PROMPT: Based on your experiences, describe the different identities of Copenhagen's public and private greenspaces.
When looking at private and public green spaces in
Copenhagen, it is hard not to mentally categorize them into different
categories- public parks and private gardens.
Though, this isn’t the case with every space that we have visited. As we
have seen, public parks come in many forms. Many aren’t even green at all. Private
greenspaces, from what we have mostly seen, take the form of gardens.
Each greenspace, whether private or public, has their
benefits and negative aspects. The
difference in who is able to access private and public parks is dramatically
different. Public parks are for everyone
who chooses to visit while private parks are quite selective. The high prices and demand for a small plot of
land greatly decreases the amount of people who are actually eligible to own a small
private garden. Owning or even gaining
access to a private park or garden is extremely difficult and restrictive for those
with a lower economic status. The non-restrictive
nature of a public park helps build a sense of community. People can come together to socialize and
collectively enjoy nature. Private parks
also offer socialization but on a much more selective level. The owner must
personally invite people they want to come enjoy their private greenspace.
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| My class enjoying a cute private garden. |
The size difference between private and public parks is
quite dramatic as well. Public parks,
like Ørstedsparken are quite large while private gardens in De Runde Haver are
extremely limited in size. Size dictates
the types of activities one can participate in.
Large public parks offer more amenities because they are simply just
larger.
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| Each plot in De Runde Haver is separated by round hedges. |
Private gardens are typically taken care of very carefully
by the owner. A lot of care is given to
one’s private park or garden to make it feel more homely and to give it a
unique touch. There is a major sense of
personal ownership and responsibility for the upkeep of a personal plot of
land. Given that there is a long waiting
list for a private garden, one can imagine that the owners are very proud of
their plot. This personal responsibility
is absent in public greenspaces. Public
greenspaces are much more likely to be vandalized and polluted because there is
a lack of restriction and less frequent maintenance.
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| A different type of private garden than De Runde Haver. This small shed was really well kept and tidy both on the inside and out. |
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| A vandalized children play boat. This is in the public park, Østre Anlæg. |
Despite these differences, private and public greenspaces
share common functions like recreation, relaxation, education, and
socialization.
