The new Nordhavn district is taking shape fast, and will now create one of the first and most unique projects in, on and under the water in the quarter.

The Nordhavn Islands will lie in close contact with C.F. Møller’s Copenhagen International School, connecting the school with the quarter and the quarter with the rest of Copenhagen. The Nordhavn Islands are an urban park on the water, an ocean of activities and recreational spaces at one with the water, the weather and nature – a new and different urban space for Nordhavn.

The activities on the Nordhavn Islands are spread out over three different islands, each with its own characteristics: «The Reef», a multifunctional platform for aqua learning and events in extension of the quayside; «The Lagoon», a floating arena for activities such as kayak polo and other water sports, and «The Sun Bath», an actual harbour bath with a sauna and protected areas for swimming training. As an extension of the school’s interior space, not only can the functions be included directly in the teaching, but they can also be used by external visitors, as can the school’s facilities, which are intended to function as a «community centre» by the Orient Pier.

In order to provide Copenhagen International School and all the other users with a new and different aquatic environment that stands out from all the other excellent water-related activities in the city, the Nordhavn Islands are deliberately rugged in character, embracing the «Nordhavn nature». This is done by incorporating the «grown» environment in a design that directly encourages activity in all weathers, rain or sun, waves or glassy water.

The weather, climate and nature are important resources for movement, recreation and learning – in, around and even under the water. The round islands are therefore surrounded by a band of free-growing, organic vegetation, contrasting with the urban environment and staging the natural environment and the aquatic environment as a learning landscape at eye level. At the same time, this band of vegetation functions as a natural safety zone around the three islands, allowing young children to explore the Nordhavn Islands and the water safely.