Copenhagen Is Artificially Engineering Paradise With Five Man-Made Islands

The city is crafting "Blue Plan" off its harbor, including artificial islands specifically dedicated to opera, water sports, and education. We'll see you there.

by Andrew Nunes

July 21, 2014, 10:20pm

If stuck on a island, what would you want to entertain yourself with besides a Wilson volleyball? If stuck on Blue Plan, a series of five artificial islands set to be built off Copenhagen's harbor, you may have too many options to choose from and never leave. This is man-made paradise, and we can only hope it comes to fruition.

Designed by Danish architecture firms Tredje Natur and PK3, the five islands aim to introduce a vast recreational area to the city of cyclists. The man-made land masses will have wildlife, water sports, and even an educational facility, with each island serving an individualized purpose. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect from each one:

1) House of Water

Comprised of various concrete, shapely islands, House of Water will be accessible to visitors by a wooden jetty—which we can only imagine will be the most spectacular walk of your life. Described as a "showcase for Danish water technology," this island will be the place for visitors to learn about global water issues.

2) Bird Island

As the name would suggest, Bird Island will be an island focusing on aviary species, along with blooming green nature throughout. According to the architects, "[This] island will be the obvious destination for bird lovers, angling enthusiasts, shell collectors, biologists and school classes to be taught biology, history and geography.”

3) Krøyer’s Puddle

On the island we want to visit most, Krøyer’s Puddle strives to be a relaxation lagoon, filled with sauna caves, inlet pools, and other spa elements. After a day of jetty walking and bird watching, this is the R&R island we imagine will be most populated.

4) Operaparken

The opera park will be right outside of Copenhagen’s own Royal Opera House, and will be playing some tunes for those on the islands to listen to while enjoying their leisure. Sounds like a Danish take on Homer's Sirens if you ask us.

5) Sportsøen

For daytime leisure and tourism, this athletics-focused island will offer kayaking, scuba diving, and (for the less extreme) casual swimming.

In short, these artificial islands sound like they could be engineered paradises that don't require visitors to be stuck at a resort or on a crew ship. But since this project will be funded by the Municipality of Copenhagen, we believe it won't be a tourist bubble, either. "With Blue Plan we wish to give the harbor of Copenhagen back to the Copenhageners!" writes the architects on Dezeen. If they're willing to share a little of this awe-striking harbor with some friendly foreigners, will happily make the trek across the Atlantic.

For more on this epic project, visit Tredje Nature's project page here. See you on the island.