Carl Theodor Sørenson

 I came across Danish landscape architect Carl Theodor Sørenson through his avant-garde circular gardens, in Naerum, Copenhagen. These gardens built in the mid 20th century, designed as community plots without right angles. 

In the outskirts of Copenhagen Naerum once was little more than a rural hamlet with an orphanage, and a few farms surrounded by woods and wasteland. The project launched in 1948, consisting of 40 oval plots of 25 x 15 metres adapting the the natural slope of the land creating a dynamic ensemble of bead-like pockets. Sørenson's idea of as little impact on nature as possible, whilst promoting a healthy lifestyle in harmony with the natural world connecting members of the community. 

Owners of these community allotment gardens were free to position their cottages, select surrounding hedges, and lay out the interior of their plots, Sørensen provided directions as a guide of the gardens layout (pictured below).

Not only are these gardens now considered a attraction in the Danish capital, acting as bubbles of opportunity for the local community to mingle, helping those who may be lonely whilst providing for the community with fruits and vegetables.

Though people only live in these cottages the warmest 6 months of the year the impact they have on the peoples livelihoods lasts year round.

Although the placement of these oval allotments may seem random they have each been designed to sit in a direction so the oval lies across the curves of the slope. The use of the rolling terrain, along with the sweeps and curves of the hedges, celebrates the dynamic impression. 

With more than two thousands projects Carl Sørenson has designed a remarkable range of landscapes, with his playful interpretation of the use of art within garden design.