Opera Park, design: Cobe
The intense urbanization of the Danish capital is leading to a reduction in recreational spaces in the city. In response to this problem, the A.P. Møller Foundation decided to transform a former industrial island in Copenhagen's harbor into a public park. The project was entrusted to Danish studio COBE, which created a lush oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - a bird's-eye view of the greenhouse, Papirøen Island and the National Opera.
Photo by Francisco Tirado © Cobe
location of the new park
in Copenhagen
Opera Park has been located on an island that has functioned as an undeveloped lawn for the past two decades. The new space includes six diverse gardens and a greenhouse,creating astrong contrast with the densely developed waterfront. Adjacent to the park is the island of Papirøen, whose name, which translates to "Paper Island," comes from the former paper warehouses used to produce Danish newspapers. Papirøen is currently undergoing a revitalization process, transforming into a cultural space. Directly across the harbor is the National Opera House, designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen. In the 19th century, the place was the heart of Denmark's cultural life and the center of European commerce.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - a bird's-eye view of the space, which was formerly an industrial island
Photo by Francisco Tirado © Cobe
six gardens of the world
on one island
The park, covering an area comparable to three football fields, consists of six gardens inspired by flora from different parts of the world: a North American forest, a Nordic forest, a Danish oak forest, an Oriental garden, an English garden and a subtropical garden, occupying the aforementioned greenhouse in the central part of the park. Among the rich vegetation, water elements such as a fountain, a pond with water lilies and a mirror pond havebeen arranged. The space is varied by a network of twisting paths and organically shaped flower beds.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - water elements such as a fountain, a pond with water lilies, and a mirror pond are arranged among the rich vegetation
Photo by Francisco Tirado © Cobe
Opera Park is a place where nature is at the forefront in the middle of a booming city. With its gardens, meandering paths and carefully planned vantage points, the park draws inspiration from the romantic gardens of historic Copenhagen, while responding to contemporary challenges such as biodiversity decline and water management. It's a space created for relaxation and contemplation that feels like being immersed in nature, despite being located in the heart of the city.
- Says Dan Stubbergaard,
founder of Cobe and Harvard professor.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - plan of the greenhouse
© Cobe
biophilic greenhouse design
The centerpiece of the park, located on a rectangular island, is a greenhouse with a form resembling a five-petaled flower. Its facades are fully glazed, and the structure is topped with a green roof that is supported by slender columns. The interior of the greenhouse houses a café, as well as areas for relaxation.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - inside the greenhouse houses a café
Photo by Francisco Tirado © Cobe
Plants and wooden interior finishes complement the space, creating a cohesive atmosphere. In the center of the greenhouse is a spiral staircase that leads to underground parking.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - a staircase inside the greenhouse leading to the underground parking lot.
Photo by Francisco Tirado © Cobe
an oasis for all seasons
Opera Park was designed to be accessible year-round, offering a variety of experiences in every season. Green zones have been created by 628 trees, 80,000 perennials and shrubs and 40,000 bulbous plants, representing 223 species from all corners of the world. The vegetation in the park changes according to the seasons - in spring the space is enlivened by a rich palette of flowering plants, in summer the landscape is dominated by shades of green, in autumn the park takes on warm tones, and in winter the coniferous trees and frozen water areas attract attention. The variety of plant species in the park promotes the local fauna, providing food and shelter for birds and insects. In this way, the park not only serves a recreational function, but also promotes biodiversity in the urban ecosystem, contributing to the protection and growth of various species.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - cross section of the greenhouse
© Cobe
Opera Park is a stage for nature in the heart of Copenhagen. Like an opera stage, the park has layers - foreground, middle and background. Trees and plants are arranged to create a natural, picturesque landscape overlooking the harbor.
- Stubbergaard adds.
Copenhagen Opera Park (Operaparken) - inside the greenhouse.
Photo by Francisco Tirado © Cobe
sustainable design
and green solutions
Opera Park was designed with sustainability in mind. Rainwater, flowing from the roof of the Opera House, is collected in underground tanks and used to irrigate the greenhouses. Paths in the park are made of permeable gravel, so excess water is directed to rain gardens, promoting natural water retention. The green roofs of the greenhouses slow down water runoff, while creating conditions conducive to the growth of fauna. Solar energy obtained from panels mounted on the Opera House roof powers the park and greenhouse. All materials used are highly durable and fully recyclable.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Cobe.
