Danish dipping: the hardy Danes show how public bathing can be civilised and fun.What Denmark lacks in a Mediterranean climate A Mediterranean climate is a climate that resembles the climate of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin. Outside the Mediterranean, this climate covers relatively small areas of the Earth, and generally occurs on the western coasts of continental landmasses, roughly between , it makes up for in hardy, sportif enthusiasm, as borne out by this pier-cum-lido structure for sea swimming that forms part of a revitalised sea front at Kastrup, near Copenhagen. Swedish practice White Arkitekter's Danish outpost were responsible for the design. A 100m long pier extends out from a newish beach into the Oresund, the narrow channel separating Denmark from Sweden. The pier docks with a sculptural, circular structure resembling a palisade. This encloses a generous area of water and is protected by the curved embrace of a windbreak windbreak a physical obstruction to the passage of the wind, usually in the form of a line or copse of tall bushes or low trees or a porous fence. Of very great importance in temperate climates and periods of cold, wet, windy weather. . Rising from 1.5m to 8m at its highest point, the timber screen shelters bathers from the wind and also catches the afternoon sun. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Like an extended hand, the curved form opens up towards the landside land·side n. The flat side of a plow opposite the furrow. landside Noun the part of an airport farthest from the aircraft Noun 1. , inviting and enticing bathers inside. Stairs and ramps lead down into the water, which varies in depth from 2-4 metres, and assorted tiers and benches provide convenient spots for sunbathing, diving and general convivial con·viv·i·al adj. 1. Fond of feasting, drinking, and good company; sociable. See Synonyms at social. 2. Merry; festive: a convivial atmosphere at the reunion. lounging. There are also changing rooms
The entire structure is clad in thin strips of azobe timber, an especially hardy species resistant to the corrosive effects of sea water. The timber unifies the composition and is warm and soft underfoot. Being free to the public, the architects hope that the pier will attract all kinds of people, from the young with more energetic sporty sport·y adj. sport·i·er, sport·i·est 1. Appropriate for sport or participation in sports. 2. Exhibiting sportsmanship; sporting. 3. Flashy; jazzy. ambitions, to the elderly just wanting a quiet swim. Elegant and egalitarian, in that quintessentially Scandinavian way, the project shows how such an apparently simple structure can enhance the public realm. C. S. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] |
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