diesel-powered vehicles which must contain particle filters. In just 2-years, the cities particle emissions from large trucks and busses had fallen by 60% -world’s best city for cyclists Copenhagen currently serves as the bike capital of the world. Strategic planning has allowed for the ease of bicycle transport compared to car, in spite of a growing population by 1000 a month. Today, over half of Copenhageners commute via bicycle. -seamless public transportation In 2002 and 2007, Copenhagen opened its first metro lines. ‘In 2011, it carrie 54.3 million passengers. The majority of trains are driverless and run 24-hours a day, allowing for a reliable and efficient transportation method. -green + blue capital By 2015, all Copenhageners will live within a 15-minute walk of a green space or blue area. Initiaves allowed for cleaning of the harbors waters and today, baths are a popular destination. One of the most popular parks in the city Fælledparken recieves
over 11 million visitors each year. -waste management Copenhagener’s recycle more than almost anyone on earth. Today only 2% of all waste reaches the landfill and over 58% of waste is recycled. All remaining waste is sent to an incineration plant which uses the trash to generate electricity and power the district heating network. -outstanding role model Arguebly the greatest asset of Copenhagen is it’s ability to act as a role-model and influence it’s citizens. The city decided to involve residents through decision making processes. This has Copenhageners feeling as though they are a part of the solution to environmental challeges. Copenhagen is dedicated to spreading good practice to the world. 12 indicator areas_ Green Capital selection -local contribution to global climate change -local transport -green urban areas / sustainable land-use -nature + biodiversity -quality of local ambient air -quality of the acoustic environment -waste production and management -water consumption -waste-water treatment -eco-innovation + sustainable employment -enironmental management of the local authority -energy performance
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grøn by : green city
The following categories are established layers of a green city. The complexity of the urban environment institutes the use of layers ranging from the broad land-use scale to individual components such as buildings. Due to the rigor of the Green Capital designation official requirements and indicators, the information to come is presented in terms of six layers: waste, water, land-use, buildings, transport and energy. These layers are based upon encompassing the complex aspects of the urban fabric. Each is chosen to display a visible and measurable component that relates to the landscape architecture profession. For each layer, an overview description will follow as well as a description of an experience providing context and place for the layers in a real setting.
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The layers, as I call them, can become a study in and of each self; however, the goal is to grasp a broad overview of Copenhagen as the 2014 European Green Capital and see how a city is making gesters across the urban fabric to benefit each and every resident. Some interventions are small and single minded, but most represent a system of components. To the right is a brief description of the layers to follow. A small insight and background summary into how each experience fits into the cities imbicious plans is provided.
land-use
focused on the physical manipulation of land. The management of the urban fabric for green vs. hard surfaces. Landuse is planned strategically to harness assets of an urban environment, enhance the wellbeing of a cities inhabitants and provide adqueate access to natural environments and a thriving ecology. Land-Use practices are focused on its impact toward natural resouces such as soil, water, plants and animals.
buildings
centered around man made structures that are permanetly or temporary in place. Buildings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and uses. This study uses the building as a solid form for sustainable initiaves. Concepts of importance to the study are the incorporation of green technology and natural environments into the building footprint. Green roofs are a perfect example of this.
energy
waste
Renewable energy is often seen as a sustainable solution, replacing conventional fuel methods such as oil.
Waste management importance as cities sustainable. The need impact on landfills and growing imporance.
energy that is obtained from a natural resource that is replenished on a human timescale. Forms include sun, wind, rain, waves and geothermal.
often refered to as unwanted or un-used materials. Waste is a result of human activity such as consumption, construction and demolition. is of greater look to become to reduce human re-use waste is of
transport
the use of multi-modal transportation methods in the urban environment. The movement of people and goods from one location to another. Modes of transportation include human powered, air, rail, road and water.
water
a composition of one oxygen molecule and two hydrogen molecule water takes place as a transparent form. Water is what makes up our rivers, streams, lakes and oceans. It is an essential component to human survival and the availability of clean water provides many assets to humans. Recreation, transportation and drinking to name a few...
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energy in the city | 15 |
ENERGY_ en·er·gy noun \e-ner-jē\
EXPERIENCE_ ex|peri|ence noun /ɪkˈspɪərɪəns
1- The strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity 2- Power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines
1- The knowledge or skill acquired by a practical experience of something, especially that gained in a particular profession.
-http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/energy
‘don’t always need pretty landscapes... this can do something else’ -Sofie [OsterGRO]
‘acording to Danish law... renewable energy has priority to the grid...some days were 100% renewable energy from wind’
‘goal is a development plan... for every park’ -Peter [Copenhagen Parks Dept.]
-Erik Christiansen [co-founder Middelgrunden wind farm]
The overarching goal of this study was to experience the components of Copenhagen as the 2014 Green Capital first hand. With the world searching for initiaves to become carbon neutral, Copenhagen serves as a precedent to achiveing this goal. The first step to understanding this goal is energy. Energy serves as a guiding point. The energy in Copenhagen as the 2014 European Green Capital is the people, the machines, and the effort that goes into each component.
osterGRO
Sofie Brincker
Amager Ressource Center
Niels Glarborg Jensen
Middelgrunden Wind Farm
Hans Chr Soerensen
København parks department Peter N. Hansen
This project is focused on this energy. Experiencing something from each layer of Copenhagen first hand. Experience becomes the guide to understanding the energy + urban fabric; one that will become carbon neutral by 2025.
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[Islands Brygge Park, Amager Vest]
[ØsterGro Rooftop Farm, Østerbro]
[cycle highway, Copenhagen, Denmark]
[Middelgrunden Wind Farm, Ă˜resund]
[Amager Resource Center, Copenhagen]
[Kastrup Sea Bath, Ă˜resund]
By 2015, over 90% of Copenhageners will be within a 15 minute walk to a park or green recreational space.
policy ‘ensures that there is room for trees, natural areas, playgrounds and green path connections in the future’ 2.
Copenhagen as a municipal boundary is comprised of 10 distinct districts. Today, these districts are home to over 2260 hectors (~5,584 acres) of park land, 200 hectors of which are lakes or aquatic areas. 1 These green areas include an array of uses from garden facilities, parks, nature areas, sports facilities, allotments and cemeteries, and of these areas all are considered public areas even though not all are owned or operated by the city.
“Eco-metropolis-Our vision for Copenhagen 2015” Adopted in 2007, the eco-metropolis resolution put forth four themes. The main theme titled ‘A Green and Blue Capital City’ set goals in which the city aims to reduce the distance residents must travel to green areas it also pushes to have Copenhagener’s use green areas for longer periods of time.
The diagram to the right shows how population and access break down each district to square meters of green areas and then (m2) of green area per inhabitant. As a comparison to US measurement standards, 25m2 of green space is equal to roughly a plot 13.5 feet wide x 20 feet long.
land-use
Over the past years however, the city of Copenhagen has adopted many initiatives to ensure greater and easier access to public green space for its inhabitants. “Park Policy” As a pre-initiative to Eco-metropolis, in 2004 the city released a publication titled “Park Policy”. The aim of Park Policy was to ensure the future success and maintenance of all city parks and green areas. The 1-4 : Green urban areas incorporating sustainable land use. (2014, January 1). Retrieved November 22, 2014, from http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Section-3-green-urban-areas_Copenhagen.pdf *chart data complied from source above...
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“Room for Play” 2008 initiative that focused on the renovation of all the city’s 125 playgrounds. As of 2011, over 90% of the city playgrounds have undergone extensive renovation. Today 23 of these spaces are manned playgrounds and include employees that ensure a special adventure for the playground’s users 3. Copenhagen is focusing many of its efforts on green areas. Through the initiaves above, they ensure areas meet the needs of users and are evolving with current interests. ‘In relation to green areas, the City considers parks as the Copenhageners’ common garden and some of the most important accommodation areas of the city. The City is continuously trying to improve the parks, to make them even more attractive and to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle’4.
Copenhagen is currently a leading urban environment in terms of access to green space for it’s inhabitants; over 80% of inhabitants agree they have adequate access to park land. On sunny days, harbor baths and parks are often the most popular destinations in the city, with the larger parks receiving over 1,000,000 visitors a year.
9,000,000
160 8,000,000 80,000
140 7,000,000 70,000
120 6,000,000 60,000
During a trip to Copenhagen the cities initiaves are visibly aparent. New playgrounds and under construction parks skatter the city. Playgrounds are focused on the cities efforts toward sustainability. One such example of this is a playgound focused on learning how to ride a bicycle. Small scale bike lanes, mock signage, and lights scatter a landscape as children, learn how to navigate the bicycle lanes. As are suit of parks such as this, the primary mode of transportation around the city is today the bicycle.
100 5,000,000 50,000 80 4,000,000 40,000
60 3,000,000 30,000 40 2,000,000 20,000
m2 green area per. inhabitant
20 1,000,000 10,000
m2 green area
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Some parks are large and some are small, yet each has it own distinct purpose and holds a place within those who use it. This is the feeling I got traveling through Copenhagen. Some parks were the size of a 2-car garage, and others too big to explore the whole park on foot. If Copenhagen does one thing well, it is its focus on its parks and well cycling.
land-use_experience
One that sat out far from the city and was essentially a prairie on the oceans edge, while another was deep in the city and was a skate park bustling with children and adults alike. Copenhagen puts its efforts into the parks because it knows the citizens enjoy them. One memorable experience was in Fælledparken. During our first week, we took a visit here with our advisor. In Fælledparken there is a huge skate park. Not only is it a popular hangout spot for children, it is a learning experience. To enhance the parks popularity among young children, during daytime hours a former professional skateboarder monitors the park. This guy’s job is essentially to teach children how to skate… the real way!
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After visiting such unique parks, I had to find out more. I wanted to meet the person who was in charge of all these parks and how they were maintained to such a condition. My search led me to Peter Nordskov Hansen at the Copenhagen parks department. Peter’s job is to oversee along with 5 other employees, the parks system and delegate where money is spent. He states that the popularity of parks in Copenhagen has been a huge struggle. Most cities would love to have such popular parks. However, as typical budget cuts arise year after year, people are still demanding new and exciting opportunities. Trained as a landscape architect, Peter says although he has done little design over the past 10 years, he is always searching for ways to manipulate the old and modernize various parks. Over time, the uses in the 100-year-old parks has changed dramatically. It’s important to find a way to keep the historic character, but modernize them so people will still enjoy the place. With over 100 new citizens moving into Copenhagen every month, It has become a struggle to adapt the park system to fit these demands. Despite these struggles, millions visit the parks every year.
right > a representation of the park system in Copenhagen. Circling the center diagram are all the named parks within the city boundaries. This is the overall context. By 2015, within a 15 minute walk of ones home will be access to one of these land parcels. The center fold diagram breaks Copenhagen down within its 10 districts and shows the percentage of overall parkland that resides within each district. This is circled by known activities that take place in at least one, but most parks.
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As climate changes and cities become more dense, we strive to look for innovative solutions to fit the new ‘sustainable’ lifestyles. The rooftop allows designers and citizens to transform traditionally blank environments into lush, green, multi-use spaces. Green roofs not only support biodiversity within the urban environment, they also curb rising temperatures. Copenhagen has adopted strategies to promote the use of green roofs and thus included them within climate adaption and biodiversity strategy plans. Green roofs today are becoming a living example of sustainable architecture. They are the seed toward desirable construction, increased standards of living, as well as increased physical and surrounding property values.
growth layer system substrate filter layer draine layer
roof constrution typ.
buildings
protection layer
The Green Roof_ roof construction typically covered with a protective layer followed by drainage layers and filters. These are then topped with a system substrate and growth medium. Green roofs provide many benefits such as being tested to absorb ’50-80% of the annual rainfall’. 1 They do this by acting as a delay in waters journey to the local sewer. Green roofs also act as buffers toward heat island effect. ‘By transforming the black heatabsorbing surfaces of the city to surfaces with vegetation we can reduce the temperatures in the cities a couple of degrees’. 2 Although they cost around 600 DKK (~$100) a square meter to install, the lifetime of a roof is 1-4 : Green Roofs. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://subsite.kk.dk/sitecore/content/subsites/cityofcopenhagen/subsitefrontpage/livingincopenhagen/climateandenvironment/climateadaptation/greenroofs.aspx *graphic adopted from source listed above
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nearly doubled. Green roofs act as a protective barrier against harmfull UV rays emitted by the sun. This leads to a decrease in heating + cooling costs as well. Policy Making_ over the past years as Copenhagen has adopted to living a sustainable lifestyle, many measures have been adopted which promote the construction and implementation of new green roof spaces. Today the use of green roofs is integral within the city planning process. Waterwater Plan 2008 was the city’s first attempt to look at green roofs and their potential effect on the stormwater system. Since 2010, green roofs are ‘mandated in most new local plans’. 3 Based on calculation, this gives a total of 200,000 m2 of new green roofs to be installed; on top of 40 already existing green roof spaces within the city.
few pictures of green roofs taken throughout the city. The diagram to the left is a representaiton of the typical construction of a green roof. Layers from bottom to top consist of the protective layer, drain layer, filter layer, system substrate, and growth layer. These layers are followed by covering vegetation such as mosses, perennials, shrubs or trees. Typical green roofs follow typical construction as below, although some may vary.
“On 17 May 2010, the Technical and Environmental Committee decided that all new buildings with flat roofs must be planted with green vegetation according to a set of detailed guidelines”. 4 As one travels the city, green roofs today can often be atop public buildings and private residences as well as on a smaller scale on top of bus stops and bike shelters. Some of the most well known green roofs within Copenhagen are The City Dune atop SEB Bank, 8-House by BIG architecture, and OsterGRO an urban agricultural farm. To the right are a
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In mid-September I left our apartment on an adventure with two other students (Chris + Gena). The destination was Østerbro, one of Copenhagen’s 10 districts, where a rooftop farm was in the area. Upon arrival we were introduced to a new world… atop a building! OsterGRO as it’s called is Copenhagen’s first, and currently only, rooftop agricultural farm. Atop a three-story building, grocery store, offices and apartments sits the 600 m2 farm.
buildings_experience
We were lucky enough to be at the farm at the right time. Introduced by a girl named Mia, within the first 10 minutes we were invited to a rooftop gathering, that was a barbeque to be held a few nights later. Of course we attended the event, and it was great getting to meet locals while we ate traditional Danish hotdogs among the crops.
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However, it was on a second schedule visit to the farm where I learned the true value and meaning of the farm. Organized via email, I met with Olivia, Sofie and Catherine, the three girls who envisioned the farm and made it a reality. All trained landscape architects, the inspiration for OsterGRO came from not too far from Syracuse, NY. They got their idea from Brooklyn Grange in NYC, and the farm where Catherine worked a few summers before. While the three girls had envisioned the idea of a Copenhagen rooftop farm, they needed a roof. It just happened that one day while working at Brooklyn Grange, Catherine gave a tour to a man
and his son that would change their lives. This man owned a building in Copenhagen, got denied a permit to build atop the roof, and wanted a rooftop use that was innovative and could increase the value of the properties below. OsterGRO was the solution and it worked! Today, the three girls as well as a surplus of volunteers operate the farm. The physical rooftop is owned by Jack and Jacob (building owners), but 16 families fund the agriculture. These sixteen families each receive a 3-5 kilo box of fresh vegetables weekly during harvest season. Atop the roof, the girls grow 3 types of potatoes, 6-7 types of lettuce, cabbage, 6 varieties of kale, 3 types of carrots, 10 varieties of tomatoes…. The list goes on and on.. and oh yea now eggs from a variety of chickens. When myself asked Sophie how she viewed the farm, the answer to her was simple. She said as a landscape architect and citizen, “you don’t always need a pretty landscape… this can do something else”. The something else is it provides a new experience. It brings food production to your home and in a healthy and sustainable way. OsterGRO is an innovative way in which ordinary citizens have transformed a building and it’s surroundings. A once sterile rooftop is now a thriving farm, feeding 16 local families.
600 sq. meters
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graphic displaying the location and layout of OsterGRO, Copenhagen’s only rooftop urban farm. As shown in the diagram, the farm sits in the center of the urban environment. Atop the roof sits a greenhouse, freight elevator as well as a chicken coop (shown in upper left corner). Circles represent OsterGRO radiating into the surrounding community, supplying 16 families with fresh food throughout the growing season.
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What if more than half the population traveled to their place of work via bicycle? What if traffic was transferred from the road to a bike lane? This is the current situation in Copenhagen, and it is transforming the city and residents alike.
transport
Today’s modern transportation approach is redefining the way Copenhagen looks at travel. A state of the art bus system, a driver-less on time metro, and a city of cyclists, is creating a seamless transportation shift away from the automobile and toward carbon neutrality. The key efforts of the plan for transport are the city of cyclists, improved public transportation, traffic calming and parking restrictions, and environmental efforts like low emission zones, possible congestion charging and environmentally friendly vehicles.1 Below is an account of Copenhagen and it’s initiatives toward promoting the use of cycling, bus, metro and walking as transportation modes. The city of Cycle Power_ Over 52% of Copenhagens residents claim cycling is their primary mode of transportation. 2 In fact, Copenhageners have been in love with cycling since the early 1860’s. Yet, it was not until the 1960’s and 70’s that politicians took a deep move toward bike-friendly infrastructure.3 The automobile was on the rise, and the city saw a need to invest in cycling. Today the ‘ratio of bicycle-to-car ownership is 5:1’. 4 The city has divided 1,5,8 : Local Transport. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Section-2-Local-transport_Copenhagen.pdf 2-4,6-7: Copenhagen: European Green Capital 2014. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://ec.europa.eu/ environment/europeangreencapital/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ENV-13-004_Copenhagen_EN_final_webres.pdf
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its cycling lanes into 4 categories: road with cycle track, green cycle route, cycle super highway and cycling opportunities. These categories relate the cycle lane to its primary usage. Typical streets fall under cycle track, while speedy stoplight synced routes are those of the cycle super highway. As of October 2010, there were a total of 346 km of physically separated bike lanes, 23 km of marked and signed only lanes, and over 42km of green cycle routes removed from the road network.5 Decrease in the Car_ Copenhagen’s success in the cycle market is partly due to the decrease in car usage. High taxes combined with inefficient road travel are discouraging citizens to use the automobile as a primary model of travel. Cycle lanes take priority over automobile travel, and low-emission laws prevent the travel of large vehicles into the municipality. The creation of a low-emission zone has required the use of particle filters and since 2010, ‘particle emissions from lorries and buses has fallen by 60%’.6 By putting the brakes on cars, Copenhagen is reducing carbon emissions and forcing a sustainable and healthy transportation lifestyle. A new Metro line_ Opened between 2002-2007, Copenhagen’s new 2 line metro system
combines 24-hour operation with driverless trains. This method has proven to be extremely successful and in 2011 alone, just 3 years after opening, the system carried 54.3 million passengers. 7 The city’s plan is that through integrating metro lines and A-bus systems you will be able to move through destinations effortlessly and efficiently. The metro is a stepping stone toward a fully integrated public transportation system. Due to the metro system, 98% of Copenhageners have less than a 350m trip to public transportation, and 78% have less than a 350m trip to a high frequency line. 8 Walking_ Though the majority of the transport focus has been on cycle and public transportation rehabilitation, walking is also becoming a main priority. By promoting the use of walking as a mode of transport, Copenhagen is bringing with it safer streets, walking culture, meeting places and shopping streets. Walking is not only healthy for the body but also carbon-neutral. The majority of Copenhageners claim to prefer walking due to the health benefits and the enjoyment of being outdoors.
As more efforts continue to evolve, since Copenhagen’s application toward the 2014 European Green Capital, two more strategies are under adoption. The Pedestrian Strategy as well as the Cycle Strategy encourage the implementation and use of walking and cycling.
shown here is an overlay of a traditonal bicycle with a Christiania Bike; a commonly used cargo transport bicycle.
Copenhagen’s planning efforts are predominately visibly focused on redefining the modes of transportation within the city. Although this just skims the surface on the city’s initiatives, I encourage anyone to look up one of the hundreds of books or reports that exist on Copenhagen’s efforts.
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It’s 9am on a misty Copenhagen morning. Most cities are packed with cars for rush hour… Copenhagen has traffic… with bicycles. It is truly hard to explain the biking phenomenon that has taken over the city. More bicycles physically exist than people! To date, 359km of cycle track, 24km of cycle lanes, 43km of green cycle routes and 32.5km of cycle highway exist. That accounts for over 223 miles of bicycle transportation lanes in one city.
transport_experience
What is really astonishing is not the miles and miles of cycle track, it is the fact that Copenhageners live to bike. They see cycling as the fastest mode of transportation (rain or shine) and a healthy part of their lifestyle. Bicycling in Copenhagen is extremely easy. Main cycle lines follow the rules of the road and are separate from vehicle traffic as well as pedestrian sidewalks. Bike lanes have their own stoplights, and road restrictions. For example, to turn left, a cyclist must head across the intersection and then across the road to the left. All vehicles yield to the cyclist. Today, Copenhagen operates the cycle lanes, as well as a bike share program. These free public bikes are often recognized by brightly colored wheel wells, and are scattered throughout stands in the city center. However, the popularity of cycling in Copenhagen is reflected in this share program, as the bikes are almost never available. My first experience with cycling in Copenhagen was within the first hour of arriving in the city. We took a cab from the airport to 93 Vesterbrogade (our apartment), and upon opening the cab door, it was almost struck by a cycle in the adjacent lane. The cab driver rushed to say ‘shut the door, shut the door… watch out for the cyclist’. I truly think the only way to experience cycling in Copenhagen is by heading to the city and experiencing it for your self. No text or movie can justify the sheer magnitude of the cycle network and the phenomenon spreading across Copenhagen. An interesting video can be found using the qrcode to the right… experience the new ‘vacuum culture’
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right > map displaying the complexity of the Copenhagen municipalities effort to incorportate sustainable transportation methods. Most lines on the map are bike lanes, while the overlay is the Copenhagen metro system. It is interesting to see how complete and defined the map of Copenhagen becomes just from bicycling as transportation in and of itself.
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In 2009, Copenhagen took a major step toward carbon neutrality and adapting to renewable energy, when the city council adopted the Copenhagen Climate Plan; a plan setting goals and strength in the cities ambitions that have existed for years. The plans main objective was to reduce greenhouse emissions from ‘Copenhagen by 20 percent (in relation 2005) by 2015’ 1. More than 75% of these reductions are focused on changes toward sustainable energy production and 10% from energy savings. District heating and electricity production are two of the main focuses.
current off-shore wind farms
future off-shore wind
Copenhagen_2014
map showing the placement of current and future wind farms throughout Denmark. interesting note is the even dispersal of turbines throughout the country.
energy
current wind turbines
District Heating_ One of the primary carbon reducing initiatives is the transformation of Copenhagen’s district heating system from coal to renewable sources. As you will read more about in the waste section on page 49, Copenhagen has recently been focused on an effort to turn waste into power for the heating system. Combined waste incineration plants are displacing fossil fuels for sustainable human waste power sources. District heating is the use of heat generated in a centralized location for residential and commercial usage. As water is heated it travels through the city in insulated pipes toward radiators and control centers in houses and businesses. Today, 80% of waste that the city produces is turned into electricity for the district heating system. 1-2: Energy Performance. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2014, from http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Section-12-Energy-performance_Copenhagen.pdf
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Carbon- Neutrality_ By 2025 Copenhagen will become the world’s first urban center that is carbon-neutral. According to the city…’ the city will be carbon-neutral when the heat and electricity production is carbon neutral, and the city, on a net annual basis, has a surplus production of renewable electricity that displaces fossil-based energy production elsewhere. The displacement of fossil-based energy production must be large enough to compensate for any remaining emissions from traffic, wastewater management, and industrial processes, etc…’ 2. Electricity_ A major component of sustainably transforming the energy category is the focus on the generation of electricity. This will be done by transforming non-renewable energy sources into a surplus of solar and wind energy production. The city has set up initiatives to promote and approve the construction of on and off shore wind farms. In the next 10 years, the city is establishing production in renewable energy that will allow for a 2025 net annual production in renewable technology larger than its consumption. Some city energy production initiatives are listed below…
2009 strategy- adopted in 2009, which promotes the annual installation of 1000 square meters of photovoltaic in municipal buildings. 2025 Copenhagen Climate Adaption Plan- future planning toward 2025 carbon neutrality Partnerships- promotion of energy supply being developed through partnerships between with city, corporations and citizens. Copenhagen has taken a large step toward carbon-neutrality and it looks as if the 2025 goal will become a success. The key toward their success lies in the fact that the city values citizen interaction. The formation of partnerships, classes, and programs have set the mindset for positive citizen engagements in the approval processes. The next page provides an experiential description of the Middelgrunden Wind Farm. One of Copenhagen’s most successful co-op off-shore wind farms.
1979 Heat Supple Act- municipalities allowance to designate district heating zones and make it mandatory for households to connect to district heating.
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When one fly’s into Copenhagen, Denmark one of your first sights is either the Oresund Bridge or the wind turbines of the Middelgrunden Wind Farm; 20 off-shore turbines arcing off the coast of downtown. I knew I had to get to the top of one of those turbines; in fact I made it a goal of the trip. After a few weeks of contacting person after person after person… I got a lead. A man who gives tours of the Middelgrunden Wind Farm and would be willing to let me join a tour the following week as an ‘assistant’ to him.
energy_experience
I was in. I headed via bike a few miles from home and to a boat near the international airport. The boat called Findus was waiting along with a captain, the tour guide as well as 10 US government employees touring the region for energy production research. We were to head out to the 20th turbine and climb to the top. Needless to say the 64 meter climb up and up was fun as we traversed latters from platform to platform. As one approaches the hub of the turbine (engine) you are instantly hit with a mechanical room with a stunning view of the surrounding water, Sweden and downtown Copenhagen.
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The Middelgrunden Wind farm is another example of Copenhagen’s commitment toward the residents of the city. The farm is operated as a co-op, owned by families throughout the city who buy shares in the farm to power their home. These shares have today become a tradition and are being passed generation to generation. The farm is so successful on windy days that at times the city of Copenhagen has been powered 100% by wind power… Middelgrunden making its mark through apx. 40,000 households. Middelgrunden is a true example how something such as wind farms can become an integral part of the community. See the graphic to the right that shows what impact the farm has on local history, and the surrounding context.
right > graphic displaying the position and significance of the Middelgrunden wind farm. Today the farm sits out in the Øresund. It is designed in a subtile arch to mimic the cities historical defense rings as well as harness the greatest wind potential. Radiating from the farm are multiple lines representing a wind rose showing average wind conditions and directions over the course of a defined time period. It is interesting to see that some of the most expensive property values are toward the upper part of the diagram. These properties often overlook the wind farm and use it as a selling asset. The images start to provide context for the farm. The cropped image shows how today locals joke the farm is a modern defense ring against nuclear energy across the water in Sweden.
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Recycling > Energy > Waste Deposit… the steps to managing the entire waste process. Initiated in 2009, a new waste management plan took force. Covering a four-year period, the plan brought into focus five effort areas, becoming a basis for Copenhagen’s efforts today. -more waste prevention and reuse -increase in separation of waste -treatment system for the future -innovative waste solution in urban spaces -tender for collection and treatment of waste
Amager Resource Center
waste
Following these efforts the current waste management process is described in the diagram. Text below follows each step in the citywide process.
map showing the Amager Resource Center and it’s relation to the recycling stations spread throughout the city.
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1.Households_ many homes and apartment complexes follow a complex recycling sorting regime. Sorting categories include hard plastics, metals, electronics, paper, waste and glass sorting. 2. Recycling Stations_ The city combined with the Amager Resource Center operates a total of 13 recycling stations.1 Together these recycling stations could be explained as a community ‘hub’ for recycling and reuse. They offer recycling sorting stations as well as specialized stations for the reuse of furniture and other goods. These hubs have 1-5 : Waste production and management. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2014, from http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ europeangreencapital/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Section-7-Waste-production_Copenhagen.pdf
been essential in the promotion of material reuse. One can travel to the station and obtain used furniture and goods in usable condition. 3. Energy Plant_ all waste that is not recycled is brought to a waste-toenergy plant. These plants are in charge of waste sorting and incineration toward energy production. 4. District Heating + Electricity_ the waste-to-energy plants are essential in the heating of waste for a citywide district heating system. This system provides home and businesses with heating + electricity during the cold months. 5. Waste Deposit_ Little waste exists from the garbage incineration process and as a result the only physical waste is a slag. This slag is reused as the base layer for new road construction. Smoke from the facility is cleaned through limestone which results in a toxic waste that is shipped to Norway for sealing and landfill capping with nuclear waste. Copenhagen believes in a quality and ease of use waste management process. The main incineration plant, the Amager Resource Center is a non-for profit organization, and is always evolving to involve the community in the recycling process. Through raising awareness, they believe in the re-use of materials and see waste as an asset to the city’s future development. Although they strive to limit growth on waste being produced, waste is being used in a positive way with only 1.8% of all waste generated being shipped to the landfill .2 So what has Copenhagen
learned? Is this process of waste management successful? According to the cities application toward 2014 green capital designation the lessons learned thus far are as follows. -‘It is possible to improve source separation and thus recycling by making it a easy and convenient as possible for citizens to separate waste’.3 -‘Building in economic incentives into the waste management system that promotes recycling- eg. In Denmark a national fee on landfilling (70 EUR/ton) and incineration (40 EUR/ton) and no fee on recycling’.4 -‘By continuously promoting waste prevention it is possible to raise awareness amongst citizens on the need to produce less waste’.5 Through involving the community in waste management processes and practices, an urban environment can successfully work toward treating waste as an asset and not a harmful material.
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waste_experience
About mid-November, more than half way through my trip, I took a trip that would forever look at the way I saw ‘waste’. Jamie and I headed over to the other side of town for a tour of the Amager Resource Center (ARC); Copenhagen’s municipal waste incineration plant. This is the place where waste from the city travels and is transferred into electricity and the district heating system. Waste is an asset in Copenhagen not a problem. As waste enters the facility it is incinerated. This incineration process essentially heats water, which produces steam for electrical turbine power and district heating system sorting. The only actual waste in this process is a rocky substance called slag and pollution cleaning limestone from the smokestacks. The slag however, becomes the under layer for new road construction, and the limestone is sent to Norway with radioactive landfill material. The result is less than 3% of all waste being sent to the landfill. The rest is recycled, reused, or recycled.
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All for all it is very impressive that this one plant, which is non-for-profit, can provide electricity for 62,500 homes and district heating for over 160,00 households. Every 3 kilos of waste (6.6 lbs.) is equal to a light bulb for 5 hours. By preventing waste from entering the landfill, the city is reducing landfill greenhouse emissions by 2 or 3 fold. The Amager Resource Center, which also operates 13 recycling stations in the capital area, is operated by a total of 198 employees (2013). These employees understand the importance of the waste process present and every year over 3,500 students are brought to the plant for tours and educational days. What is amazing too see in person at the ARC is the commitment and pride in the employees. The city has a unique system in place what is greatly contributing to the carbon-neural initiative, and they are ready to share the current system and future plans with the community.
right > representation showing the Amager Resource Center (ARC) and its impact on Copenhagen and the greater metropolitian region. Section cut is a slice through the plant demonstrating how trash is converted into energy production. The yellow lines represent where raw materials travel. In the end they leave the plant for reuse and waste storage. The map behind the section is a display of the impact ARC has on the city. Colored sections shown are areas where the plant supplies district heating to, and the grid hatch is district heating with alternate suppliers.
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district heating covered by other corporations
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co2 reduction
7 turbine and generator / heat exchangers
flue gas cleaning gas
slag
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four incinerators ea. 15--16tons per hr.
bunker
waste reception area
Solrod
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Water: the simple molecule we all know and require for survival. Many people see water as a simple thing; yet, in the urban environment it is a complex system and problem. As designers we struggle to find ways in which urban stormwater management can be designed to retain, filter, activate, reuse and divert water. Changing global environmental conditions are bringing frequent cloudburst storms into the Copenhagen region and sea levels are slowly rising. Copenhagen is on a mission to bring about initiatives that transform the water landscapes of the city. Streets are being redesigned for efficient stormwater treatment and movement and the harbor waters are now cleaner and safe for swimming.
water
Copenhagen’s efforts are guided by two strategies, the Copenhagen Climate Adaptation Plan and The City of Copenhagen Cloudburst Management Plan 2012. Both plans analyze and map risks finding solutions to combat increased rainfall and flooding from future sea level rise. In July of 2011, the city hit a breaking point. In just 2 hours over 5.9 inches of rain fell on the city.1 Close to 1 billion euros in insurance claims resulted, hospitals were minutes from evacuation and critical infrastructure was damaged. 2 It was time to act. The solution was the development of a green and blue city. The concept of adapting for future climate change and bringing with it more space for recreation, a higher quality of life and healthier Copenhageners. 1-2 : Copenhagen carbon neutral by 2025: Climate Adaptation Plan. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http:// subsite.kk.dk/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfCopenhagen/SubsiteFrontpage/LivingInCopenhagen/ClimateAndEnvironment/ClimateAdaptation/~/media/9FC0B33FB4A6403F987A07D5332261A0.ashx 3: Copenhagen Climate Resilient Neighborhood. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://www.klimakvarter.dk/ wp-content/2013/03/klimakvarter_ENG_low.pdf 4-5: Copenhagen - Solutions for Sustainable Cities. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://publications.arup. com/Publications/C/Copenhagen_Solutions_for_Sustainable_Cities.aspx
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St. Kjeld’s Neighbourhood is aiming to becoming Copenhagen’s climate resilient neighborhood. Situated in Østerbro, the area is developing a series of projects that transform ordinary streets into a climate adaption exhibition area for the city. In the vision “20% of the covered surface area in the neighborhood should be turned into green areas and that 30% of the daily rainwater should be managed locally and not end up in the sewer system”.3 Larger streets can be used as water transportation corridors and bicycle lanes can be designed to divert water into retention basins and green areas. Aside from the efforts to transform typical Copenhagen streetscapes and divert heavy rainfall to the sea, large efforts have been underway that involve cleaning the harbor. Dubbed ‘the harbor turns blue’ in 2002, it resulted in the opening of the city’s first harbor bathing site. “The idea of swimming in Copenhagen’s harbor would have been out of the question at one time. The water was badly polluted from the city’s old sewage system and local industry… We (the city) addressed the problem by investing in the complete modernization of the sewage system. The water quality improved so much; the municipality of Copenhagen was able to open a pubic harbor bath in 2002’.4 The solution involved the closing of sewer overflow channels and diverting of rainwater for slow release during heavy storm events. To date, the wastewater management plans have contributed significantly to the revitalization of the Copenhagen
waterfront, bringing with it an increase of 50-100% to flats located in the harbor area. 5 Today 4 city operated harbor baths sit within the direct city center, and on warm sunny days they are some of the most popular spots for recreation and relaxation. City initiatives: Cloudburst Management Plan_ 2012 plan implemented to analyze and solve the consequences of heavy localized rainfall events and the immediate consequences. Climate Adaptation Plan_ focused on the changing climate and the effects it has on the Copenhagen region. Initiatives put forth to mitigate the effect climate change has on the city and the effect the city has on the environment. Modernization of Sewer System_ implementation of the closing of sewer overflows into the harbor and promotion of green stormwater storage for slow release.
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On a warm Copenhagen summer day, many would think it is not realistic or possible to swim in the center of an urban environment. Copenhagen has transformed that. Within the first two weeks of my 3-month adventure I was introduced to the Kastrup Sea Bath; A wooden spiral bath sitting out on the Øresund, adjacent to the Copenhagen Airport. Upon first sight you are in shock… the structure is giant and actually very tall. After a long bike ride, we had to jump in at least once. We walked down the boardwalk to deeper waters and the bath. You enter a wooden doorway and then spiral around to the top, almost back where you originally entered the circle; except now about 25 feet off the waters surface.
water_experience
The wooden structure is circular as it harnesses the suns rays, reduces wind and becomes a striking symbol from land and air and as you travel around it. On the day we visit, there were about 10 visitors. We took the plunge. The water was freezing, and filled with moon jellies (they don’t sting yet they’re quite strange to jump on), but the sea bath provided a unique experience. No matter where you jumped you were at a different elevation or different platform, allowing for a diverse recreational activity.
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These baths are not unique in Copenhagen. Closer to the city sits 4 city operated harbor baths. Smaller than the sea bath, they still provide multiple swimming and lounging activities ranging from jumping, kiddi pools, saunas and open deck space. Each bath is monitored by a lifeguard when open. A recent phonenoma has the baths open during winter for those brave enough to jump into the icy northern waters. However, don’t be super discouraged, once you exit the water in cold months, a temporary warm sauna awaits you. The baths of Copenhagen are a unique way to enjoy the cities harbor cleaning efforts and have fun on a warm sunny day. Each bath is unique in its experience, but be aware, on nice days, they are often the most populat spots in the city.. arrive early!
right > plan view representation of 3 harbor / sea baths in Copenhagen. The plans show the complex design of these baths and the multiple ammenities each offers to its users. The first and third bath plans show allowed swimming areas where a background image is displayed.
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1. rescue tower 2. lap pool 3. diving landscape 4. diving pool 5. play pool 6. baby pool
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the solution_COMMUNITY
The success of Copenhagen as a green city lies in its commitment toward community involvement. All matters, legislation and urban moves involve heavy community input and trial. The city government understands that with the communities support, change can become a reality.
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The image to the left starts to show this: a screen shot of a website called Sharing Copenhagen. Established for the cities inaugural year as the 2014 European Green Capital, the computer and mobile friendly website shares events happening around the city daily; Events all related to Copenhageners and their commitment toward preserving the environment. One such event I attended, was the transportation of 100 tons of inland ice from Greenland glacial melt. The ice was intended to bring awareness to climate change allowed for a wake-up call by seeing its physical transformation. It was quickly illustrated that climate change is a fact. As temperatures increases, the ice was melting and the sea levels would rise.
The device images above are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. MacBook ProÂŽ iPhoneÂŽ
Events like this are no rarity in the city committed to minimizing it’s impact on the natural world. Copenhageners look past legislation issues and conflicts toward the positive impacts green motifs can hold; The recreational, aesthetic and health improvements.
Køpenhavn, Denmark plays a vital role in the future advancement of urban centers around the world. It is one of the greenest cities in the world and will be the first to become carbon-neutral; all this displayed through its nomination as the 2014 European Green Capital. What makes Copenhagen unique is not that it is a green city, it is in the unique approach it has taken with its immense community involvement. The city has successfully establish layers of the urban fabric that need addressing to achieve its goals and have integrated public officials, professionals and the public involved in making these goals a reality.
conclusion
No single initiative has transformed the city. The approach to tackle one problem at a time through long-term goals is what has made it successful. World renowned scientists and professionals have been successful in convincing the public that it is not about whether or not climate change is happening, it is about the benefits that come along with protecting the city in the event it is. Why not change? It is interesting to look at the context of Copenhagen, It sits in the northern region of the world, experiencing almost all seasons. Rain, snow and sea level-rise all target the city. Its diverse location, and achievements deserve a close eye in the world spotlight. The true way to understand this city is not through the hundreds of books that are published, it is through the eyes of a citizen, the individuals and groups of people that make and operate the numerous facets of this 2014 European Green Capital. All urban decisions must respond to the people, the place and the environment. Waste has become an asset, wind farms are a home selling boost, harbor baths are the most popular spots in the city, and rooftops are transformed into new world providing food and recreational hot spots.
Special Thanks to... Jamie L. Vanuuchi (faculty advisor_SUNY-ESF) Peter Nordskov Hansen + Anne Dahl Refshauge Family + Friends The Copenfamily
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