Floating islands give facelift to Copenhagen's harbor
When examining this humble yet uplifting concept, one can discern the quintessential traits of Danish architecture: the Copenhagen Island draws inspiration from light, water, expansive spaces, and sustainability. It serves as a communal area for kayakers and swimmers seeking respite, where they can fish, sunbathe, and unwind.
By Linh Vo | Images by Airflix.de 
Every island is quite simple in itself, but the impact on how people experience the harbor can be surprisingly big.
Architects Marshall Blecher and Magnus Maarbjerg, both affiliated with Danish Design Studio Forkstrot, will oversee the installation of the wooden islands, also referred to as floating islands, in the Copenhagen harbor. These handmade islands are constructed in the southern part of the harbor, with the intention of introducing a sense of amusement to the waterway.
Versatile
Copenhagen Islands is a public space project that incorporates a small tree at the center of its 20 square meter floating surface. Blecher and his colleague have received numerous inquiries about their design. Blecher aspires to create a space where kayakers and swimmers can bask in the sun, fish, and relax—a floating shared space in its optimum form.
The strength of the concept is that all floating islands are connected by their various functions, as this artist impression shows.
Interconnected islands
The concept comprises approximately nine islands with distinct functions. Copenhagen Islands is one proposal within a series of landscape designs. Additionally, a noteworthy aspect of this concept is the interconnectedness of these small islands. Consequently, individuals will have the opportunity to partake in small festivals or special events on an integrated island.
Revitalizing the harbor
Blecher, originally from Sydney, Australia, observed that the harbor was filled with luxurious yet mostly unused yachts and floating homes. Motivated by the lack of practical utilization, he aimed to create something unique. By introducing floating islands, he hopes to inject vitality back into the Copenhagen harbor. This addition would serve as an intriguing complement to the existing offerings of yachts and the enchanting moored houseboat.
Funding needed
Statens Kunstfond and Havnekulturpuljen, two well-established Danish art foundations, have taken the first step by funding the initial stage of this project. Meanwhile, Blecher and Maarbjerg are actively seeking new investments for the second stage. They envision this project as a catalyst for transforming the overall landscape of Copenhagen and believe it can serve as a model for other cities as well. If you are interested in exploring this floating project, you can visit the islands in Copenhagen's Slusen, which will be relocated to Refshaleøen in the spring.
Official website of the Copenhagen Islands
When staying in one of the Copenhagen houseboats, you might enjoy a chain of these floating islands!