Treogtyve

Field Study Reflection #4 #14.4.2010
A hidden "Civic Design Gem" in Copenhagen: A visit to Ørstedsparken.

I have chosen to send my classmates to my personal favorite place in Copenhagen. Since being a Ahlefeltsgade 29 resident I have walked through Ørstedsparken almost daily. As the winter months are turning into spring I see why local Danes rave about this park. While not the largest of green spaces Ørstedsparken has the quirkiest, friendliest atmosphere. Though a close walk from Norreport St as well as DIS campus not many of my students know of it's existence.

Ørstedsparken is the only park open 24 hours a day and has a slightly negative connotation for things that happen in parks at the wee hours of the night. However during the day it offers much to it's visitors. It has a beautiful cafe whose coffee kicks Baresso's butt. In the winter months it's frozen ponds and hills offer the ice skater and sledder alike entertainment not traditionally found in Copenhagen's flat city. Ørstedsparken has several recreational play grounds for children as well as walking paths for runners, bikers and dog walkers alike. It's many statues, trees and flower offer much aesthetic quality and it's close proximity to the center of Copenhagen makes it a convenient stop.

So much of Copenhagen's civic pride resides in the livability of the city. A very important part of city life is interaction with other people as well as availability of public green spaces. Ørstedsparken is located in the heart of Copenhagen has is often overlooked due it's down-played nature. The park is truly designed for people of all ages and type. As a public space it offers luxury, beauty and relaxation from busy city life and embodies Copenhagen's civic minded attitude.