Functionality and use of design
The design of the 1600m2 harbor bath arose from a desire to extend the park areas into the water in a way that addresses the practical necessities in relation to safety and accessibility. The harbor bath has a unique identity and was developed at a low cost (4 million DDK).

How did this design improve life?
With a beautiful view of the city’s spires and the life on the waterfront the harbor bath gives Copenhageners an opportunity to swim in the city’s harbor for free, and thus, it is a facility that creates pure joy. The harbor bath also reflects Copenhagen’s unique location by a body of clean water, a feature that sets the city apart from many other cities in Europe. The 1600m2 harbor bath also transforms Copenhagen Harbor from an industrial setting and traffic juncture into the city’s social and cultural center.

Drawbacks of life improvement
It can be difficult to guarantee that the harbor bath stays open throughout the season, as this depends on approval from the environmental authorities. Heavy rains, for example, may make the sewers flood, which makes it necessary to close down the harbor bath - something that may cause disappointment among the users.

Research and need
The design of the 1600m2 harbor bath arose from a desire to extend the park areas into the water in a way that addresses the practical necessities in relation to safety and accessibility. The harbor bath also wanted to utilize Copenhagen’s unique position next to a body of clean water, a feature that sets the city apart from many other cities in Europe.

Designed by
Julien de Smedt & Bjarke Ingels - Denmark