Greenway Transformation of Amager Boulevard by Inge Hopps

Greenway Transformation of AMAGER BOULEVARD

INGE BORREGAARD PEDERSEN HOPPS Bachelor Project in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design

SPRING 2014 // Student nr. pkh409 Academic Advisor: Richard Hare In collaboration with:

ABSTRACT This project describes the transformation of Amager Boulevard into a greenway. Amager Boulevard is a main traffic artery in Copenhagen, creating a physical barrier and therefore a low quality urban environment in the surrounding areas. Greenways are linear open spaces in cities that preserve and restore nature. Greenways have have diverse manifestations that include a variety of ecological, social, and economic values*. On the basis of the Eastern Ring Road proposal, this project creates a design for Amager Boulevard with a reduction of car traffic from 6 lanes to 2 lanes. The project is made up of a twopart design process: 1. Spatial and historical analysis 2. Analysis of theoretical principles The spatial analysis reveals the wall of buildings overlooking an open, semi green space and a large lake. Transforming the exisiting road, that spans several building typologiesm this project aims to create a multidimensional green space. The use of the following theories and concepts: “Principles of Ecological Design”, “The Principles of Reclaiming Sites”, “Urban Biodiversity” and the “Aesthetics of Urban Decay”, were employed to inform the design concept and manifestation of the greenway. The resulting a greenway empahsizes bicycle connectivity, green space, and recreation. The vegetation design is based on forest succession and makes each stage of succession visible. To achieve this the road is removed in the forest area, partially removed for the young forest and shrubs stage, and mostly maintained in the pioneer stage. The destruction of the road and reuse of the materials onsite inform the user of the site’s history and creates a sustainable design. The design is a vision for Amager Boulevard with less cars, and maximum green space improving the spatial and recreational qualities of the site for the benefit of Amager and the city of Copenhagen.

* Definition of Greenways from: Flink, Charles A., Robert M. Searns, and Loring Schwartz. Greenways: A Guide to Planning, Design and Development. Island, 1993. Print.

CONTENTS CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION i. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................... 1 ii. HISTORY .................................................................................. 3-4 A. Fortification Ring B. History of Amager Boulevard iii. REGIONAL CONTEXT ............................................................. 5 iv. PROJECT GOALS .................................................................. 6 A. Brief B. Program vi. CONTEXT ............................................................................... 7-8 A. Freeway Removal B. Freeway Park C. Stormwater Management v. METHODS ............................................................................... 9-20 1. SITE ANALYSIS A. Historical Analysis B. Kevin Lynch Analysis C. Spatial Analysis D. Traffic Conditions 2. SCOPE A. Geographic B. Conceptual

CHAPTER 2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND i. ECOLOGICAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES ....................................... 21-22 Case Study- Landscaftspark Duisburg Nord, Germany ii. THE FOUR PRINCIPES OF RECLAIMING SITES ........................ 23-24 Case Study- Munich Airport, Germany iii. BIODIVERSITY IN AN URBAN CONTEXT ................................. 25-26 iv. FOREST SUCCESSION ............................................................ 27-28

v. THE AESTHETICS OF URBAN DECAY ..................................... 29-30 Case Study- Highline Park, New York

CHAPTER 3. DESIGN

i. User Groups ............................................................................ 31-32 ii. Plan ......................................................................................... 33 iii. Spatial Description of Forest Succession ........................... 35 iv. Skating Rink .......................................................................... 42-43 v. Meadow ................................................................................45-47 vi. Vegetation ............................................................................48-52 vii. Paths .....................................................................................53-54 viii. Orchard and Urban Garden .............................................55 viiii. Road and Bike Lanes ........................................................ 56

CHAPTER 4. CONCLUSION ........................................................... 57

i. Discussion ii. Future Project Expansion iii. Summary

REFERENCES ........................................................................................... 58 LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................... 59-60 APPENDIX 1. Tree Species ....................................................................................... 61 2. Shrub Species ..................................................................................... 62 3. Grass and Rush Species .................................................................... 63

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION Amager Boulevard is one of Copenhagenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most trafficked routes, connecting the central city with regional and national highway system. The Eastern Ring Road proposal, would establish a tunnel under parts of the city, including Amager Boulevard, leaving is mostly vacant. This presents an opportunity to create a green space, in the space previously occupied by the road, servicing both the local area and the city. In collaboration with MiljĂ¸punkt Amager and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, this project will create a vision for a new Amager Boulevard green way. Although convenient for vehicular traffic, the intensive traffic on Amager Boulevard has come at a cost of reduced spatial and recreational qualities. The challenge is therefore to create a space that: -

Maintains connectivity to the city

Expands the recreational space

Creates connection across the space, along the north-south axis

Provides Accessibility

Maintains continuity with the existing green space

Attracts users, in absence of the vehicular use

FIGURE 1. Amager Boulevard aerial view from north.

FIGURE 2. Context Map â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This map shows context of the site from national (on the left), regional 1:50000(top right), and local perspective 1:10000(bottom right).

i. HISTORY A. Fortification Ring Amager Boulevard lies adjacent to the Christianshavn fortifications and is therefore affected by its current structure and history. The Fortifications of Copenhagen were established from 1606 to 1626 to protect the city center from invasion. They were modernized and expanded in the 17th century by King Christian the IV to include 12 bastions and a moat on the perimeter. The fortifications were dismantled in the 1870’s, with the approval of an 1867 law abolishing the fortification ring demarcation. The 1872 Master Plan for dismantling the fortification, transformed the areas to park system, still present in modern day Copenhagen. In 1885 the master plan was expanded to encompass a total 23.5 hectares. Christianshavn fortification and Kastellet are what remain of the fortification ring. They are now parks that inform Copenhageners of their city’s history. The design of the new Amager Boulevard will emulate their forms and strive create a conversation between the old and the new. Reference: “Københavns Forsvarsanlæg.” N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2014.

FIGURE 3. Amager Boulevard in 1915. From 1903 to 1935, the rails were on both sides of the median.

B. History of Amager Boulevard Amager Boulevard was established in 1906, in conjunction with the construction second Langebro in 1903. Tram Line 5, occupied the middle lanes of Amager Boulevarden from 1903 to 1972, when busses replaced the tram system. In 1935 the rail lines were moved from the sides of the median to the middle of the median, to make way for more car lanes. Before the reconstruction of the tram lines in 1935, trees lined either side of the median. The only trees present on the boulevard today are from Langebro to the Serum Institute, and its primary function is car, truck and bus traffic. Reference: http://www.grandts.dk/Amager/Amagerboulevard.htm

FIGURE 5. Amager Boulevard in the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

FIGURE 6. Construction on the cable car system moved the rails to the middle of the median.

FIGURE 4. Map of Copenhagen in 1728, showing the fortification ring prior to the completion of Christianshavn and Amager.

FIGURE 7. Amager Boulevard in 1967, with the cable car in the middle lane and two car lanes on either side.

iii. REGIONAL CONTEXT

Current recreational areas are important to examine the future functions of Amager Boulevard. This diagrams looks are a radius of 2 kilometers and 4 kilometers, showing the recreational and nature spaces in Copenhagen. According to the analysis of the city and Amager, it becomes clear that creating a green space on Amager Boulevard can increase the quantity of the otherwise sparse green space on Amager. The park can especially increase the connectivity of the existing recreational spaces, namely Islands Brygge Havnepark and the Christianshavn Fortification Ring.

Østeranlæg- This park was a part of the Fortification Ring and was turned into a park in 1870. Today its primary function is walking, relaxation and picnicking. Kongenshave- One of the most popular green spaces in the city often used for sun bathing and larger gatherings. Kløvermarken- According to the map, it seems as though Kløvermarken is a large green space (3 hectares), but a football club privately owns it. Despite its size, Kløævermarken has limited recreational and green space value. Kløvermarken does offer however an uninhibited view of all the city’s towers. Christianshavn Vold- This green space is primarily made of a green path system surrounding Stadsgraven and Christianshavn Vold. There are only few spaces for sitting or lying down in the grass, and it is primarily used as a walking and running route. Because the eastern end of route is not surrounded by city, it is an escape from the usual urban environment. Adding to the escapist feel, Christiania is located on the northern side of the lakes. The small, allotment like houses are a refreshing difference from the city. Islands Brygge Havnepark-This park is one of Copenhagen’s most popular spaces in the summer. It is the site of Copenhagen’s first harbor pool, as well as playgrounds and open lawns. Lergravsparken- This is an old, run down park used only by the local residents. There are open lawns, basketball courts and playgrounds. Pedestrians often use this park as a short cut to the metro station.

Figure 8.

Amager Strand Park-An artificial beach opened in 2007, and covering all of 3,8 hectares along 4,6 kilometers of coast. It is visited by residents from all around the city because of the unique opportunity to visit the beach without leaving the city, and a large variety of water sports. Amager Fælled- A 300 hectare nature area on Amager, many different paths and a visitor center. It visited by residents from all over Copenhagen, and also serves as an important habitat for many species.

iv. PROGRAM The goals for the project are based on a two-part process. First, Miljøpunkt Amager (the internship host and inspiration for the project) provided the overall context for the project, by describing the Eastern Ring Road proposal, and the consequential reduction in surface traffic. Based on the goal set forth by Miljøpunkt Amager, I established more specific design, based on the principles of sustainability.

Project Brief from Miljøpunkt Amager - Miljøpunkt Amager is a non-profit organization, concerned with promoting environmental issues, sustainable behavior, and infrastructure projects. Their current projects include, the promotion of bicycle commuting, waste reduction, and establishment of urban gardens. There are four Miljøpunkts in Copenhagen, Nørrebro, City Center and Christianshavn, Østerbro and Amager. They are primarily funded by their local governments, and supplement their budget by applying for private funding on a project-to-project basis. Their role is to educate their local citizens and promote innovative projects that support the municipality’s sustainable development goals. The municipality encourages the development of creative and innovative initiatives. Though speculative, transforming Amager Boulevard aligns with the municipal goals of creating challenging ideas for urban development. The project is thereby relevant to both the local and municipal goals for improving Copenhagen in a more sustainable direction. Miljøpunkt Amager requires this project to be in line with the over all municipal goals, while protecting local interests. The overall requirement of this project is to communicate the aesthetic transformation the city would undertake by reducing vehicular traffic in the city center and on Amager. A powerful tool to convince politicians and influence public opinion is the use of renderings. Miljøpunkt Amager requires visual evidence of Amager Boulevard with fewer cars and replaced by green space. ThoughFIGURE 9. Shows the projects structure the project is a result of the Eastern Ring Road proposal, Miljøpunkt Amager requires the project to be feasible without the tunnels. This requires maintaining two lanes of traffic on Amager Boulevard

to maintain local connectivity, but an overall reduction in traffic volume. Also, as a part of MPA’s environmental goals, the area must maintain and increase bicycle connectivity. The project’s feasibility without the tunnel is an important political statement, showing MPA’s propensity to continue efforts to reduction of vehicular traffic. Miljøpunkt Amager also requires that the project consider the “Municipal Climate Adaptation Plans” (Skybrudsplaner). The project should be an overall improve life on Amager, by increasing the quality and quantity of local green space. Program After considering the requirements established by Miljøpunkt Amager, I developed goals for the project, as described in the following program. The program is centered on the principles of sustainability. Economy, Environment, and Society are necessary considerations in designing a sustainable site. Economy- Reusing materials from the site, the project includes a natural resource economic perspective. Materials reuse, reduces the amount of materials in FIGURE 10. The 3 components of sustainability production and waste. Materials reuse also reduces the cost of the project. Environment- Increasing the amount of green space, by decreasing the amount of paved surfaces, increases the viability of the urban ecosystem. Ecosystem services, such as rainwater infiltration, are one example of how the natural environment can help solve storm water issues. Habitats for flora and fauna are also improved. The project also promotes environmental health because it reduces traffic pollution and carbon footprint. Society- Social sustainability is expressed in making biological processes visible to educate the public. Society will also benefit from the positive effect recreational areas have on the overall health of residents of the city, by increasing physical activity and decreasing pollution.

FIGURE 11. Reduce, Reuse Recycle

v.CONTEXT A. Freeway Removal

B. Freeway Park

Freeway removal is a phenomenon is found in conjunction with harbor renewal projects in many major cities in the United States. The Big Dig in Boston established a tunnel to replace the overpass, which previously dominated an area parallel to Boston Harbor. Similar to this project on Amager Boulevard, the Big Dig established a 4-kilometer long park in the area to replace the highway, creating connection across the park from the city to the harbor and especially increasing pedestrian accessibility to the harbor front. Similar projects include, Embarcadero Freeway in San Francisco, California and Harbor Drive in Portland, Oregon.

Freeway Park in Seattle, Washington is an example of prioritizing parks in a dense urban area. In the case of Freeway Park, the park design coincided with the development of a major highway directly through the heart of the city. The park provides a refuge for city dwellers, allowing them to escape the noise and sight of the highway. This project is an important example to Amager Boulevard, proving that natural oases and through traffic can coexist, when properly designed. Since Amager Boulevard is a necessary connection between Copenhagen and Amager, the two lanes of traffic are necessary.

Figure 12. Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Artery prior to the Big Dig

Figure 14. Freeway park in the city context

Figure 15. The freeway in in the middle of the park

Figure 13. Rose Kennedy Green Way, after the completion of the Big Dig

Figure 16. Freeway park features dense vegetation in the heart of Seattle

Figure 17. The Brutalistic style water falls drown out the sound of the freeway

C. Climate Adaptation Plans The Municipality of Copenhagen has realized the importance of climate change preparedness. Following the storm and consequential flooding in July 2011, the municipality created a strategy for preventing future flooding, published in 2012. With the ever-worsening climate change forecasts, Copenhagen recognizes the need for drastic infrastructure changes. The strategy focuses on site rainwater infiltration, by increasing the amount of green spaces.

FIGURE 18. Lyngbymotorvej flooded July 2011

FIGURE 19. Primary, secondary and tertiary solutions for flooding on Christianshavn and Amager. The area in the black box in the upper left hand corner, indicates an amendment made after the orginal stormwater management plan was published. The black arrows show that the channels that orginally would drain into the harbor at Langebro (shown by the “x”) willl now drain into the Stadsgraven. Storm water management- This project has a responsibility to consider storm water management because Miljøpunkt Amager, must make efforts to support the Stormwater Management Plan for the city and local area.

FIGURE 20. Due to Amager’s extremely flat terrain, there is a considerable risk of flooding due to the fact that water will not be drained away from any given site. The orange lines show elevation of 2 meters.

vi. METHODS

1. SITE ANALYSIS

The transformation of Amager Boulevard into a park will reduce traffic in the local area and provide space for non-vehicular activity. The transformation will give way to a green space connected to the existing parks and nature areas, increasing biological connectivity and recreation possibilities. The adjacent businesses and residential building will benefit from the expanded green area by increased property value and usability of the site. Using forest succession as biological model, the new park will establish educational possibilities, nature experiences and stabile habitats for flora and fauna.

To understand the site, I used map analysis, 3D analysis and site visits to create a holistic understanding of the site.

In order to harmoniously unite Miljøpunkt Amager’s expectations with my own goals for the site, I have used the following methods find the possibilities for the site.

A. Historical Analysis To gain a basic understanding I used the map of preserved buildings and areas from the Ministry of Culture’s SAVE analysis map. This map shows the area around Christianshavn Vold is a historical preservation area. The Serum Institute and Kvinde Regensen are also included in the historic preservation map. The SAVE analysis method, conducted in the Bydels Atlas for Amager, uses topography, history and architecture to register and preserve important spaces and buildings in Denmark.

- Research- The history of the site informs the site’s current characteristics and essence. Based on my goals for sustainable design, I have also researched how other cities have tackled the challenge of transforming a former traffic artery into green space. In order to achieve a more green profile for the space, I have researched the precedents for vegetation invasion on industrial sites, both naturally occurring and designed. I have also researched the requirements for healthy ecosystems in an urban context to satisfy the biodiversity aspect of the program. - Spatial Analysis- Through the use of photography and sketching, I have examined the spatial qualities of Amager Boulevard to inform the design process. I have also used a three-dimensional model in AutoCad, to further analyze the space and to use a skeleton for design process. - Scale- To design the space and gain a whole picture of the site, I used a scale 1:5000. To understand the regional context I used a scale of 1:50,000, to locate and compare the qualities of green space in the city as a whole.

FIGURE 21. Historic Preservation Map- Shows the areas around the site deemed as protected sites due to their historic importance.

Figure 22.

B. Kevin Lynch Method A method developed by Urban Planner, Kevin Lynch in 1960, which employs the understanding of the user or observer of a space, to provide a basic understanding of physical structures and layouts to the understanding of a site. Lynch argues in this theory that a city or smaller part of a city can be separated into the following typologies: Paths- The pedestrian path provides local access with the area. It is narrow 2 meter wide, packed dirt path, and follows the water’s edge. Sidewalks also line Amager Boulevard on the outer side of the bike lanes. The bicycle lanes are the standard Copenhagen, meter wide path on each side of the car lanes. Bicycles are however not allowed on the path around the lake. Vehicles dominate the area. There are three lanes in each direction, including a bus lane. There are two major intersections where Ved Stadsgraven splits from Amager Boulevard, and the intersection of Ørestads Boulevard and Amager Boulevard. There is a primary traffic going through the area to get to the southern end of Amager and to the southeast side of Amager (business district). It is therefore a major route for trucks, transporting trash and construction materials via Amager Boulevard. There is also a secondary traffic in the area. This includes Ved Stadsgraven, connecting Amager Boulevard to Amagerbrogade. There are several smaller roads to access to the adjacent neighborhoods. Nodes- Nodes are important intersections of traffic or meeting spots. Christmas Møller Plads An important traffic intersection because it is the first gate into Amager, when arriving from Torvegad. The intersection at Amager Boulevard and Ved Stadsgraven, redirects traffic to east and south giving access to Amagerbrogade and Vermlandsgade. Districts- A district is a distinct area different in function and physical charateristics from the surrounding areas. a. Residential- This district is located at the end of Ved Stadsgraven where is meets Christmas Møller Plads. The buildings are in a functionalistic 1920’s style, with uniform brick facades with little to no adornment. This district also includes a kindergarten.

buildings. The old part of the Serum institute is made of a main building surrounded by several smaller ones. The main building is set back from the road by about 11 meters, with the smaller ones staggered around it. It is separated from the road by means of a 3 meter fence, which is in some places iron rods and other a solid brick wall. Kvinderegense on the corner of Amager Boulevard and Ved Stadsgraven is also a historical building and defines this corner of the site. It is 4 floors, brick building surrounded by a 3-meter brick wall. d. Edges- Amager Boulevard itself is the largest barrier in the area. There is only crossing points between the Serum institute and Langebro, making it difficult to navigate. The six lanes of heavy, noisy traffic also create a psychological and visual barrier. e. Landmarks- Landmarks are important monuments or buildings that can be used as orientation markers because of their visibility or distinct characteristics. a. Norwegian Sailor’s Church- In spring the church is hard to see because of the large trees blocking the view. It is however quite visible in the winter because of its distinct color and shape. b. Vor Frelsers Church- This church is one of the landmarks on all of Copenhagen. Its distinctive tower spiral and golden shine attracts attention from all sides. It is also visible from most spots on the fortifications but especially in the area in front of the Norwegian Church. c. Radisson Hotel- Towering over Amager Boulevard at 80 meters, it dominates the view from all points on the fortifications, and attracts attention regardless of where you are on the lake.

b. Business district- This area, located between Langebro to the intersection of Ørestad Boulevard, is dominated by 4 glass blocks, approximately 40 meters in height. There are reflection pools/ canals separating them from Amager Boulevard. Along with the hotel, they create a closed wall along the northeast side of the boulevard. The expansion of water in front of the wall evokes a harbor front spatiality. c.

Historic- This district is the highest concentration of historical

Figure 23. Path system

Figure 24. Radisson Hotel

Figure 25. Vor Frelsers Church

Figure 26. Business District

Figure 27. Intersection of Amager Boulevard and Ved Stadsgraven

Figure 28. Christmas MĂ¸ller Plads seen from the south-east

Plan of Existing Site 1.4000

c. Spatial Analysis The following cross sections aims to create a general spatial understanding across the site, and how the buildings, road and lake relate to one another.

A-A 1:2000

B-B 1:2000

D-D 1:2000

C-C 1:2000

Cross Section Placement Map 16

c. Trafffic Conditions

These maps show the number of cars and bicycles as an average of the daily users per day per year. Figure 31 shows that the site is bordered by two main arteries, Amager Boulevar with 11800 cars per day and Torvgade with 23800 cars per day. It also shows the need to maintain bicycle paths on Ved Stadsgraven because of the high number of cyclists and the need for an alternative to Torvgade as it is also heavily trafficked by cyclists.

Figure 29.

Figure 30.

FIGURE 32. This diagram shows the current road and path structure on the site.

2. PROJECT SCOPE The following section describes the geographic and conceptual delimitation of the project, including the rationalization for what is included and excluded.

A. Geographic Boundaries

B. Conceptual Boundaries

The project focuses on the vegetation, the path system, and functions of the site. The ramifications of traffic removal will not be discussed. “Amager Visioning”, a group of students from Worcester Polytechnic University, have completed a report about the possible traffic ramifications will be with the construction of a tunnel, and a discussion of the different tunnel possibilities. The Amager Visioning team and I worked together at Miljøpunkt Amager to find what the possibilities for Amager Boulevard, while helping them understand the city structure and the effect of their suggestions.

The project addresses Amager Boulevard. The site delineation stops at the intersection of Amager Boulevard and Ved Stadsgraven. The rest of Amager Boulevard, from Kvinde Regensen to Amagerbrogade, is currently under development as a part of the “New Amagerbrogade” project under Copenhagen Municipality’s Department of Urban Development (Tenik og,Miljøforvaltning) and will therefore not be taken into consideration in this project. The project includes closing Ved Stadsgraven for vehicular traffic, and incorporating it into Amager Boulevard Park. Expanding the project site to Ved Stadsgraven, provides a greater amount of green space potential and a further traffic reduction. Closing this road for cars and trucks poses a problem for trucks going to the industrial site and waste station located on Refshaleøen and Prøvestenen. The benefits for reclaiming this space for green space, outweigh the inconvenience for the trucks. Considering the speculative nature of this project, the goal is to imagine this space with maximum green space. Closing this road articulates prioritizing green space. The visual connection between the northern side of the lakes and the project side will be taken into consideration, but without changing the characteristics of the current Christianshavn Fortification Park. I will examine the characteristics of Christianshavn Vold, to further my analysis of the area, but it will stay largely unchanged. The fate of Langebro will also be excluded from this project. It will be an aspect I will include in the examination of the whole corridor from Ågade to Amager Boulevard. Though it is adjacent to the project site, reducing traffic on Langebro is too dramatic a change to include in this project.

FIGURE 33. Shows the dimensions of the site in order to establish a sense of distance and space. The total area is 5 hectares.

CHAPTER 2. THEORY The following theories form the foundation and reasoning for the design choices made in the design for the site. i. The Principles of Ecological Design ii. The Four Principles of Reclaiming Sites (Sebatian Marot) iii. Biodiversity in Urban Environments (HABAITS, iv. The Aesthetics of Urban Decay These represent a combination of biological and aesthetic concepts and processes, reflecting the goal for this project to design a sustainable greenway using a multifaceted approach.

i. Principles of Ecological Design

1. Visibility- is the most direct form of conveying ecological design. Many ecological parks tend to hide their intentions to blend in with the surrounding conformity of an urban context. Sustainable storm water management can be in the form of underground faskiner. However this ecological design principle strives to create a clear visual connection between design and their ecological function. In Duisburg Nord, the most visible element is the reuse and adaptation of a former coking plant. The environmental ramifications of tearing down are greater than letting them stand on sites, creating a historical dimension to the space to make users aware of the previous use of the site. Visibility is also seen in the contrast between designed and not designed landscapes. Traditional designed landscapes such as squares, French gardens etc… easily legible. Ecological landscapes blur the line between designed and not designed. Ecological design is not present in the modern worlds aesthetic and is often confused as a not designed space. This confusion is one that ecological designers such as Habitat, with their “Wild with Purpose “program, to encourage people to accept plants of all sorts to grow under little human supervision. By introducing this new aesthetic can we have a different relationship to nature and a change in how we see nature in urban environments. Though ecological design often falls prey to organic forms, repeating the randomness and curvilinear elements of nature, this does not have to be the case. Latz’s design of Duisburg Nord, is based on a rectilinear grid with the space between dominated by natural randomness.

The five principles of ecological design are the primary theoretical background for the design of Amagerboulevard. Visibility, Temporality, Reiterated form, and Expression are the four principles and are explained in “Ecological Design: A New Aesthetic” by Catherine Heatherington. Using the Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord project by Peter Latz she outlines the ways ecological and sustainability can be designed elements, expressing the intentions of the park to be a lesson in sustainable design.

FIGURE 34. Reiteration of form in the parterres in Landschafts park.

2. Temporality- is the expression of natural and biological processes in ecological design. Decay and succession are examples of natural processes that can be emphasized. Most historical and temporary landscape design focus on stagnation in time and space. They aim to lock a site in a certain controlled state. Ecological design however challenges this steady state approach, by introducing and using a time dimension to create a dynamic space. This adds an educational element and excitement to a scape. Seeing a biological process in several stages in one place at one time creates a wholly unique educational experience and raises the level of biological understanding. Acceptance of the changing nature of landscape, both designed and not designed, create an overall acceptance of changes in life and nature. They give the observer and understanding of existence. 3. Reiterated form- The goal of ecological design is to challenge conventional wisdom about design spaces and the forms that dominate the built environment. The principle of reiterated form however strives in to incorporate the forms present in the collective consciousness. By adapting known forms in landscape design in an ecological way heightens the awareness of the designed space. An example of this is the pool at Landschaftspark Nord, which achieves an ecological element via the reclamation and reuse of materials from the site, while reiterating a well-known form in the language of landscapes.

FIGURE 35. The principle of visibility represented in Landschafts Duisburg Nord, repurposing railroad tracks as a planting element.

4. Expression- Landscapes evoke emotional reactions. We feel secure, inspired, and curious in a successful landscape. A successful ecologically designed landscape inspires a feeling of renewed and perhaps closer relationship to nature. Another way a landscape can evoke emotion is the connection between a space and an activity or ritual. 5. Metaphor- Landschaftspark creates a powerful metaphor relaying the power of nature showed through the destruction or covering of industry. Latzs evokes a nature dominant utopia, in which nature reigns. Unfettered access and interaction with the site creates a metaphor of freedom and trust, a pact between the site and in user of trust and partnership. FIGURE 36. Temporality represented in Landschaftspark. The vegetation transforms the former factory and will continue to as they grow and change the space. Heatherington, Catherine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ecological Design- A New Aesthetic.â&#x20AC;?http://www.chdesigns.co.uk/. Society of Garden Designers, Aug. 2007. Web.

ii. The Four Principles of Reclaiming Sites Sebastian Marot’s article on reclaiming sites covers the historical, biological and spatial functions of a sites and how to analyze these elements. These principals challenge the modernistic “tabula rasa” approach to landscape design. Marot emphasizes the importance of examining all angles of a landscape including process and time dimension. 1. Anamnesis- The rediscovery of inherent knowledge within a site, including the history of the natural processes that have sculpted the landscape. This principle also explains the necessity of a dynamic relationship with history in order to understand what has happened on the site. 2. Preparation- With the realization that the creation of a landscape is am on going process, this principle emphasizes the variety of designed outputs a site can become. Design should be approached as an open ended strategy, preparing the landscape for the unforeseeable future. An important aspect of preparation is illuminating various ways of interpreting the site to the viewer.

Figure 37. Preserved asphalt surface for the path system

3. Three-dimensional sequencing- This principle strives to challenge the historic manner of viewing a landscape as a two dimensional surface. Marot encourages the study of the layers in the physical space and layers in time of a site to find its essence. These layers include light, habitats, and the sky. 4. Relational structuring- The adjacent areas to a site are important in understanding the site. The spatial and social contexts are crucial in a holistic reclamation of sites. The social structures in a site include the stakeholders who control the landscape and also those who are affected by the decisions made by the site owners. (Marot, Sebastien. “The Reclaiming of Sites.” Recovering Landscape: Essays in Contemporary Landscape Theory. Ed. James Corner. Princeton Architectural, 1999. 45-57. Print.)

Figure 38. Broken asphalt pieces along the paths 23

Case Study MAURICE ROSE AIRPORT, FRANKFURT, GERMANY A reclaimed space, that makes use of a Cold War era American airport. The 4,5 hectares of paved surface, were broken into differently sized pieces of concrete and asphalt to allow the natural vegetation to flourish and creating a dynamic landscape. This design creates a conversation with history by keeping some of the paved surfaces for recreation use and the reuse of materials. Reusing the materials also creates different habitats on the site and encourages a variety of biological processes, and allows the landscape to develop naturally. The landscape is reclaimed by the public, and is put to use instead of remaining an unused relic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Partial Dismantling of the Old Bonames Military Aerodrome.â&#x20AC;? Public Space. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014.

Figure 40. Gabion bench at Maurice Rose Airport

Figure 39. Preserved landing strip for recreation

Figure 41. Broken concrete overtaken by vegetation

iii. Urban Biodiversity Biodiversity is in a critical state in Denmark, and globally. There is a general decline in species variety and Denmark alone has lost 27% of the original species mass. Increasing biodiversity in an urban environment is mutually beneficial to a city’s flora and fauna (humans included). Ecosystem services are the specific ways in which nature can fulfill functions, which would otherwise be synthetically or industrially produced. For example rain gardens with increased infiltrations capability can replace the need for conventional sewage systems. Green roofs are also a way in which grass, plants and soil can insolate a building, to protect it from becoming to warm or too cold on the interior. Bees also produce an ecosystem service by pollinating and producing honey for harvest. There are 8 credentials according to HABITATs “Biodiversity in Cities” report from 2012 which provide a spatial foundation for biodiversity. 1. Distance- To be an ideal green area, should the area be as close as possible to other green spaces

2. Size – The green area should be as large as possible to maximize habitat area.

3. Form- A green area should be round and not long

4. Area Variation- Different shapes and sizes

5. Corridor- Green areas should be connected in order to increase habitat size and mobility

6. Buffer Zone- In order to guard a fragile ecosystem from the trauma of urban environments, a buffer zone protects a species from harm.

4. Biotope variation- A diversity of environmental conditions within a biotope (shade, sun, moist, dry etc.…) FIGURE 42. “Vild med Vijle” (Wild with Purpose) an initiative by the Danish consulting and design firm HABITATS.

7. Age- Old green areas are home to more species because they have had time to establish a population. Older trees create new habitats for species which like decaying materials (fungi, woodpeckers …) Naturstyrelsen. Biodiversitet I Byer – Forslag Til Synergier Mellem Biodiversitet Og Byudvikling. By Rasmus Vincentz, Philip Hahn-Petersen, and Lise Kloster Bro. København, 2013.

FIGURE 43. “A Wild With Purpose” site, the grass is allowed to grow and not treated with pesticides etc... The only maintence is performed with a sythe.

iv. Forest Succession When there is a dramatic change in a biotope or environment causing the complete destruction of the previous habitat, the process of forest succession sets in to redevelop the vacant space. In nature an example of the complete wipe out of an area is caused by volcanic activity, a forest fire or species unspecific disease. On Amager Boulevard the cause of the habitat destruction is human caused, the development of a road closes the possibility for species to develop in an area. The disturbance in this case is actually the removal of the road to produce viable land for forest succession to happen. The first stage of forest succession is the presence of pioneer species. They are hardy plants such as grasses that dominate the resources of the area. After around five years of the reign of pioneer species, other woody plants come into the area creating a mix of grass and small shrubs. Thirdly, trees, especially evergreen species come into an area and dominate the resources, the grasses start to have less sun light because of the forest cover and acidity from falling needles. The fourth stage is the mature forest, a mixture of fully-grown deciduous and evergreen trees dominant creating habitats for a large range of fauna.

FIGURE 44. South Park Blocks district in Portland Oregon. An example of a thriving designed urban forest planted in 1887. 27

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Gower, Tom, and Jeff Martin. “Forest Succession.” Forestry Facts 78 (1996): 1-4. Web. <http://forest. wisc.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/publications/78.PDF>.

v. Aesthetics of Urban Decay

The idealization of decay of urban environments has been capture attention and has been used in modern aesthetics. One can find numerous websites dedicated to photographing derelict industrial sites and related structures, around the world. This is just one example of a change in what is valued and what we find interesting. We find idealizing decay on a smaller scale in the popularity of New York lofts with exposed brick, or designer couches with well-worn leather. This trend is a backlash against the shininess of previous ideals where perfection was the ideal. This project takes an alternative approach to urban decay. It creates a faux decay aesthetic, by destroying the built elements in order to expedite the decay process. Though this may seem assumed, the aesthetic of decay coincides with the principles of ecological design and therefore become a relevant piece to the design concept. Ecological design includes the metaphorical aspect of visually indicating the natural world take-over, on sites where industry and humans have previously dominated. On Amager Boulevard, the natural takeover is combined with functions catering to human needs. The natural takeover therefore needs to be controlled in a manner that can still allow for these functions without compromising the needs of the ecosystem. (Fein, Zachery E E. The Aesthetic of Decay: Space, Time, and Perception. Thesis. University of Cincinnati, 2011. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.)

Petr Gibas. “Globalised Aestheticisation of Urban Decay.” In Beyond Globalisation: Exploring the Limits of Globalisation in the Regional Context (conference proceedings), 155-161. Ostrava: University of Ostrava Czech Republic, 2010. http://conference.osu.eu/globalization/publ/19-gibas. pdf.

a. FIGURE 45 (a and b). Refshaleøen, Copenhagen. A former industrial area, that has had no official function since Burmeister and Wain shut down 1996. These two pictures show abandonment and natural takeover.

FIGURE 46. Tree roots growing in concrete

Case Study HIGHLINE PARK, NEW YORK The High Line is an example of the aesthetics of urban decay in practice. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, it is of the most talked about parks in recent landscape history, the Highline has added a new dimension to the lives of New Yorker and visitors, and a new way to look at the possibilities for urban green spaces. The Highline is built on an old elevated railway system that lay vacant from 1980 to 1999. During this time, pioneer flora moved into the area despite its highly industrialized characteristic, and developed into a well-established succession forest. The architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, used the overgrown, natural aesthetic, along with the railroad history of the site to inspire the Highline as it stands today. The park features, concrete pavers that are inspired by train tracks, and transform along the length of the park into benches planters and paths depending on the functions of the park in that area. The plant species choices are also solely native plants, and are arranged in a way that both reflects natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own planting patterns, though in a visibly designed manner. Reference: Diller Scofidio + Renfro: Reimagining Lincoln Center and the Highline. Dir. Muffie Dunn and Tom Piper. Prod. Edgar B. Howard. Checkerboard Film Foundation, 2012.

FIGURE 48. The Highline before the park.

FIGURE 47. Use of native species in a planting arrangement that reflects the state of the Highline before the park. This image also shows the integration of the highline into the buildings.

FIGURE 49. Diller Scofidio + Renfro design of the Highline.

CHAPTER 3. DESIGN The design aims to combine the analysis and theories discussed in Chapters 1 and 2. The “Principles for Ecological Design” were important to make the environmental sustainability of the site visible and communicable. The “Four Principles for Reclaiming Sites” represent a holistic approach to design and analysis of a site. These principles can be applied to the three parts of sustainability and thereby strengthen the arguments for the design concept. The spatial elements of biodiversity informed the design process because they outline tangible needs a thriving ecosystem. The “Aesthetics of Urban Decay” explains a tendency towards an aesthetic informed by history and natural processes. This concept shows a change in the aesthetic ideals of built environments towards lesser-maintained urban green spaces. This project takes an alternative approach to urban decay. It creates a faux decay aesthetic, by destroying the built elements in order to expedite the decay process. Though this may seem assumed, the aesthetic of decay coincides with the principles of ecological design and therefore become a relevant piece in the design concept. Ecological design includes the metaphorical aspect of visually indicating the natural world take-over, on sites where industry and humans have previously dominated. On Amager Boulevard, the natural takeover is combined with functions catering to human needs. The natural takeover therefore needs to be controlled in a manner that can still allow for these functions without compromising the needs of the ecosystem.

i. USER GROUPS After considering the results of the spatial analysis and site context, the following functions of the site became apparent. The functions are furthermore based on the future user groups of the site, who determine the functionality and success of the project. There are two main groups the site must consider, those passing through and those using the park as destination. Those passing through will primarily be commuters on bicycle and in cars, getting on and off Amager. Those using the park for exercise and recreation will be people taking walks and families. They will be walking to the park or on bicycle. Since the focus of this park is recreation and education in urban nature, the activities will span all ages and physical abilities.

FIGURES 50. These functions were deduced from the sustainability framework, site analysis, and the theoretical material.

FIGURE 51. User Groups diagram, decribing the types of people using and passing through the site. In order to cater to the people that will eventually use this site, this diagram describes the groups of people using the site and their mode of transportation.

FIGURES 54. PLAN DRAWING 1.4000

ii. SPATIALITY Entering the site from Langebro in the northeast, one is met by a dense forest. The only evidence of the road is an asphalt path, with white stripes from lane demarcation. The forest canopy creates a tunnel atmosphere, a portal into Amager. Coming out on the other side of the forest, the landscape gradually opens up. The stages of forest succession become evident by the thinning out of the forest cover. Regressing in time, the forest becomes a young forest with a thin canopy and younger trees. There are patches of grass spot the landscape, and well-developed shrubs. The young forest becomes even sparser and is eventually a grassy meadow dotted with the patches of asphalt and concrete. Here it is highly evident what the sites previous function has been. However, the fractured asphalt surface makes it clear that nature has taken over. The degree of decay of the paved surface depends on the level of forest succession. On the surface in the forest, decay has fully eroded the paved surface, save the path system. The young forest has heavy decay, but the paving is sparse. The first stages of forest succession show the most pavement. Allowing large amounts of pavement to remain, controls the amount vegetation, freezing in time. The forest area creates a break in scale between the tall glass buildings and the flat landscape of the site. The forest canopy distracts from the business district blocking the view and creates a medium, relatable scale. Beyond the grassy meadow, lies a skating rink, at the intersection of Amager Boulevard and Ved Stadsgrave. The two lanes remaining of Amager Boulevard are blocked by stadium seating facing the skating rink and the lake beyond that. The top layer of asphalt is removed, revealing the underlying concrete. The concrete is evened out and used as a skating surface in the spring and summer, and filled with water and used as an ice-skating rink in the winter. Moving beyond the skating rink, the vegetation yet again dominates the landscape. In front of the Norwegian Chruch, the tall trees have been cleared allowing for a direct view to Vore Frelsers Church on Christianshavn. This area seen from a plan view reveals an axis, within a wildflower meadow. The path in the axis of the meadow is cut grass.

site closest to Christmas MĂ¸llerplads will be an apple plantation. To create a start and an end to the site, the forest and the plantation punctuate the ends. To integrate the landscape into the city at this end of the park, a decision to make a plantation gives a cue that one is now entering a park entering through the tree gate. The straight lines of trees will also allow a long line of site along the length of the park to give glimpse at what is farther into the park. The plantation will also line the sides of the path that continues on the other side of Torvegade. Although traffic is not changing in this area, and there are several lanes users must cross in order to use the whole circuit around Christianshavnvold, lining the path with trees and continuing the allĂŠ on the other side of the road, gives continuity to the path. We now return to Langebro, and follow the course of the other main path in on the site. This path runs directly along the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge and generally follows the original path. On the water path, users experience varying degrees of connection to the opposite side of the lake. Where the fortifications extrude farthest towards the southern side, there is a high degree of visual connection to the other side. The parts of the fortification with least visibility are in the inner coves. Here the vegetation is high and the view is obstructed. In these spaces, people feel far away, surrounded and protected by the vegetation. People looking into these coves from the other side will feel a greater distance because the view is obstructed and they cannot clearly see the other side.

The area, which is currently mostly used for sunbathing and picnicking, is left as is. There are direct views of the whole area and a lawn dotted with large, old chestnut trees. There is a bunker between Ved Stadsgraven and the lawn. It creates a visual barrier for the residential building behind it, which is worsened by the tall shrubs growing on top of the bunker. The area, which has been a road on the far side of the bunker, will become a playground, incorporating the bunker as grassy climbing element. Creating paths on top of the bunker will encourage exploration, and decreases its effect as a barrier. The corner of the 35

FIGURE 55.

FIGURE 56. 1:1000

A-A CROSS SECTION 1:2000

FIGURE 57. 1:1000

B-B CROSS SECTION 1:2000 40

C-C CROSS SECTION 1:1000 41

iii. SKATING RINK

Beyond the grassy pioneer stage of succession, lies a skating rink, at the intersection of Amager Boulevard and Ved Stadsgraven. The two lanes remaining of Amager Boulevard are blocked by stadium seating facing the skating rink and the lake beyond that. The top layer of asphalt is removed, revealing the underlying concrete. The concrete is evened out and used as a skating surface in the spring and summer, and filled with water and used as an ice-skating rink in the winter. The stadium gabion seating, with the flat skating rink can be used on occasion for smaller music events.

Figure 59. Inspiration from the Maurice Rose Airport in Frankfurt.

FIGURE 58. 1:1000 42

FIGURE 60.

D-D CROSS SECTION 1:1000 44

iv. MEADOW

FIGURE 61. 1:1000

WILD FLOWER MEADOW SPECIES These flowers are selected based on the color variety and their characteristics as a flower meadow. They grow well together and are suggested species when trying to create a mixed, grass and flower meadows in northern Europe. Forget Me Not (Myosotis palustris)

Globe Flower (Trollius europaeus)

Great Burnet (Sanguisora officinalis)

Water Avens (Genum rivale)

Geranium (Geranium plaustre)

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

FIGURE 62. Rendering of the “Meadow”, looking east on Ved Stadsgraven

vi. VEGETATION The plant species outlined in the diagram X,X,and X are a sample of diverse, native species, which can lend to increased biodiversity of the site. Another important aspect of the vegetation choice is a study of the species present on Amager Fælled. They serve as a logical inspiration because of its proximity and habitat diversity. The plants must be generally hardy, due to the less than ideal growing conditions on the site. The plant choices are also highly varied in their visual characteristics. “40 Danske Trær og Buske”, argues that areas planted with one species feel monotonous… and limit the possibilities of experiencing wild flora and fauna”. Various arrangements of these species will also require very little maintenance because of the “wild” nature of the design, the biological checks and balances on the ecosystem.

FIGURE 64. Plant growing through concrete crack

FIGURE 65. A shrub on Refshaleøen in concrete

FIGURE 63. “Dendritic Decay Garden”

The Forest- all of the layers of the road are removed and replaced with soil, providing optimal conditions for tree growth.

Young Forest and Shrubs- The road infrastructure is partially removed. This creates lesser conditions for the vegetation. These conditions will promote the forest sucession structure, keeping this area in a stunted growth.

Grassy Area- In this area the road infrastructure will stay in place, but be broken by jack hammering all over the area. This will quicken teh decay process and allow for grasses to grow up through the cracks.

Asphalt (5-10 cm) Concrete (20-25 cm) Sand, soil, and gravel FIGURE 66.

FIGURE 67.

TREES SPECIES The selection of trees represents a variety of deciduous and evergreen trees, providing different habitats for the urban fauna. The trees are primarily tall, over 15 meters, and have a variety of crown density. Although the area will not be exposed to as much salt, with the reduction of the road, the forest will be better developed if the trees are tolerant towards increased levels of salt. (See Appendix 1 for more information on tree species).

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

Birch (Betula)

Common Aspen (Populus tremula)

Field Maple (Acer campestre)

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Oak (Quercus robur)

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)

Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa )

SHRUB SPECIES The shrub choices are focused on berry bearing shrubs, providing a habitat and food source. Aesthetically, they provide varying heights, color and leaf density to create visual dynamic. The shrubs are also of varying size, and will therefore add to the dynamic relationship to the young forest, making biodiversity visible. (See Appendix 2 for more information on shrub species).

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa)

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartic)

Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Reference: Pinborg, Ulla, Erling Krabbe, and Lis Ella. Fruervang. 40 Danske TrĂŚer Og Buske: Plantning, Bevaring. Kbh.: Fredningsstyrelsen, 1985. Print.

GRASS + RUSH SPECIES These species will be used in the shrub landscape, the pioneer landscape and the meadow. Aesthetically they prove a medium height and a change in scale from the abutting forest and shrub landscapes. They also serve important function in the landscape. They can be habitats for insects, birds and mammals. A grassy field also increase pollination. They are also a perennial landscape, therefore creating a continuity in the habitat. (See Appendix 3 for more information on grasses and rush species).

Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata L.)

Millet Grass (Milium effusum L.)

Wavy Hair Grass (Deschampsia flexuosa)

False Oat Grass (Arrhenatherum elatius)

Field wood rush (Luzula multiflora)

References: “Danmarks Fugle og Natur”www.fugleognatur.dk, April 2014.

“Danmarks Flora.” Danmarks Flora. Web. 10 May 2014.

vii. PATHS Reusing asphalt from the road provides visual connectivity, a reference the previous use of the site and an element of environmental sustainability. The paths vary height. The higher paths create a respectful distance between the walker and the plant life around the path and indicate that you should be careful around the vegetation. The sunken paths have a dual function. They physically immerse the walker into the landscape allowing them to experience plant life from a different angle. These paths run perpendicular to the site, and are slanted towards the lakes. There are small gutters along each path for rainwater drainage, and in large rainwater events the whole sunken path could be used to channel large amounts of water towards the lakes. There are connecting paths between the land path and the water path, at strategic points to encourage those following the land path to the waters edge, to gain orientation and to provide a wider view of the park including the northern side of the lakes. These junctions would also instigate curiosity for those walking along the water path to explore the forest succession.

FIGURE 68. Cross section sketch of sunken path. FIGURE 69. Diagram of the sunken path system. Shows the gutters running along side the paths and going under the stairs.

FIGURE 70. Cross section sketch of path at plan level.

FIGURE 72. Inspiration from RefshaleĂ¸en

FIGURE 71. Cross section sketch of raised path.

FIGURE 73. Inspiration from Maruice Rose Airport

FIGURE 74. Inspiration from Maurice Rose Airport

viii. APPLE PLANTATION AND GARDEN The plantation at the edge of Christmas MĂ¸ller Plads, creates end to the park. The feel is generally the same as the forest at the Langebro end, but with trees in a grid of trees rather than at random. The apple plantation adds another element of interaction with the site. The apples are free to be harvested by all, contributing to a sense of belonging to the space and neighborhood. There will be a community garden between the bunker on Ved Stadsgraven and the residential building. The garden will be compromised of raised beds, due to the polluted soil in the area, and the regulation for urban gardens. It will be made available to residents living in the adjacent residential buildings and close neighborhood. It is intended to create a community activity and possibility to increase biodiveristy while, creating a source of local food. This urban garden is integrated in the city and the greenway, to making it visible and enjoyed by a large audience and passersby.

FIGURE 76. Raised beds at Prags Have, a community garden on a former industrial site on Amager.

FIGURE 75. 1:1000

FIGURE 77. Apple Orchard, trees arrange in a grid.

viiii. TRANSPORTATION The new Amager Boulevard will allow for local traffic, but car traffic will not be a priority. The bicycle path will be expanded to three meters in each direction. The path going into the city, away from Amager, the user is reminded of the green area. The cyclists drive through the forest succession area, immersed in the forest. Here they experience the forest succession process at a medium speed (diagram low medium high speed), as though time were being fast-forwarded. The new Amager Boulevard can attract bicycle commuters away

from Torvegade on Christianshavn, where the daily through traffic of cyclists is about 3,750. On Amagerboulevard the through traffic is about 2,900 cyclists over Langebro. Widening bike lanes and increasing the amount of surrounding green space, commuters will be attracted to the new boulevard. (diagram of bike commuters. These maps show the amount of traffic on the site and how the new design will benefit the bicycling conditions. Expanding the bike paths and making them more attractive and green, the heavy traffic on Torvgade can be reduced.

Pedestrian Paths (2 m.)

Bicycle Lane (3 m.) Car Lanes (8 m.)

FIGURE 78. Layout of Road (not to scale) 56

CHAPTER 4. CONCLUSION Discussion

Project Expansion Possibilities

Though this project has attempted to consider all possible problems on the site, there are three remaining weaknesses. The main critique of the project are the potential traffic conditions once car four lanes are removed. Closing Ved Stadsgraven, would for example create problems for the trucks going toward Refshaleøen and Prøvestenen. This could potentially push the traffic problems to other areas of Amager and Copenhagen. The feasibility of the project therefore hinges on traffic reduction in the whole city. The Eastern Ring road proposal, from which this project is based, is highly controversial, and has been criticism for putting traffic problems underground not solving them.

As mentioned in the critique, the site will be most successful in conjunction with an overall plan for increasing biodiversity in Copenhagen. This could be in the form of a plan which points at undeveloped sites on Amager and in the city and their potentials as green spaces. It could also be a plan for increasing biodiversity in existing parks, which also maintain their original characteristics. One could also explore the possibility of creating a green space above the whole proposed Eastern Ring road route.

Another dilemma is the artificial nature of the urban decay as a design concept. Because decay is a process caused by natural elements and the passing of time, the same aesthetic qualities may not be produced under the circumstances described in the design. Trying to mimic the process of decay may reduce the design concept’s authenticity. The conditions for the plants in the pioneer stage of the succession forest, purposefully limit their ability to flourish. This could be interpreted as contrary to the goals of creating and supporting an ecosystem on the site.

Summary

Furthermore, increasing biodiversity and supporting ecosystems is a challenge in urban environments. The area has been exposed to many years of pollution and disturbances because of the site’s long history as a main traffic artery. Also, if the project is not implemented along with an overall plan for improving air quality and ecosystems in Copenhagen, the site stands alone and therefore at risk of not being able to support the plant life as intended.

The Amager Boulevard Greenway design is a result of site analysis and analysis of The Principles of Ecological Design, The Principles of Reclaiming Sites, Urban Biodiversity and the Aesthetics Urban Decay. The design creates a holistic solution for plants and people alike. Though there are future challenges, it is a economically, socially and environmentally feasible project. The Amager Boulevard Greenway has the potential to fundamentally change how Amager is perceived. The heavy focus on green space and road removal to make way for recreational use sends the clear message of a vision of a sustainable future for Amager and the city of Copenhagen.

Overall, the design is slightly vague in nature. There is a general plan of the placement of the various elements, but not a plan for the placement of trees and plants.

REFERENCES “Danmarks Fugle og Natur”www.fugleognatur.dk, April 2014. “Danmarks Flora.” Danmarks Flora. Web. 10 May 2014. Diller Scofidio + Renfro: Reimagining Lincoln Center and the Highline. Dir. Muffie Dunn and Tom Piper. Prod. Edgar B. Howard. Checkerboard Film Foundation, 2012 Fein, Zachery E E. The Aesthetic of Decay: Space, Time, and Perception. Thesis. University of Cincinnati, 2011. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. Flink, Charles A., Robert M. Searns, and Loring Schwartz. Greenways: A Guide to Planning, Design and Development. Island, 1993. Print. Gower, Tom, and Jeff Martin. “Forest Succession.” Forestry Facts 78 (1996): 1-4. Web. <http://forest.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/publications/78.PDF>. Grandt, Jørgen. Amager Boulevard. N.p., 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 15 Mar. 2014. http://www.grandts.dk/Amager/Amagerboulevard.htm Heatherington, Catherine. “Ecological Design- A New Aesthetic.”http://www.chdesigns.co.uk/. Society of Garden Designers, Aug. 2007. Web. Københavns Kommune. Teknik-og Miljøforvaltningen. Ny Amagerbrogade Helhedsplan. København, 2013. Københavns Kommune. Teknik-og Miljøforvaltningen. Skybrudsplan Konkretisering - Amager Og Christianshavn. København, 2013. Marot, Sebastien. “The Reclaiming of Sites.” Recovering Landscape: Essays in Contemporary Landscape Theory. Ed. James Corner. Princeton Architectural, 1999. 45-57. Print. Naturstyrelsen. Biodiversitet I Byer – Forslag Til Synergier Mellem Biodiversitet Og Byudvikling. By Rasmus Vincentz, Philip Hahn-Petersen, and Lise Kloster Bro. København, 2013. Public Hearing Meeting notes, October 21, 2013; Teknik og Miljøforvaltning, Municipality of Copenhagen) https://subsite.kk.dk/PolitikOgIndflydelse/Moedemateriale/Teknik-OgMiljoeudvalget/17-03-2014/e199fa0a-1410-41b6-9693-9a98a1261440/88a53539-692c-434a-a979-f53ea8d0385d.aspx Petr Gibas. “Globalised Aestheticisation of Urban Decay.” In Beyond Globalisation: Exploring the Limits of Globalisation in the Regional Context (conference proceedings), 155-161. Ostrava: University of Ostrava Czech Republic, 2010. http://conference.osu.eu/globalization/publ/19-gibas.pdf. Pinborg, Ulla, Erling Krabbe, and Lis Ella. Fruervang. 40 Danske Træer Og Buske: Plantning, Bevaring. Kbh.: Fredningsstyrelsen, 1985. Print. “Sådan Etablerer Du En Blomstereng.” Have Nyt. N.p., 10 May 2014. Web. “Vild Med Vilje.” www.vildmedvilje.dk 25 Mar. 2014.

LIST OF FIGURES 1. Københavns Kommune, http://kbhkort.kk.dk/

22. Inge Hopps, April 2014

2. Inge Hopps, April 2014

23. Inge Hopps, March 2014

3. http://www.grandts.dk/Amager/Amagerboulevard.htm

24. Inge Hopps, March 2014

4. http://upload.wikimedia.org/

25. http://www.copenhagendenmark.co.uk/i/frelsers.jpg

5. http://www.grandts.dk/Amager/Amagerboulevard.htm

26. Inge Hopps, March 2014

6. http://www.grandts.dk/Amager/Amagerboulevard.htm

27. Inge Hopps, March 2014

7. http://www.grandts.dk/Amager/Amagerboulevard.htm

28. Købehavns Kommune, http://kbhkort.kk.dk

8. http://www.grandts.dk/Amager/Amagerboulevard.htm

29. Købehavns Kommune, http://kbhkort.kk.dk

9. Inge Hopps, April 2014

30. Købehavns Kommune, http://kbhkort.kk.dk

10. Inge Hopps, April 2014

31. Inge Hopps, May 2014

11. Inge Hopps, May 2014

32. Inge Hopps, May 2014

12. http://www.boston.com

33. Inge Hopps, May 2014

13. http://collaborativeservicesinc.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/img_0232.jpeg

34. http://www.germany.travel

14. Inge Hopps, July 2013

35. http://www.headbanker.de

15. Inge Hopps, July 2013

36. http://thegardenwanderer.blogspot.dk

16. Inge Hopps, July 2013

37. http://www.publicspace.org

17. Inge Hopps, July 2013

38. http://www.publicspace.org

18. http://www.bt.dk/

39. http://www.publicspace.org

19. Københavns Kommune, 2013 ”Konkretisering af Skybrudsplan: Amager og Christianshavn”

40. http://www.competitionline.com

20. Inge Hopps, April 2014

41. http://www.publicspace.org 42. http://www.vildmedvilje.dk/

21. Inge Hopps, April 2014 59

43. http://www.vildmedvilje.dk/

64. http://www.lse.ac.uk/

44. http://theintertwine.org/

65. Inge Hopps, April 2014

45. Inge Hopps, November, 2012, April 2014

66. Inge Hopps, April 2014

46. http://tea.empresschic.com/

67. Inge Hopps, March 2014

47. http://www.subtielman.com/

68. Inge Hopps, March 2014

48. http://landscapeislapinski.wordpress.com/

69. http://www.publicspace.org

49. http://www.asla.org

70. Inge Hopps, May 2014

50. http://eyefordesign.wordpress.com/

71. Inge Hopps, March 2014

51. Inge Hopps, May 2014

72. Inge Hopps, April 2014

52. Inge Hopps, May 2014

73. www.publicspace.org

53. Inge Hopps, May 2014

74. www.publicspace.rog

54. Inge Hopps, May 2014

75. Inge Hopps, May 2014

55. Inge Hopps, May 2014

76. http://ratzer.blogspot.dk/

56. Inge Hopps, May 2014

77. http://inspiredhealthyorganized.com/

57. Inge Hopps, May 2014

78. Inge Hopps, May 2014

58. Inge Hopps, May 2014 59. http://www.publicspace.org 60. Inge Hopps, May 2014 61. Inge Hopps, May 2014 62. Inge Hopps, May 2014 63. www.stacylevy.com 60

APPENDIX 1: TREES SPECIES

Species Ash

(Fraxinus excelsior)

Birch

(Betula)

Common Aspen (Populus tremula)

Field Maple

(Acer campestre)

Pine

(Pinus sylvestris)

Oak

(Quercus robur)

Hawthorn

(Crataegus laevigata)

Black Alder

(Alnus glutinosa )

Cherry Tree

(Prunus cerasus )

Height

Growth Rate

Leaf Density

Salt Tolerance

Light

35 m.

Habitat Function bird nesting and food

25 m. 15 m. 15 m.

bird habitat and food

30 m.

small bird nesting and food for squirrels

35 m. 8 m. 20 m. 20 m.

seed and berries as a food source

Reference: Pinborg, Ulla, Erling Krabbe, and Lis Ella. Fruervang. 40 Danske TrĂŚer Og Buske: Plantning, Bevaring. Kbh.: Fredningsstyrelsen, 1985. Print. 61

APPENDIX 2: SHRUB SPECIES

Species Elder

(Sambucus nigra)

Blackthorn

(Prunus Spinosa)

Buckthorn

(Rhamnus cathartic)

Blueberry

(Vaccinium myrtillus)

Height

Growth Rate

Leaf Density

Salt Tolerance

Light

5 m. 3 m.

Habitat Function nesting for birds and shelter for small mammals shelter for small birds and small mammals

8 m. 1 m.

food source for mammals and birds

Reference: Pinborg, Ulla, Erling Krabbe, and Lis Ella. Fruervang. 40 Danske TrĂŚer Og Buske: Plantning, Bevaring. Kbh.: Fredningsstyrelsen, 1985. Print. 62

APPENDIX 3: GRASSES AND RUSH SPECIES Species Orchard Grass

(Dactylis glomerata L.)

Millet Grass

(Milium effusum L.)

Wavy Hair Grass

(Deschampsia flexuosa)

False Oat Grass

(Arrhenatherum elatius)

Field wood rush (Luzula multiflora)

Height

Growth Rate

Leaf Density

Salt Tolerance

1 m. 1 m. 30 cm. 1,5 m. 15 cm.

Reference: “Danmarks Flora.” Danmarks Flora. Web. 10 May 2014. 63