A street in Copenhagen.
The urban architect Lasse Scheld, is CEO of Moving Spaces and is specialized in sustainable mobility. Copenhagen it is the center of operations for him and his work is largely focused on how the city works. He analyzes the built urban fabric, the behavior of people and how traffic solutions together make up a more humane, more habitable whole.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local", a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to discover why their own territory should be your next destination.
What do you like most about living in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is a city that encourages people to move around by bicycle: through bike lanes, special bike lights at intersections, bike lanes and bike bridges at the harbor and elsewhere, creating a very lively city with people on the streets all day long. The bicycle offers users the possibility to stop where and (almost) when they want to enjoy and/or participate in urban life. And that generates positive and very extroverted people . Good vibes.
The urban architect Lasse Schelde.
Where are your favorite cycling routes?
Nørrebrogade and its side streets. It is the busiest bicycle street in Copenhagen and a very real experience of the weight that the bicycle culture has here. At rush hour you can't get past the bridge intersection Dronning Louises before maybe the second or third green light, because of the bike congestion there. Note that the bike lane is 4.5 meters wide! Also cross the inner harbor bridges They are interesting routes. Tip: When cycling through Copenhagen, keep to the right and **make sure you signal to stop and turn. **This is very important!
Where are some of your favorite addresses to hang out with?
Jægersborgsgade and the surrounding neighborhood. The area used to be a bit rough but now it has become a great place to eat, shop and drink. All thanks to the bold and careful planning of the area's housing cooperative, attracting, among others, the Michelin-starred chef Christian Puglisi. I also recommend a coffee at Coffee Collective or a local beer (internationally acclaimed) in Mikkellers just around the corner. Y Bülow Liquorice: Danes are obsessed with liquorice and it doesn't get more gourmet than this (in case you want to buy some to take home). I also like to go to War Pigs to have a beer and 3 floyds where good local beer and heavy metal mix.
What excites you about Denmark right now?
After Covid it is clear that our city has passed the test and It has proven to be a city for people. I have never seen so many people walking, cycling and sitting in the city. We allow going outside during lockdown and the city provided excellent spaces for this. Giving people the ability to walk, run or bike everywhere is key! Another thing that has us all delighted is the Danish national football team. We love them because they represent everything we treasure: Empathy, teamwork, feelings, power and great potential.
Outside of Copenhagen, what are your favorite places?
No doubt the bornholm island . I jokingly call it the Capri of the North. It's much bigger, but has the same rating on Google maps. We go there every summer. It is the most magical place in the whole kingdom. Bathing in the cliffs, eating smoked herring, enjoying concerts in Gæsten, sailing... You never get tired of seeing new things. The island is also known to be the perfect destination for cycling. Also, in Copenhagen, Valbyparken It is a beautiful park with 15 theme gardens inside, a huge playground and a new beach. You should go. and south of the fyn Island, the sea is beautiful.