On the Scene Copenhagen: Locals Talk About the Latest Trends in Their City

Everyone in Copenhagen knows that the city belongs to the people. Not the cars. Social and environmentally friendly buildings have been built here for decades. Progressive urban planning of a kind that is very rare. I really wanted to be part of it, which is why I moved from sunny Spain to rather chilly Copenhagen. 

I have never regretted it, because there is so much to discover here, for example the Opera Park next to the Royal Opera House – designed by the architecture firm Cobe, where I work as an architect. Instead of parking spaces above ground, a green oasis has been created for city dwellers, with cars hidden a few meters below. This is all the more impressive as the opera house and park are located on an artificial island.

Væksthuset: A Touch of England in Copenhagen

In the middle of the park is the Væksthuset (“Greenhouse”) restaurant, a light-flooded glass building full of exotic plants. Afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream is particularly enjoyable here. A touch of England in the Danish capital, plus the wonderful view of the harbor front and Frederiks Kirke church – pure perfection!

Right next to the Opera Park is Paper Island, another place that shows how forward-looking Copenhagen’s urban planning is. Formerly a paper warehouse, the artificial island is now home to cafés, stores, and the charming 25hours Hotel. The large wooden terrace with a view of the city is a popular place in summer to spend time in the sun with friends or relax alone with a good book.

Royal Danish Playhouse: Clear the Stage for Environmentally Conscious Architecture

Directly opposite is another particularly beautiful example of sustainable urban development in Copenhagen: the Royal Danish Playhouse – or “Skuespilhuset,” as the Danes call the theater. The building is stylish and ecologically well thought out: The stage set is largely reusable; excess heat energy generated by the visitors and the lighting is recycled. And the seawater is used for cooling. Of course, there are also solar panels on the roof, which help to reduce energy consumption by almost 40 percent. Skuespilhuset is a must-see for architecture fans – the glass facade alone is worth a visit. 

The Silo: Fantastic View over Copenhagen

Nordhavn is home to The Silo, a former grain silo that has been converted into a residential building. Fun fact: The Silo even appears in an episode of the TV series “The Simpsons.” The original structure of the silo was retained; many materials were reused and the facade was given a modern design. If you’re not afraid of heights, you should definitely visit the panorama restaurant on the 17th floor – a highlight for connoisseurs with a fantastic view over Copenhagen and the Öresund. On a clear day, you can even make out the silhouette of Malmö!

Tip:

Discover Copenhagen's architecture on a three-hour bike tour with GetYouGuide – and learn how the city implements sustainable and people-friendly ideas in its planning.

About

Francisco Tirado works as Architect and Photography Lead at Cobe in Copenhagen. After studying in Seville and spending several years in Vilnius, he moved to the Danish capital – and cannot imagine a place with a higher quality of life.