These Floating Islands Will Bring A New Type Of Public Park To Copenhagen

Designed by Australian architect Marshall Blecher and Studio Fokstrot, a set of roaming artificial islands is set to be built in Copenhagen's harbor. The project that's supposed to bring "wildness and whimsy" to Denmark's capital will provide a new type of public space to relax and unwind in. The islands will be open and free to everyone, including boaters, swimmers, kayakers, and just about everyone who enjoys being outside.

More info: Studio Fokstrot | Copenhagen Islands

The islands will feature plants, trees, and grass—everything necessary to provide a habitat for life over the water and under it. "The top of the islands will be planted with endemic grasses, bushes, and trees, which will provide a sanctuary in the middle of an otherwise highly developed part of the city for the local seagulls, swans, pigeons, and ducks," the architect Marshall Blecher told the media.

For the construction of the Copenhagen islands, their designers will use traditional wooden boat-building techniques. The floating structures themselves are flexible in their use, while the materials that will be used are sustainable and also recycled.

For the construction of the "parkipelago" of floating islands, recycled and sustainable materials will be used—steel and floatation elements clad in Forest Stewardship Council-approved timber. As for the process, the designers will be using traditional wooden boat-building techniques. The islands will be moved from season to season between different parts of the harbor.

The new project is following the success of the first prototype island CPH-Ø1 that was launched back in 2018. It then became an attractive part of the harbor and won many design prizes. Later this year, it will be joined by three more islands. "The largest island will comprise nine modules with additional separate islands floating nearby," architect Marshall Blecher told one media outlet.