The Captivating Nærum Allotment Gardens (Nærum Kolonihave) in Nærum, Denmark: A Striking Architectural Landmark Designed by Carl Theodor Sørensen
Allotment Gardens of Nærum (Nærum Kolonihave) Under Scrutiny
Craving a peek into unusual and innovative gardening designs? Look no further. Today, we're diving into the enchanting world of the Nærum Allotment Gardens, an iconic and unconventional area nestled in Nærum, a charming northern suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark. Designed in 1948 by the visionary Danish landscape architect, Carl Theodor Sørensen, these gardens are celebrated for their distinctive, eye-catching layout.
The Nærum Allotment Gardens: Key Features & Background
Design Concept
Sørensen crafted 40 oval-shaped garden plots, sheltered by lush, dense privet hedges, across a gently sloping grassy terrain. Each oval varies in size yet maintains an elegant and consistent aesthetic that engages a balance between natural curves and structured landscaping. Drawing inspiration from traditional English cottage gardens, Sørensen artfully reimagined the English design with a modern, Danish sensibility.
Purpose & Function
The gardens were initially designed as allotment gardens, offering city dwellers small yet personal plots to cultivate a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Although similar to British allotments, the Nærum gardens are attached to homes to create quaint, charming gardens. Unlike traditional rectangular plots, the oval-shaped layout instills a sense of community while providing privacy. The potential drawback lies in the unused grassy areas between plots, where space could be optimized with square or rectangular gardens.
Architectural & Cultural Significance
Sørensen was a pioneer of modernist landscape architecture, and the Nærum gardens are considered a masterpiece of 20th-century landscape design, merging functionality with artistic expression. His exploration of geometric forms in nature culminated in this breathtaking creation. The site remains an essential example of post-war Danish urban planning and is protected as a cultural heritage site.
Present-Day Status
Today, the gardens continue to thrive under the loving care of their owners, who meticulously preserve Sørensen's original vision. The gardens serve as a haven for architecture and garden enthusiasts drawn to the unique design, blending playful, structured elegance with the organic beauty of nature. However, I find it intriguing to see the gardens set among traditional properties boasting rectangular gardens and neighboring conventional allotments.
What Makes the Nærum Allotment Gardens Special
Architects and design aficionados alike are captivated by the playful yet disciplined design of the Nærum Allotment Gardens. The project stands as a testament to Sørensen's unique vision, demonstrating that urban green spaces can be both practical and aesthetically alluring. Sørensen's work has reverberated in the work of subsequent landscape architects, and the Nærum project remains a cherished symbol of Danish modernist design[1][4].
Admittedly, I am partial to the efficiency of square or rectangular gardens, but that may stem from being slightly less Danish in my preferences!
Tag: Nærum Allotment Gardens
Join my Gardening Facebook Groups Here!
How to Dig For Victory
UK Garden Flowers, Trees, Shrubs & More
Allotment Life For Beginners
Find me on Substack StefanDrewe.substack.com
#BiteSizedGardening #Gardening #Vegetables #veg #fruitandveg #allotment #biointensive
References:
- Sorenson, C. T. (1948) The Nærum Allotment Gardens, Nærum Kolonihave, Denmark
- Nærum Allotment Gardens (accessed 8 March 2023) www.kaam.dk/kaam/Pladsen-Nærum-Kolonihave-i-Nærum/1285
- Danish Modernism: Nærum Allotment Gardens (accessed 8 March 2023) https://modernismweekoceanuside.org/garden/danish-modernism-hague-gardens-americas-miss-modernism/
- Nærum Allotment Gardens: Background, History, and Design (accessed 8 March 2023) www.designmethods.dk/archives/3127
Sources:
- Sorenson, C. T. (1948) The Nærum Allotment Gardens, Nærum Kolonihave, Denmark
- Nærum Allotment Gardens (accessed 8 March 2023) www.kaam.dk/kaam/Pladsen-Nærum-Kolonihave-i-Nærum/1285
- Danish Modernism: Nærum Allotment Gardens (accessed 8 March 2023) https://modernismweekoceanuside.org/garden/danish-modernism-hague-gardens-americas-miss-modernism/
- Nærum Allotment Gardens: Background, History, and Design (accessed 8 March 2023) www.designmethods.dk/archives/3127
Following the unique design concept of Carl Theodor Sørensen, the Nærum Allotment Gardens blend the charm of traditional English cottage gardens with a modern, Danish sensibility, showcasing a striking lifestyle fusion that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing in a home-and-garden setting. Inspired by Sørensen's innovative layout, one can't help but imagine implementing similar gardening techniques to enhance one's personal home-and-garden space.
%20Under%20Scrutiny){kind=link}