Copenhagen Floating Islands: Marshall Blecher & Studio Fokstrot Transform Urban Harbor Architecture

Written By: Arpita Bhowmick

Arpita Bhowmick

I'm from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Raised in Tatanagar, I carry the balanced spirit of the Steel City and greenery of the city with me- resilient, gritty,grounded, and committed to excellence yet calm and composed in times of tenacity. I value integrity, teamwork, and delivering results with honesty. Sacred Heart Convent School was the place where I built my foundation of discipline and curiosity and completed schooling. Then moved to Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, there I broadened my perspective and developed strong academic roots and also got first big exposure to a metro city & diverse cultural heritage. Currently I'm a student of ICFAI Business School, Mumbai , where I'm evolving my business acumen and leadership skills and working for your company Travel and tour world as a freelancer. I love to watch movies and travel, through them I collect stories, not just memories. They shape my personality by making me curious, creative, adaptive and more understanding of people. I'm always eager to learn, explore and contribute to organizations that prioritize people, purpose, and performance and keep learning and growing.

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August 28, 2026 22:17 GMT+5:30

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An innovative public space project known as Copenhagen Islands was conceptualized by Australian architect Marshall Blecher and Danish design studio Fokstrot. The initiative was developed to introduce whimsical and wild elements into the dense urban environment of the capital city of Denmark.

The initial prototype of this architectural concept, named CPH-Ø1, was introduced to the harbor in 2018 and was embraced by the local community. Following the initial success, three additional floating structures were scheduled for launch in 2020, with further expansions envisioned for the near future. This development forms a collective “parkipelago” intended to offer unconventional green spaces across aquatic landscapes.

Impact on Travellers

Visitors, tourists, and local residents are provided with unique opportunities to interact with the marine environment through this development. The floating areas are utilized by boaters, fishermen, kayakers, stargazers, and swimmers alike.

During the deployment of the prototype, various cultural events were hosted, including photography exhibitions, public talks, and seaside picnics. Travelers navigating through the city water channels are given access to novel recreational zones that integrate natural habitats directly into the metropolitan waterfront.

Industry Insights

The parkipelago concept is categorized as a not-for-profit architectural endeavor addressing rapid urban gentrification and waterfront commercialization. The structures are constructed by hand utilizing traditional wooden boat-building techniques within local boatbuilding yards.

Sustainability and ecological restoration are prioritized, as the islands feature endemic plants, trees, and grasses on their upper surfaces while underwater anchor points establish habitats for seaweeds, fish, mollusks, birds, and insects. Recognition has been gained globally, including the Taipei International Design Awards for public space and social design, alongside finalist status in the Beazley Design Prize at the London Design Museum and the Danish Design Prize.

Practical Information

The installations are designed to be easily movable, allowing them to be transported seasonally between underutilized zones and newly developed sections of the harbor to stimulate community activity. Constructed exclusively from sustainably sourced and recycled materials, the platforms embody a flexible approach to municipal infrastructure.

Access is maintained openly for public enjoyment, and the seasonal relocation strategy ensures that various parts of the maritime district benefit from the presence of these floating green oases.

Comparison with Previous Policies or Developments

Traditional urban planning policies in the region typically relied on fixed land reclamation, terrestrial parks, and rigid concrete waterfront fortifications to manage coastal zones. In contrast, the current intervention introduces an adaptable, climate-resilient model of urbanism that floats dynamically on the water rather than altering permanent land contours.

While past urban development strategies focused primarily on commercial expansion and fixed residential zones along the waterfront, this project establishes a flexible framework that can be relocated according to shifting municipal needs and seasonal requirements.