Van den Berk Nurseries: Greening Copenhagen's Opera Park with a Symphony of Trees In the heart of Copenhagen, where the bustling cityscape meets the historic harbour, The Opera Park stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of urbanity and nature. Designed as a green oasis in the city centre, this 21,500 m² public park, generously donated by The A.P. Moller Foundation, is a masterpiece that seamlessly integrates diverse landscapes, architectural wonders, and sustainable features.
A Symphony of Nature: The Opera Park's Design
As urbanization continues to shape Copenhagen's inner harbour, the need for green spaces becomes increasingly vital. The Opera Park, designed by The Opera Park Foundation, is a response to this demand, providing a serene escape for recreation, relaxation, and contemplation within the city's dense core. The brainchild of Cobe architects, the park features six distinct gardens inspired by historical European designs. Winding paths, carefully crafted viewpoints, and a diverse array of trees, bushes, plants, and flowers create an immersive experience reminiscent of classical English romantic gardens. The Opera Park consists of six gardens from various parts of the world: the North American Forest, the Danish Oak Forest, the Nordic Forest, the Oriental Garden, the English Garden. At the heart of this green haven is a central greenhouse, housing the Subtropical Garden and a delightful café.
Van den Berk Nurseries: Creating a lush oasis The lush greenery that adorns
The Opera Park is not by chance but a result of meticulous planning and the expertise of Van den Berk Nurseries. As the exclusive supplier of all trees for this project, Van den Berk Nurseries has played a crucial role in bringing the vision of The Opera Park to life. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, Van den Berk Nurseries has provided 628 trees, including unique exotic and local species, creating a vibrant and ever-changing backdrop for park visitors.
Sustainable Innovation: Rainwater Harvesting and Green Roofs
The Opera Park stands as a testament to modern sustainability practices. Rainwater, considered a valuable resource, is channelled from the Royal Danish Opera's roof into underground reservoirs for greenhouse irrigation. Excess rainwater is collected in rain beds for infiltration and evaporation. The landscaped bridge and greenhouse boast green roofs, capturing and delaying rainwater release while also serving as a food source for the park's fauna. This thoughtful approach extends to shielding the park against strong winds from the harbour and sea, enhancing the comfort of park users. The elevated terrain not only provides a scenic setting but also safeguards against flooding during heavy rainfall and significant rises in harbour water levels.
The Greenhouse: A Unique Architectural Marvel
At the heart of The Opera Park, the central greenhouse designed by The Opera Park Foundation is a captivating architectural marvel with it’s organic forms and lush atmosphere. Terracing down to parking levels, the greenhouse accommodates up to 300 cars, ensuring year-round vibrancy for The Opera Park, even during the winter months. A Seamless Connection: Landscaped Bridge to the Royal Danish Opera The park's thoughtful design extends beyond its borders with a covered connection to the neighbouring Royal Danish Opera. A landscaped bridge, echoing the curvature of the greenhouse, provides a weather-protected link between the park's underground parking facility and the Opera. This integration of landscape and architecture creates a meandering path that enhances the overall experience of visitors. In conclusion, The Opera Park stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of visionary designers, sustainability pioneers, and trusted suppliers like Van den Berk Nurseries. As we celebrate this green haven in the heart of Copenhagen, let us recognize the pivotal role played by Van den Berk Nurseries in providing the lush canopy that transforms The Opera Park into a symphony of nature within the city's vibrant landscape.
Photo's: Francisco Tirado