Contemporary vs. Historic Parks

Copenhagen contains a plethora of historic and contemporary parks. While the historic parks were typically former fortifications that were converted into green spaces, contemporary parks are mostly smaller pieces of land that have recently been converted into areas for recreational use. The biggest difference between historic and contemporary parks may be seen by comparing Ørste Anlæg and Superkilen. Ørste Anlæg covers 12 hectares, and contains The National Art Museum at the southern portion of the park. The park was once part of the old city's fortifications, and contains ponds that were once part of the moat system.

Superkilen, a park in the Nørrebro section of Copenhagen, opened in 2012 as part of an urban improvement plan in a poor immigrant area of Copenhagen, and covers 3 hectares. Clearly, the origins and sizes of these projects are different. Ørste Anlaeg was created at a time that Copenhagen was expanding past its fortifications, and was becoming more polluted due to industrialization. Superkilen was created to celebrate cultural diversity and renew a dilapidated urban area, helping to promote integration of the many immigrants in the area.

Another difference is the aesthetics of these two parks. In the historic park, there are wide green spaces, large ponds, benches, and numerous forests. There are several statues, but the overall appearance of the park is green. Superkilen, on the other hand, is mostly concrete. While there are several small open grassy spaces, most of the park is art and recreational facilities. There are several trees which have benches around them, but since these benches are circular, they do not promote much interaction. In addition, unlike the historic park, the main focus of this park is its art, and outdoor gym facilities. As a result of these differences, the people who use these parks are also different. The users of the historic park are joggers, picnic goers, and older residents. The people who use Superkilen are most likely young families, immigrants, and youth.

While there are plenty of differences between the parks, the overall objective of providing parks to residents is the same. Both historic and contemporary parks provide for safe places to relax and escape the city. They are also both places that facilitate interaction and exercise.