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Nordhavn Islands Project Copenhagen Waterfront

Nordhavn København Development, Denmark design by C.F. Møller Landscape

4 Apr 2016

Design: C.F. Møller Landscape

C.F. Møller Landscape’s Nordhavn Islands project has won the international competition for an innovative learning, activity and water landscape in the harbour basin in front of the new Copenhagen International School in Nordhavn, Copenhagen.

Nordhavn Islands Copenhagen

The new Nordhavn district is taking shape fast, and, having won the international Nordhavn Islands project competition, C.F. Møller Landscape will now create one of the first and most unique projects in, on and under the water in the quarter.

The Nordhavn Islands will lie in close contact with C.F. Møller’s Copenhagen International School, connecting the school with the quarter and the quarter with the rest of Copenhagen. The Nordhavn Islands are an urban park on the water, an ocean of activities and recreational spaces at one with the water, the weather and nature – a new and different urban space for Nordhavn.

The activities on the Nordhavn Islands are spread out over three different islands, each with its own characteristics: “The Reef”, a multifunctional platform for aqua learning and events in extension of the quayside; “The Lagoon”, a floating arena for activities such as kayak polo and other water sports, and “The Sun Bath”, an actual harbour bath with a sauna and protected areas for swimming training.

As an extension of the school’s interior space, not only can the functions be included directly in the teaching, but they can also be used by external visitors, as can the school’s facilities, which are intended to function as a “community centre” by the Orient Pier.

In order to provide Copenhagen International School and all the other users with a new and different aquatic environment that stands out from all the other excellent water-related activities in the city, the Nordhavn Islands are deliberately rugged in character, embracing the “Nordhavn nature”. This is done by incorporating the “grown” environment in a design that directly encourages activity in all weathers, rain or sun, waves or glassy water.

The weather, climate and nature are important resources for movement, recreation and learning – in, around and even under the water. The round islands are therefore surrounded by a band of free-growing, organic vegetation, contrasting with the urban environment and staging the natural environment and the aquatic environment as a learning landscape at eye level. At the same time, this band of vegetation functions as a natural safety zone around the three islands, allowing young children to explore the Nordhavn Islands and the water safely.

Copenhagen International School

Also designed by C.F. Møller, the new Copenhagen International School will become the largest school in Copenhagen, covering an area of 25,000 m² and accommodating 1,200 pupils. The unusual school building will be clad with 12,000 solar cells and consist of four sections adapted to the different age levels, with a communal base featuring a canteen, library and sports facilities, which will also benefit the surrounding city.

The Property Fund for Copenhagen International School is behind the Nordhavn Islands, which are expected to be ready in summer 2017, coinciding with the opening of the school. In the competition, C.F. Møller Landscape was up against proposals submitted by Norwegian architectural practice Snøhetta and the Danish firm MLRP.

Nordhavn Islands Project Copenhagen images / information from C.F. Møller

C.F. Møller Architects, DK

Location: Nordhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark, northern Europe