INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION ACHITECTURE FOR PEOPLE
Architecture is for people. It sets the framework for our lives and it affects us with its values and ideals. As an artform, architecture is about the spaces, cities and landscapes we move in and with its idea, shape, and materials it gives us an artistic interpretation of what it means to be a human being at a given place and time. At the same time the architecture solves certain basic human needs. Good architecture provides a secure, functional environment for our fulfillment, both as individuals and collectively. The Danish government therefore wishes to give all, especially children and young people, access to experiencing the architecture’s creative world and gain insight into how architecture affects us as human beings. Good architecture also has a potential for increased growth and job creation in Denmark. Together with areas as fashion and design, architecture is one of the creative industries where Denmark has particularly strong and internationally renowned competencies and where increasing international demand creates increased opportunities for revenue and export. Danish architecture is known for focusing on people. Danish design is sought after for its user-friendliness, and buildings and urban spaces for their human scale. Danish cities and landscapes are characterized by providing safe and enjoyable settings, even for those who move on foot or by bicycle.
<< The school Nordstjerneskolen in Frederikshavn is built as a star with each tip of the star comprising a department for two year-groups. The school was designed by Arkitema and Arkinord. Photo: Kontraframe
Danish architecture and design on all scales has helped shape our welfare society into a form that is characterized by humanism. The architecture reflects our democratic and transparent society. It binds us together and gives us an identity, both in local communities and nationally. That is why there is also an international demand for Danish design that focuses on people. In order to harness the potential in the increased international demand, it is im-
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portant that the companies in the architectural industry also focus on internationalisation and commercial business development. The Government’s ambition is that Danish architecture continues to evolve and define Denmark both at home and internationally. Good architecture can help ensure the quality of the physical changes that will happen in Denmark in the coming years. The architecture can provide a substantial contribution to our transition into a more sustainable society by providing intelligent solutions that reduce material and energy consumption and promote a sustainable lifestyle. For instance, the coming years’ big investments in climate adaptation can be designed so that the buildings of the future not only protect us against heavy rainfall, but also function as recreational facilities. The architecture can help to ensure a socially coherent Denmark. We are moving closer and closer together in the capital region and other major cities, while several smaller towns and rural areas are experiencing emigration. Here lies an important task for architects, landscape architects, and planners to ensure quality in that evolution, just as architecture can counteract rising ghettoisation by creating an inspiring and sensory environment for the community life. Specifically, the architecture can help ensure that we move physically as human beings and as citizens. This applies to both active transport and the ability to develop an active life, to reflect a diversity of opportunities and accessibility for all to participate. Both the built environment and landscape transformations should encourage diversity, social interaction and movement. The development of the welfare state creates an ongoing need for adaptation of buildings and new construction projects, including, for
