Copenhagen Study Trip
Layer.studio visit the very latest and best of Landscape Architecture in Copenhagen
Our mission was to witness firsthand how Copenhagen, a city deeply invested in sustainable urbanism, tackles the looming challenges of climate change. And what better way to explore than on two wheels, the city’s lifeblood? Our collaborative nature was exemplified by our ongoing relationship with Copenhagen based practice, SLA. We have been working alongside SLA in our home city of Manchester (see project: Sister), so a trip to their home city was all the excuse we needed to how the Danes do it. And straight away we were impressed; The sheer efficiency of the cycling infrastructure, the seamless integration of green spaces, and the palpable sense of community were immediately striking. We weren’t just observing; we were participating.
Our first day started with a visit to SLA’s studio, a vibrant hub of creativity, it’s interior of muted natural and earthy tones left a strong impression amongst the carefully curated art work, models and countless books. We were treated to presentations showcasing their innovative projects – from large-scale urban parks designed to cool the city and enhance biodiversity, to intricate micro-interventions that brought nature into the heart of dense residential areas. The emphasis on sensory experience, ecological integrity, and social inclusion resonated deeply. They demonstrated how landscape architecture is not just about aesthetics, but about fostering a harmonious relationship between people and their environment.
Day 2 was a self-led tour and naturally started with indulging in the city’s culinary delights. Pastry shops, their windows overflowing with flaky pastries and aromatic coffee, became our regular pit stops. We fuelled our minds and bodies with cinnamon swirls and cardamom buns, sharing observations (often through blurry rain-soaked eyes) and debating the Nordic design approach. The casual atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie, and as always on Layer.studio trips, helped foster the close-knit and collaborative nature that the studio thrives on. The inevitable downpour, far from dampening our spirits, became a poignant illustration of Copenhagen’s water management strategies. We saw rain gardens absorbing torrents, green roofs mitigating runoff, and canals acting as vital flood buffers. This wasn’t theoretical; it was tangible, a living demonstration of landscape architecture’s power to mitigate climate impacts.
Returning to the UK, we carried more than just soggy souvenirs. We brought back a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of nature-based solutions, and a fresh perspective on how landscape architecture can shape resilient and vibrant cities. Copenhagen, with its commitment to sustainable urbanism, served as a powerful reminder that design can be a catalyst for positive change, even in the face of a good soaking. You may ask why we do this? We believe that a theoretically reflective and inspired practice can considerably contribute more towards it designs, projects and industry knowledge, and that having fun along the way as a team is always just as important!