Denmark’s coastline is breathtaking - not to mention enormous. I am lucky enough to live on the water and enjoy views of the Danish Architecture Museum and the beautiful waterfront properties of Christianshavn. As any guide book will direct you, Christianshavn is home to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Church of Our Savior. The Church’s ornate spire can be spotted from kilometers away, serving as a sort of compass while navigating the city.
Although the church’s architecture is a wonderment in itself, I prefer the view from the spire. After climbing the 400-something stairs and shimmying through the church’s ancient quarters, the cityscape can take your breath away. From this view, I can see my apartment, Nyhavn, the Royal Danish Opera House, Tivoli, and much more. I can see bikers the size of ants and families enjoying the public trampolines. I can also see trends in the traditional Gades, apparently forming sorts of rectangles or rows. The organization of Copenhagen speaks towards its public transportation. The streets are much wider than other European cities to compensate for the most common form of transporation - biking.
This ariel view also speaks towards our discussion of nature’s influence on Danish architecture. The buildings of Christianshavn and København K face inward, towards the canals. The houses of Nyhavn are iconic for their vibrant colors, designed to provide color during the winter’s infamous dark hours. The city’s landscape is altered by its geographic location and consequential natural elements.