Copenhagen's 2011 flood as catalyst for sustainable urban transformation
In July 2011, a severe cloudburst struck Copenhagen, leading the city to recognize the shortcomings of its 2009 strategy. As a result, various measures were taken, including the installation of permeable surfaces, the creation of micro-parks, improved coastal communication, upgraded sewer systems, and the construction of waterproof basements. This incident, reminiscent of flooding events in cities like Rotterdam, Barcelona, Bremen, and Munich, initiated a shift towards sustainable development. SLA Architects won a competition for the Nørrebro area, which spans 85,000 square meters at significant flood risk, channeling rainwater to Peblinge Lake. Gabriella De Marco connects this to recent floods in Italy and references Stefano Monti's article from November 16 on Artribune, highlighting the financial impacts of climate change. She emphasizes lessons from Copenhagen regarding waste management, health, leisure, and emissions, suggesting that water can be harnessed as an opportunity through the integration of technology and nature.
Key facts
- Copenhagen was hit by a cloudburst in July 2011.
- The 2009 plan was deemed inadequate.
- Interventions included permeable surfaces, micro-parks, and waterproof basements.
- A competition for Nørrebro was won by SLA Architects.
- The project covers 85,000 square meters.
- Rainwater is directed to Peblinge Lake.
- The project integrates hydraulic engineering, landscape architecture, and social context.
- Gabriella De Marco is a professor of contemporary art history at the University of Palermo.
Entities
Artists
- Gabriella De Marco
- Stefano Monti
Institutions
- Artribune
- SLA Architects
- University of Palermo
Locations
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Bremen
- Germany
- Munich
- Venice
- Italy
- Trentino
- Tuscany
- Lazio
- Matera
- Sicily
- Nørrebro
- Peblinge Lake