Overall Experience

Summarize your experiences of, and write a definition of Danish greenspace.

After three weeks of class, and many fieldtrips to different types of greenspaces in Denmark, you might assume it would be easy to put one simple definition on the phrase “Danish Greenspace,” however; the phrase cannot be described by one simple sentence or one definition. Before defining Danish greenspace, I feel it is important to define what the term ‘greenspace’ means. A greenspace is any area of land set aside for the building of a park or other section of land that can be used for the enjoyment by people. While this definition is true, the phrase, “Danish Greenspace” means much more than that and it adds an element of culture to the word.

The Danish culture is very much influenced by greenspace and the greenspaces are influence by the Danes themselves. Danish Greenspace, in a physical sense, is a park or other area in which Danes can go to a number of various activities; it incorporates history, education and self-expression into the everyday life of the Danes. Because the Danish identity can be contributed largely to an eco-friendly attitude and an overall “green” lifestyle, the use of greenspaces is a big part of their lives. Danish Greenspace, in a non-physical sense, is a feeling or a bond that holds the Danes so close to one another and nature and it is important to the Danes in number of ways. The entire Danish identity is influenced very greatly by Danish Greenspace, which shows just how important greenspaces are, especially in Denmark.

In the past three weeks, I’ve come to learn a lot about Danish Greenspace, culture and identity. My experiences in this class have also shown me a lot about myself that I hadn’t previously known. From a class standpoint, I learned a lot about the history of Denmark, the Danes, and the parks including many dates, and other historical facts. While I did enjoy learning about Denmark’s past, I took an even greater lesson from the class. I learned about Danish culture and how the Danes live each day. The history and facts played a role in learning this but more important than the facts was the field experience. It isn’t possible, or it’s at least extremely different to learn and understand Danish culture by sitting in a classroom. The trips back in time at Lejre or Gilleleje and the trips to quiet peacefulness at De Runde Haver and Store Hareskov and Bådfart and even the modern park trips to Superkilen and Mimersparken all contributed to gaining insight on Danish culture and how their society works.

This class offered me far more than I ever though it would. I assumed I would learn about the history of Danish parks and how they are used but I never imagined I would be able to see, hear, feel and experience Danish culture in just the few short weeks I was in Denmark. I am grateful for this class and all of the experiences I was able to gain through it.