The Creative side of Copenhagen
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Having stayed in Copenhagen, you notice a few things very quickly. It is a city always on the move – mostly using bicycles – The public bus transportation system is also good. People who live in Copenhagen are very conscious of the environmental impact of their lives – the UN Climate summit was held here. The quality of life is very high as compared to even many Scandinavian cities. Research & Development and Design is an major source of economic growth and also one of it’s many exports. It is apparent from the modern architecture of the city and the abundance of design studios and design exhibitions in the city. In addition, due to it’s location and also due to major investments, the city is also a vibrant cultural hub and has a very international feel.
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During my stay, the city was celebrating Copenhagen Design week and there were exhibits all round the city celebrating the works of designers, architects and other creative artists showcasing works from all around Europe. Due to a high concentration of creative people, Copenhagen is a beautiful city to walk and cycle looking at Graffiti (such as the Obama pic here or art on the walls).
Christianshavn
Christianshavn is an artificial Island surrounded by Canals. It was initially built to strengthen the fortifications around Copenhagen. It has a large bohemian community (Freetown Chiristiania) of artists living in what earlier used to be military barracks. It is a semi-legal partially self governing neighbourhood which is known for it’s idiosyncrasy. For example This can be seen on the greeting on the exit to “Freetown Chiristiania” – which says “You are now entering the EU” (pic here). It is often considered to be a “city within a city”. Christianshavn is also home to the National Opera (from where the picture at the top of the post was taken), Danish Architecture Centre , The Royal Danish Academy of Fine arts and Danish Film School.
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