contemporary danish architecture culture/urban development/ Commercial & industrial/ Housing/ health & learning
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Contemporary Danish Architecture
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contemporary danish architecture
Contemporary Danish Architecture © 2013 Danish Design & Architecture Initiative Commissioned by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Produced by Danish Design & Architecture Initiative Contributing partners Danish Association of Architectural Firms (DANSKE ARK) Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) Editor-in-chief Thit Juul Madsen Editor Søren Rømer Graphic design Mette Højgaard Jensen Consultant Peter Theibel Photo credits See page 84 www.ddai.dk
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Table of contents page 10 / ‘A new world by Danish architects – building better lives’ by nick hækkerup minister for trade & european affairs page 14 / ‘in search of the danish tradition’ article by architect kent martinussen page 20 / the categories page 22 / culturE page 24 / the blue planet page 26 / the second phase of the darwin centre page 28 / harpa page 30 / inspiria science center page 32 / Design in a cultural context page 34 / urban development page 36 / anchor park page 38 / købmagergade page 40 / new york city page 42 / superkilen page 44 / un city page 46 / design for the urban space page 48 / commercial & industrial page 50 / aller media building page 52 / the crystal page 54 / media evolution city page 56 / house of vestas page 58 / Design solutions for the office page 60 / HOUSING page 62 / 8 house page 64 / the iceberg page 66 / kajkanten page 68 / sluseholmen page 70 / design for the home page 72 / HEALTH & LEARNING page 74 / akershus university hospital page 76 / munkegårds school page 78 / umeå school of architecture page 80 / city of westminster college page 82 / Design to improve health and learning page 84 / partners page 86 / index page 88 / photo credits page 90 / online catalogue
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A new world by Danish architects – building better lives It is a pleasure for me to introduce the Danish architectural exhibition “Contemporary Danish Architecture”. Danish architecture has been recognized internationally for decades. Great names like Jørn Utzon, Arne Jacobsen and Henning Larsen are appreciated all over the world, but in recent years a new generation of Danish architects has emerged. Their work continues the architectural tradition of simple, elegant, artful solutions with built-in functionality and an increased emphasis on social, economic and environmental sustainability. Their architecture integrates art and science in buildings where aesthetic qualities, functionality and technology are merged in solutions which are both effective and inspiring. Denmark formulated the first rules for energy efficient buildings as early as 1976. Since then, the requirements have been tightened several times and extended to cover the energy consumption of heating, ventilation as well as lighting.
Nick HĂŚkkerup Minister for Trade and European Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark
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‌ foreword /
Danish architects are constantly developing new solutions combining high architectural quality with low energy consumption. The most advanced new buildings will soon be energy positive, i.e. they will have active and passive energy systems that are so effective that they produce more energy than the buildings consume. In addition, Denmark has been a laboratory for sustainable city development for many years. That gives Danish architecture and city planning unique possibilities to contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. A growing number of Danish architectural firms are working internationally, also in countries where cultures and working conditions are markedly different from Denmark. In many instances the Danish architectural way of doing business and ability to adapt to local demands is seen by foreign clients as an added bonus.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
The slogan “A new world by Danish architects – building better lives” recently formulated by the Danish architectural firms conveys the ambition of Danish architects to contribute towards creating livable architectural solutions for their partners and the global community. This exhibition presents 21 projects from 15 different Danish architectural companies, covering urban development, housing, buildings for use in industry, commerce, health, learning and culture. And as Danish minister for Trade and European Affairs, I am pleased to invite you to visit this exhibition.
Nick Hækkerup Minister for Trade and European Affairs
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Article /
Contemporary Danish Architecture
in search of the danish tradition Kent Martinussen CEO Danish Architecture Centre
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The Danish architecture and design tradition is back in the spotlight. With its background in the classic tradition of the 1950s and 1960s, Danish architecture is facing a new world order. How can architecture help create sustainable solutions? The renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition provides bold answers to the world’s rising demand for sustainable solutions wrapped in cool, poetic Scandinavian design!
The Danish architecture and design tradition is a quality brand, which is the darling of connoisseurs throughout the world. Spanning almost three decades, from the 1950s to the 1970s, the concept of Danish architecture and design was the stylish choice, the place to go to, if you wanted functional and beautiful. But then suddenly the tradition went up in smoke and became just that: a tradition in the historical sense of the word. Today, after some thirty years on the back burner, Danish architecture is back stronger than ever. This tendency is too recent to have been officially baptised and is thus know by many names: Super Danish, The Danish School, Welfairy-tales, the New Wave and, in political terms, the Danish Model. Whatever name is used, this specific brand of architecture is about building in a way, which is economically, socially and ecologically sustainable, while the design conforms to a classical, Scandinavian aesthetic of simplicity, deploying natural materials,
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a general coolness and, maybe more surprisingly, a touch of humour.
aesthetic, centred on the use of natural materials such as wood, stone and brick.
This is the story of how a small country in Scandinavia has pledged to build, while taking into account its people, ecological development and welfare.
After its golden age in the middle of the 20th century, the Danish architecture and design tradition became less relevant, until recently, when it re-entered the world scene with a new agenda.
The golden ages of Danish design and architecture The renaissance
Let us take one step back and look at the very beginning. The Danes started building in the Viking period. From then, and up through the Middle Ages, Denmark stumbled through the European (primarily Dutch) tradition, moving from Gothic, via Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism, Historicism, National Romanticism and Expressionism, right up until the middle of the last century. Then something happened. Denmark gave birth to Functionalism, and it took the world by storm The Danish architecture and design tradition came into being at the start of the 1950s. In terms of design it will always be associated with the beautiful wooden furniture crafted by legends like Finn Juhl, Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and so on. Jacobsen, the designer of the famous “Ant” chair, also represented the architectural aspect with iconic buildings such as Munkegaard School (1957), which recently has been radically redesigned by contemporary Danish architect Dorte Mandrup. The Danish architecture and design tradition peaked with the Sydney Opera House in Australia, designed in 1973 by architect Jørn Utzon. Thanks to its undisputed design qualities and Utzon’s personal interpretation of the Modernist tradition, the Sydney Opera House is the most iconic building of the twentieth century, considered by Australians to have “put their country on the world map.” The Sydney Opera House is listed in the United Nations World Heritage List along with the Taj Mahal and The Egyptian Pyramids: the youngest building ever to be listed. In brief, one could say that the concept of Danish architecture and design from the 1950s to the 1970s held a unique position as an identifiable international brand, defined by its minimalistic combination of obvious functionality with a unique and expressive
This renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition was on its way from the start of the new milennium. There are many prestigious buildings, which could qualify as benchmarks. However, for the sake of clarity, let us take a closer look at one of the projects showcased in the Danish architectural exhibition Contemporary Danish Architecture: BIG’s 8 House, which was inaugurated in early 2010. This large, multi-use development is built in the shape of a figure 8 on the southern perimeter of a new suburb in Copenhagen, Denmark. The diagrammatic approach (the figure 8) is quite characteristic of the renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition. Even more characteristic is the fact that the structure fuses many different, life-based elements; health, socialisation, global responsibility and commerce. 8 House truly succeeds in being sustainable, in terms of the three criteria established by the Brundtland Commission: economic growth, environmental protection and social equality. Moving from the specific to the abstract in trying to sum up this second coming of the Danish Architecture and Design Tradition, let us focus on four overall perspectives. Influences – coming and going Before the 1990s international architects were a rare sight in Denmark. However, during the last fifteen years, a multitude of foreign architects have been, or are, involved in projects in Denmark in general, and in Copenhagen in particular. The most prominent foreign architects include: Daniel Libeskind, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Steven Holl, Tony Fretton, Adrian Geuze, OMA/Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel, Coop Himmelb(l)au and MVRDV. It is obvious that the massive influx of talented world architects within the last decades has created a new
Contemporary Danish Architecture
in search of the danish tradition situation, not only in terms of increased competition, but also in terms of a new understanding of the Danish tradition: its qualities, its limits, its unchartered territories and its potential on the globalised architectural stage. At the same time younger Danish architects have travelled around the world and brought references back home. Many have argued that the youngest members of this renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition (names such as BIG, JDS, COBE, EFFEKT, SLETH) are direct descendants of the Superdutch generation of the Netherlands, strongly influenced by OMA’s conceptual and diagrammatic approach. But this renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition is not only a question of importing ideas to Denmark. It is also a question of export. Showcased in the Contemporary Danish Architecture exhibition you’ll find such examples: the brilliant concert and conference facility Harpa in Reykjavik, Iceland, designed by Henning Larsen Architects (winner of the Mies van der Rohe Award 2013); the flagship campus for the City of Westminster College in England by smith hammer lassen; and Jan Gehl Architects’ ingenious Urban Development Project in New York City. ‘Neue Saclichkeit’ – towards collaboration and engagement This renaissance of Danish architecture and design tradition also seems to be the result of some kind of
‘neue sachlichkeit’: a call for public collaboration and involvement; a new objectivity. The world of today is so much more complex than that of just ten years ago. Therefore, we have to make sense of many different elements. It makes sense to talk about architecture as a unit: a cross-disciplinary activity capable of encompassing many different elements of life, various practices and collaborations. The architects of today must assemble things in a way, which creates many different connections to the surrounding world, not just of aesthetic value or based purely on an idea about “what this thing will look like” in the world. The most successful are those, who create the strongest units: those, who are best able to create coherence out of the various parameters. Examples of this approach include distinguished urban development projects e.g. BIG’s Superkilen and Polyform’s Købmagergade project, both situated in Copenhagen. Welfare of the planet and of mankind The above complexity is connected to a recent gigantic paradigm shift in our civilisation: acknowledgement and consideration of sustainability; the way we conceive growth, welfare and communities. The shift is so fundamental because the new paradigm invokes a new kind of demand and the form is holistic. From the geopolitical angle, this paradigm shift may be expressed as a political and economic ambition to create global growth and welfare so that hundreds of
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millions of people can be rescued from poverty and come to enjoy a way of life acceptable in terms of human dignity, while at the same time stabilising the Earth’s climate and ecological system. My point here is that this renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition struggles intrinsically in its creation, in terms of town, city or building, of a model of growth, which combines a marked increase in wealth with a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions. The renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition is concerned with the creation of towns, cities and buildings, which provide optimum performance, not only in terms of welfare and a modern life-style, but also of climate-stabilising solutions for buildings and other facilities. Featured examples on this approach spans from the urban development project Anchor Park (Malmö; Sweden) in by SLA to the housing project Slusenholmen (Copenhagen) by Arkitema Architects.
to the new paradigm of sustainability: “from black to green economy.” I am truly convinced that we are presently experiencing a re-birth of Danish architecture, which can accomplish exactly that. I would like to propose a new name for this renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition: “Nordic pragma-humanism” or “new Scandinavian humanism.” In other words, SCANDINISM – cool and common grounded! We hope to see you in Denmark
Hopefully the exhibition Modern Danish Architecture will provide both an in-depth introduction to the Danish architecture and design tradition and an invitation to enjoy our beautiful country. We hope to see you in Denmark. Please remember to drop by the Danish Architecture Centre in Copenhagen, where we constantly strive to present different perspectives on the future of Danish architecture.
Classic Scandinavian aesthetics – with a smile Last but not least, the renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition is related, and indebted to a classic Scandinavian aesthetic. There may be less wood and less general “coolness”, but it still looks unmistakably Danish. This new aspect of Scandinavian aesthetics seems to involve a more humorous way of looking at life. Maybe the world is more complex than ever before. Maybe we are consuming resources at the speed of light and we are exhausting the planet. However, while trying to handle all these incredibly big questions, the renaissance of the Danish architecture and design tradition also has the ability to excite, inspire and bring a smile to the face of people. You will see this, for example, in The Blue Planet (Copenhagen, Denmark) by 3xN. Scandinism
To conclude, I would like to emphasise that one of the authentic strengths of architecture is its power to bridge radical art and radical science. Only because of this will it truly be able to contribute
by Kent Martinussen CEO, The Danish Architecture Centre
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Architecture and design categories in this catalogue
Throughout the 20th century, architectural masterminds such as Jørn Utzon, Arne Jacobsen and Johan von Spreckelsen developed a strong identity in the Danish Architecture and Design Tradition, built around an idiom that was minimalist, clean and functional. Today we are witnessing a second coming of the Danish Architecture and Design Tradition with an increased focus on delivering solutions that are not only functional and beautiful, but are also sustainable. This is the story of how a small country in Scandinavia has taken it upon itself to build with a conscience for the many, for green growth, for welfare and for the benefit of the common good. The projects included in this exhibition – which spreads 21 projects over the categories of Housing, Commercial & Industrial, Health & Learning, Culture and Urban Development – are all examples of contemporary, sustainable architecture by Danish firms. Socially sustainable projects that are programmed for interaction, environmentally sustainable projects that reduce emissions by converting sun, wind and water into energy, and economically sustainable projects, where abandoned buildings and even entire districts are being put to different use – all are represented in this exhibition, which gives an overview of the talent and diversity of contemporary Danish Architects.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
culture/urban development/ Commercial & industrial/ Housing/ health & learning
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Culture Architecture and design Projects
Two of the world’s most iconic cultural buildings to be built in the course of the twentieth century were designed by Danish architects: the Sydney Opera House (designed by Jørn Utzon) and the Grande Arche at La DÊfense in Paris (designed by Johan Otto von Spreckelsen). Buildings such as these have contributed immensely to the reputation of Danish architects,, setting high standards, which subsequent generations of Danish architects must live up to. The projects presented in this category are all examples of architecture with iconic potential similar to that of the two above- mentioned projects. Each project possesses a consistent aesthetic expression, consolidating its status as modern landmark.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
culturE/ blue planet/ second phase of the darwin centre/harpa/ inspiria science center
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Culture Architecture Projects
Title | The Blue Planet Category | Culture Architect | 3XN Completed in | 2013 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.3xn.com – Description | Inspired by the shape of water in motion, Denmark’s National Aquarium, The Blue Planet, is conceived as a great whirlpool. Located by the Baltic Sea and encircled by a mirror pool, the interplay between the building and its surroundings creates a consummate experience of immersion into the mysterious and unknown depths of the sea. The building’s design is not only part of an aquatic narrative, however; it also offers great flexibility, as the whirlpool’s arms can be extended by 30% in order to create more exhibition space.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
the blue planet
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Culture Architecture Projects
Title | The Second Phase of the Darwin Centre Category | Culture Architect | C.F. Møller Architects Year | 2010 Location | London, United Kingdom Further info | www.cfmoller.com – Description | The second phase of the Darwin Centre is an extension of the Natural History Museum in London, taking the form of a huge, eight-storey cocoon, surrounded by a glass atrium. The building unites the museum’s old terracotta construction from 1881 with the first phase of the Darwin Centre, which opened in 2002. Its dual role as a visitor attraction and science research center is reflected in the building’s architecture, where a visitor’s route leads up and through the cocoon, overlooking the science areas.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
the second phase of the darwin centre
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Culture Architecture Projects
Title | Harpa Category | Culture Architects | Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Batteriið Architects. Façade design and development | Studio Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects Completed in | 2011 Location | Reykjavik, Iceland Further info | www.henninglarsen.com – Description | Harpa comprises both concert and conference facilities and is elegantly placed on the harbor of Reykjavik. It forms part of an extensive harbor development project. The changing daylight penetrating the façade creates a vibrant play of light, shadow and color in the foyer. Harpa’s multifaceted glass façades are the result of a unique collaboration between the artist Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects. The design of the façades is based on a geometric principle and is inspired by the crystallized basalt columns commonly found in Iceland.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
harpa
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Culture Architecture Projects
Title | Inspiria Science Center Category | Culture Architect | AART architects Completed in | 2011 Location | Sarpsborg, Norway Further info | www.aart.dk – Description | The Inspiria Science Center is a learning center located just outside of Graalum, Norway. The building’s design merges energy plus the center’s focus on health and the environment into a single narrative, reflected in its distinctive shape which expresses the cycle of nature. Sustainability is thought into every last detail of the building: electricity is generated through solar panels and a 6kW wind turbine , while wastewater treatment recycles water for use throughout the building.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
inspiria science center
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Culture Design Projects
Designing in a cultural context is a rather comprehensive notion, which ranges from the everyday concept of popular culture to culture that is exquisitely highbrow. At street level, Danish fashion designers are very much contributing to the shaping of pop culture, particularly with the sustainable agenda that has become a trademark of fashion designers in Denmark. Copenhagen has thus become the world capital for sustainable fashion, with several examples of Danish designers producing collections made entirely out of recycled materials. In more programmed cultural contexts, Danish design contributions range from majestic, almost architectonic and artistic designs, to the subtle and maybe sometimes overlooked art of lighting and audio design, which enhances the cultural experience at concerts, museums and theaters.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
Design in a cultural context
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Urban Development Architecture and design Projects
When it comes to Urban Development, Danish architects are generally concerned with how to create a public space, which facilitates the social activities to take place there. This distinctive approach is generally credited to architect Jan Gehl. His influence on architects in Denmark and the rest of the world has been enormous. This category presents five projects, which were all designed with the social and demographic context in mind. Consequently, each project adds value to an urban context by concentrating on people’s use of public space, thus contributing to a socially sustainable urban environment.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
urban development/ anchor park/ købmagergade/ new york city/ superkilen/ un city
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Urban Development Architecture Projects
Title | Anchor Park Category | Urban Development Architect | SLA Completed in | 2001 Location | Malmö, Sweden Further info | www.sla.dk – Description | The Anchor Park is located on a former industrial harbor-plant that has been transformed into a new urban district, Västra Hamnen, in Malmö, Sweden. Stretching over three hectares, the park runs through the district as a band of water, field and grassland. Inspired by the diversity of Swedish nature, the Anchor Park is made up of four well-defined biotopes, inviting you to spend time and be absorbed by the interplay of nature. The Anchor Park was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe-award in 2003.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
anchor park
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Urban Development Architecture Projects
Title | Købmagergade Category | Urban Development Architect|KBP.EU – KARRES EN BRANDS & POLYFORM Completed in | 2013 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.polyformarkitekter.dk – Description | Købmagergade is one of Copenhagen’s busiest pedestrian streets, with some 100,000 people passing through it on a daily basis. The idea behind the project is to create a coherent flow, allowing for a flexible and eventful trip through the inner city. The streets are paved with black and white stones, which change character in relation to the surrounding cityscape. The themes of all the three major squares situated along Købmagergade resonate with functional and historical perspectives, accentuating both their practical and their historical significance.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
købmagergade
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Urban Development Architecture Projects
Title | New York City Category | Urban Development Architect | Gehl Architects Completed in | 2009 Location | New York City, USA Further info | www.gehlarchitects.com – Description | With an overall goal from the Department of Transport (DOT) to reduce CO2 emissions by 30%, and to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths by 50%, Gehl Architects have proposed a strategic vision aimed at improving conditions for pedestrians and promoting a balance between modes of transport in New York City. Thus far, this has resulted in 340 miles of new bike lanes in NYC, greater than the number of bike lanes built by the City of Copenhagen over the last 30 years; as well as the reclamation of 45,000 m2 (500,000 ft2) of public space through projects on Times Square, Herald and Greenly Squares and Madison Square Park, among other places.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
new york city
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Urban Development Architecture Projects
Title | Superkilen Category | Urban Development Architect | BIG Completed in | 2012 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.big.dk – Description | Superkilen is an urban park in the culturally diverse Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark. Stretching over one kilometer (0.6 miles), Superkilen wedges through the city space, creating a varied yet unifying space which incorporates everyday objects from more than 60 different cultures – corresponding to the number of cultures represented by Nørrebro’s inhabitants – including sewage drains from Israel, palm trees from China and a Moroccan fountain.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
superkilen
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Urban Development Architecture Projects
Title | UN City Category | Urban Development Architect | 3XN Completed in | 2013 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.3xn.dk – Description | The UN City complex is a new city-within-the-city, bringing together the various agencies and functions of the United Nation’s regional offices in Copenhagen. Located at Marmormolen – a closed dock north of central Copenhagen – the UN City building functions as the headquarters of the complex, standing out with its star-shaped design. This particular structure was conceived to reflect the nature of each UN unit, which is independent, efficient and professional, but unified at the same time by a mutual set of values.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
un city
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Urban Development Design Projects
Following the same mindset that characterizes Danish architects, designers have a very user-centered and pragmatic approach to design solutions for use in the public space: how can we make it easier for people to park their bikes in the big cities? Or how can we create playgrounds for children that actually stimulate and challenge them? The interesting thing about this way of thinking is that it actually comes with a positive side effect. For example, by designing playgrounds which actually engage and activate the child, you simultaneously help to prevent child obesity. And by optimizing the facilities for cycling and bike parking in big cities, you help to reduce traffic, which has enormous economic and environmental benefits.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
design for the urban space
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Commercial & Industrial Architecture and design Projects
Designing buildings for corporations is a demanding task. The client will usually have specific demands in terms of function and expression as symbols of the company or institution and its values. At the same time, construction must often comply with a strictly defined CSR profile. This category presents four recent projects, which are distinctive in terms of taking on board these requirements: both capturing the aesthetic idiom of the client and accommodating the demands of sustainability. Another common denominator for these projects is that they have all become an integral part of the corporations they house.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
commercial & industrial/ aller media building/the crystal/media evolution city/ house of vestas
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Commercial & Industrial Architecture Projects
Title | Aller Media Building Category | Commercial & Industrial Architect | PLH Arkitekter Completed in | 2009 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.plh.dk – Description | Situated on Havneholmen – a small peninsula in the Port of Copenhagen – the Aller Media Building stands out, with its slightly curved triangular shape wedging its way into the harbor. The water from the harbor is used as a coolant in the ventilation system, which is part of the building’s integrated sustainability scheme. The muted colors and organic materials used within the building are inspired by Nordic landscapes, and help to create a calm environment in juxtaposition with the bustle of a media house.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
aller media building
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Commercial & Industrial Architecture Projects
Title | The Crystal Category | Commercial & Industrial Architect | schmidt hammer lassen architects Completed in | 2010 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.shl.dk – Description | The Crystal is an extension to the headquarters of the Danish financial institution Nykredit, located in Copenhagen right between the city center and the harbor. Resting on a single point and a single line, it floats as a visually light, crystalline structure above the ground, and interacts beautifully with its surroundings, creating a subtle connection between the city and the waterfront. Sustainability is integrated holistically into the design of The Crystal, which makes use of everything from reused rainwater to daylight, and has triple-layered glass façades to reduce CO2 emissions.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
the crystal
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Commercial & Industrial Architecture Projects
Title | Media Evolution City Category | Commercial & Industrial Architect | JUUL | FROST Architects Completed in | 2012 Location | Malmö, Sweden Further info | www.juulfrost.dk – Description | Media Evolution City is an innovation platform for companies within the media industry, located in Malmö, Sweden. Using the city as a metaphor, the floor level of Media Evolution City is designed with streets, alleys and public facilities, and is ideally suited for holding informal and short-term meetings. The building is partly built into a former large industrial building, and partly erected as a new building, creating an exciting effect of old-meets-new.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
media evolution city
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Commercial & Industrial Architecture Projects
Title | House of Vestas Category | Commercial & Industrial Architect | Arkitema Architects Completed in | 2011 Location | Aarhus, Denmark Further info | www.arkitema.dk – Description | The House of Vestas is the new headquarters for the global wind turbine company of the same name. Centered on an atrium, which is also the building’s entrance point, the House of Vestas houses an adaptable office environment, with flexible walls that can be arranged and adapted to changing needs at an interval of three meters. The building is fitted with Denmark’s largest geothermal installation and uses approximately 50% less energy than an average conventional office building.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
house of vestas
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Commercial & Industrial Design Projects
Designing in a cultural context is a rather comprehensive notion, which ranges from the everyday concept of popular culture to culture that is exquisitely highbrow. At street level, Danish fashion designers are very much contributing to the shaping of pop culture, particularly with the sustainable agenda that has become a trademark of fashion designers in Denmark. Copenhagen has thus become the world capital for sustainable fashion, with several examples of Danish designers producing collections made entirely out of recycled materials. In more programmed cultural contexts, Danish design contributions range from majestic, almost architectonic and artistic designs, to the subtle and maybe sometimes overlooked art of lighting and audio design, which enhances the cultural experience at concerts, museums and theaters.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
Design solutions for the office
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Housing Architecture and design Projects
Democratic design is a defining element in contemporary Danish architecture. This is perhaps most evident in some of the recent housing projects designed by Danish architects. An example of this is the way Danish architects work with the influx of daylight, where,in terms of attention to detail, the architects make no distinction between small groundfloor flats and the top-floor penthouses. The following pages showcase four different housing developments, which all prioritise the needs of the people living in them. While each has its own distinctive aesthetic expression, all of them stand out as residential spaces, which are both accessible and highly functional.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
HOUSING/ 8 HOUSE/ THE ICEBERG/ KAJKANTEN/ SLUSEHOLMEN
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Housing Architecture Projects
Title | 8 House Category | Housing Architect | BIG Completed in | 2010 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.big.dk – Description | Standing out with its bowtie shape, 8 House sits on the outer edge of Copenhagen as the southernmost outpost of the maturing Ørestad neighborhood, with stunning views of the Copenhagen Canal and the open fields of Kalvebod Fælled. Conceived as a three-dimensional neighborhood rather than a conventional apartment block, a path leads from the ground floor all the way to the top of the building, connecting the tenth floor penthouses with the business facilities at street level.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
8 house
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Housing Architecture Projects
Title | The Iceberg Category | Housing Architects | CEBRA, JDS, SeARCH and Louis Paillard Completed in | 2013 Location | Aarhus, Denmark More info | www.cebra.info – Description | Located right on the waterfront, the residential complex The Iceberg stands as a landmark of the new harbor front city district in Aarhus, Denmark. Its sculptural shape creates the dramatic effect of floating icebergs constantly refracting one’s gaze, and it is inspired by the site’s extraordinary location overlooking Aarhus Bay. The design is conceived to maximize views and sunlight conditions for every single apartment, while at the same time respecting the inland urban context.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
the iceberg
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Housing Architecture Projects
Title | Kajkanten Category | Housing Architect | Danielsen Architecture Completed in | 2012 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.danielsenarch.dk – Description | Kajkanten is a housing complex situated in Havnerfronten, Copenhagen; a developing district which connects recreational green areas with the harbor and the city. Inspired by the functionalist idiom of the 1930s, Kajkanten adapts to both new and existing buildings in the area, and references the district’s industrial past while maintaining a distinct architectural expression. Rather than closing around a courtyard, the building is detached, to create a direct contact to the sea and the city.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
kajkanten
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Housing Architecture Projects
Title | Sluseholmen Category | Housing Architect | Arkitema Architects Completed in | 2009 Location | Copenhagen, Denmark Further info | www.arkitema.dk – Description | Sluseholmen is a new city district, situated around the canals of Copenhagen’s South Harbor. Large and small town houses are lined up side by side, forming coherent blocks that line up against the waterfront. Several architects were invited to design the façades of the buildings, in compliance with a master plan conceived by Arkitema Architects, and in collaboration with Sjoerd Soeters, to create a varied expression, remi-niscent of the Copenhagen town houses of the 19th century.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
sluseholmen
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Housing Design Projects
If Danish architecture has become a world-renowned brand, the same can certainly be said about Danish furniture and product design, which can be spotted today in homes all over the world. Grand masters such as Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl spearheaded the movement that would come to be known as Danish Modern in the mid-20th century, building on concepts similar to those of Danish architects, namely functionalism and minimalism. Today, a new generation of designers continues to expand and develop the brand that is Danish furniture and product design. Essentially, the values are the same as they were in the 1950s and ‘60s, but the span of design products has become perhaps even wider, and today Danish companies design everything from washing-up bowls to tea infusers.
design for the home
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Health & Learning Architecture and design Projects
Danish architects tend to have an empathetic focus on users’ needs and functionality. These are key factors, when it comes to designing buildings for health and education. The basis of all the projects in this category is utilitarian. The projects include: educational institutions, which support individual and collective learning; and hospitals, in which the priorities are the well being of the patient and the working environment of staff. They are excellent examples of the empathetic and functional preoccupations of Danish architects.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
HEALTH & LEARNING/ akershus university hospital/ MUNKEGÅRDS SCHOOL/UMEÅ SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE/ WESTMINSTER COLLEGE
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Health & Learning Architecture Projects
Title | Akershus University Hospital Category | Health & Learning Architect | C.F. Møller Architects Completed in | 2008 Location | Oslo, Norway More info | www.cfmoller.com – Description | Akershus University Hospital is situated just outside the Norwegian capital of Oslo, and is a somewhat unconventional hospital, where materials such as wood, stone and glass are an integral part of the hospital’s structure. Glass roofs and gluelam and glass sections ensure that the requirements for high quality daylight are met, while also creating strong interplay with the hospital’s breathtaking surroundings. The building’s materials are locally sourced, giving Akershus a sustainable profile.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
akershus university hospital
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Health & Learning Architecture Projects
Title | Munkegårds School Category | Health & Learning Architect | Dorte Mandrup Architects Completed in | 2009 Location | Gentofte, Denmark Further info | www.dortemandrup.dk – Description | The Munkegårds School was originally designed by world-famous Danish designer and architect Arne Jacobsen, and is widely considered to be among his best work. Built in 1957, the school building was listed in 1995, thus restricting the restoration and expansion work which took place from 2006 – 2009 to comply with the original building. This challenge was met by developing beneath the ground, creating flexible learning spaces which enable interaction between the students, and which continue the architectural theme of the original building.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
munkeg책rds school
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Health & Learning Architecture Projects
Title | Umeå School of Architecture Category | Health & Learning Architect | Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with White Architects Umeå Completed in | 2010 Location | Umeå, Sweden Further info | www.henninglarsen.com – Description | Umeå School of Architecture has a unique location by the Umeå River in Sweden. From the outside the building has a cubic expression, with its larch façades and square windows placed in a rhythmic sequence on all sides. The interior space of the building is designed as a dynamic sequence of stairs and open floor levels, where white boxes hang freely from the ceiling, filtering the light coming through the high skylights. The design supports opportunities for mutual inspiration and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
ume책 school of architecture
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Health & Learning Architecture Projects
Title | City of Westminster College Category | Health & Learning Architect | schmidt hammer lassen architects Completed in | 2010 Location | London, United Kingdom Further info | www.shl.dk – Description | The flagship campus for City of Westminster College is designed to support new ways of teaching and learning. In contrast to the majority of British college buildings, City of Westminster College provides large amounts of open learning space, and the building as a whole is designed to embrace diversity and interaction. Aesthetically, City of Westminster College carries on the distinctive Danish heritage, appearing as a clean-cut and modern piece of architecture.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
city of westminster college
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Health & Learning Design Projects
In Danish design there is a strong tradition of designing in order to benefit society as a whole. There are therefore several examples of solutions that have become integral to professionals in socially indispensable fields, such as healthcare and education. Arguably the most famous example of Danish design which is used as an educational aid is Lego. However, thinking about playing and learning in holistic terms is typical of Danish designers, and there are numerous examples of Danish design being used in educational contexts, from pre-school level and onwards. In the healthcare sector, millions of people worldwide have become dependent on Danish products. Danish companies have become market leaders in designing solutions for people with ostomy and continence care need, diabetes patients and people with hearing aids, to name but a few.
Contemporary Danish Architecture
Design to improve health and learning
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Danish Association
Kristen Bernikows Gade 6, 3
of Architectural Firms
1105 Copenhagen K – Denmark
Danske
+45 3283 0500
Ark /
info@danskeark.dk www.danskeark.dk
Danish Association of Architectural Firms (DANSKE ARK) is the Danish business association of private firms of consulting architects. The association has approximately 800 members in Denmark. In total the firms employ around 5.000 graduate architects, constructing architects and other technical and administrative employees. Nearly all private Danish architectural companies are members of Danish Association of Architectural Firms (DANSKE ARK). The size of the member firms ranges from single-person firms to Denmark’s largest architectural firms with more than 325 employees in Denmark and abroad.
Danish
Strandgade 27B
Architecture
1401 Copenhagen K – Denmark
Centre /
+45 3257 1930 information@dac.dk www.dac.dk
The Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) is Denmark’s national centre for the development and dissemination of knowledge about architecture, building and urban development. It is DAC’s mission to globally showcase the quality of Danish architecture - and locally to showcase the quality of global architecture. DAC offers a wide range of activities within two profiles: culture and commerce. The activities include national and international exhibitions, seminars, networking, guided tours and educational activities. DAC is a project organisation and projects are carried out in conjunction with Danish and international partners. Core funding is provided by a private-public partnership between Realdania and the Danish government.
Danish
Ågade 10
Design &
6000 Kolding – Denmark
Architecture
+45 2528 4215
Initiative /
soren@ddai.dk www.ddai.dk
The Danish Design & Architecture Initiative is a consortium that aims to brand and promote Denmark internationally as a country of design and architecture for the purpose of increasing trade and tourism, expanding markets and creating wide-ranging interest in the Danish way of thinking and doing design and architecture. The initiative has been commissioned by the Ministry of Business and Growth, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture.
partners /
Contemporary Danish Architecture
Ministry
Asiatisk Plads 2
of Foreign
1448 Copenhagen K – Denmark
Affairs of
+45 3392 0000
Denmark /
um@um.dk www.um.dk
The Danish Foreign Service comprises the Ministry in Copenhagen and a global network of Embassies, Consulates-General and Trade Commissions. The network of diplomatic missions abroad is the backbone of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provides the basis for enabling the Ministry to safeguard and promote Denmark’s international interests. In Denmark the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organized according to the following main areas of activity: Foreign and Security Policy, European Policy and EU Coordination, Development Policy, Global Cooperation, Export and Investment Promotion and Trade Policy. In addition there are departments handling Consular Services, i.e. provision of assistance to Danes in distress abroad, Public Diplomacy and Communication, Protocol and Resources. For more information visit: http://um.dk/en
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index / danish architects and designers
AART architects
Arkitema Architects
Åboulevarden 22, 5. Sal 8000 Aarhus C – Denmark +45 8730 3286 aart@aart.dk www.aart.dk Featured on pages 26-27
Frederiksgade 32 8000 Aarhus C – Denmark +45 7011 7011 info@arkitema.dk www.arkitema.dk Featured on pages 52-53 & 64-65
Danielsen Architecture
big
C.F. Møller
CEBRA
Kløverbladsgade 56 2500 Valby, Copenhagen – Denmark +45 7221 7227 big@big.dk www.big.dk Featured on pages 38-39 & 58-59
Europaplads 2, 11. 8000 Aarhus C – Denmark +45 8730 5300 cfmoller@cfmoller.com www.cfmoller.com Featured on pages 22-23 & 70-71
Vesterbro Torv 1-3, 2. 8000 Aarhus C – Denmark +45 8730 3439 cebra@cebra.info www.cebra.info Featured on pages 60-61
Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter wVesterbrogade 95A, 4. 1620 Copenhagen V – Denmark +45 3393 7350 info@dortemandrup.dk www.dortemandrup.dk Featured on pages 72-73
Gehl Architects Gl. Kongevej 1, 4.tv. 1610 Copenhagen V – Denmark +45 3295 0951 mail@gehlarchitects.dk www.gehlarchitects.dk Featured on pages 36-37
Hennning Larsen Architects Vesterbrogade 76 1620 Copenhagen V – Denmark +45 8233 3000 mail@henninglarsen.com www.henninglarsen.com Featured on pages 24-25 & 74-75
Vestergade 2b, 4. 1456 Copenhagen K – Denmark +45 3332 3237 post@danielsenarch.com www.danielsenarch.com Featured on pages 62-63
JUUL | FROST Architects Refshalevej 147 1432 Copenhagen K – Denmark +45 3295 9578 ark@juulfrost.dk www.juulfrost.dk Featured on pages 50-51
PLH Arkitekter
Polyform Arkitekter
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Vermundsgave 38K 2100 Copenhagen – Denmark +45 3543 0055 plh@plh.dk www.plh.dk Featured on pages 46-47
Laplandsgade 4A, 2. 2300 Copenhagen S – Denmark +45 3332 7804 info@polyformarkitekter.dk www.polyformarkitekter.dk Featured on pages 34-35
Njalsgade 17, Pakhus 2 2300 Copenhagen S – Denmark +45 7020 1900 info@shl.dk www.shl.dk Featured on pages 48-49 & 76-77
SLA
3XN
Njalsgade 17B Pakhus 2, 3rd floor 2300 Copenhagen S – Denmark +45 3391 1316 landskab@sla.dk www.sla.dk Featured on pages 32-33
Strandgade 73 1401 Copenhagen K – Denmark +45 7026 2648 3xn@3xn.dk www.3xn.com Featured on pages 20-21 & 40-41
b0bles
Aros Allé 2 8000 Aarhus C – Denmark +45 8730 6600 info@aros.dk www.aros.dk Featured on page 29
Nyrnberggade 21A, 1. Sal 2300 Copenhagen S – Denmark +45 45 3315 1040 bobles@bobles.dk www.bobles.dk Featured on page 78
Carl Hansen & Søn
Coloplast
Kolmevænget 8 5560 Aarup – Denmark +45 6612 1404 info@carlhansen.com www.carlhansen.com Featured on page 66
Holtedam 1-3 3050 Humlebæk – Denmark +45 4911 1111 webmaster@novonordisk.com www.coloplast.com Featured on page 79
Bureau Detours Denmark +45 2893 0580 info@detours.biz www.detours.biz Featured on page 42
David Andersen Hyskenstræde 12, st.th. 1207 Copenhagen K – Denmark +45 2622 1110 info@designerdavidandersen.com www.designerdavidandersen.com Featured on page 28
ege
GamFratesi
Kollision
Postbox 190 Industrivej Nord 25 7400 Herning – Denmark +45 9711 8811 ege@ege.dk www.ege.dk Featured on page 55
Skabelonloftet Refshalevej 171A 1432 Copenhagen K – Denmark +45 5190 0117 info@gamfratesi.com www.gamfratesi.com Featured on page 67
Graven 24B 8000 Aarhus C – Denmark +45 8620 2500 kontakt@kollision.dk www.kollision.dk Featured on page 28
Kvadrat
Monstrum
Montana
Lundbergsvej 10 8400 Ebeltoft – Denmark +45 8953 1800 kvadrat@kvadrat.org www.kvadrat.dk Featured on page 54
Nordholmen 14 2650 Hvidovre – Denmark +45 3322 1077 mail@monstrum.dk www.monstrum.dk Featured on pages 42-43
Akkerupvej 16 5683 Harby – Denmark +45 6473 3211 montana@montana.dk www.montana.dk Featured on page 54
Novo Nordisk
REPUBLIC OF Fritz Hansen
Studio Olafur Eliasson
Allerødvej 8 3450 Allerød – Denmark +45 4817 2300 management@fritzhansen.com www.fritzhansen.com Featured on page 54
Christinenstraße 18/19 Haus 2, 10119 Berlin – Germany +49 30 288 772 77 studio@olafureliasson.net www.olafureliasson.net Featured on pages 24-25 & 29
Novo Allé 1 2880 Bagsværd – Denmark +45 4444 8888 webmaster@novonordisk.com www.novonordisk.com Featured on page 79
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ARoS
Normann Copenhagen Østerbrogade 70 2100 Copenhagen – Denmark +45 3555 4459 normann@normann-copenhagen.com www.normann-copenhagen.com Featured on page 67
We Do Wood c/o CAT Science Park Universitetsparken 7 4000 Roskilde – Denmark +45 2382 5636 ahj@wedowood.dk www.wedowood.dk Featured on page 66
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© © © © ©
Opening spread and PP 20 -21, 26-27, 40-41, 48-49, 72-73 & 76-77
Adam Mørk
PP 4 & 60 – 61 PP 22 - 23
©
Mikkel Frost
C.F. Møller Architects & The National History Museum PP 24 - 25 P 28 (top)
Nic Lehoux
David Andersen
P 28 (middle and bottom) P 29 PP 32, 33 (bottom) & 74 – 75
© ©
Åke E:son Lindman
PP 34 – 35 & 59 PP 36 – 37
©
©
© © © © © © ©
P 38 (top)
Torben Eskerod
PP 42 (middle) and 43 P 40 (bottom)
Monstrum
Cyklistforbundet P 46
PP 47, 52 & 64 - 65 PP 50 – 51
©
Iwan Baan
Bureau Detours
P 42 (top)
©
Ty Stange
DOT (Department of Transportation)
PP 38 (bottom) & 39 and closing spread
P 53
Kollision
Ole Hein Pedersen
Lars Kaae
Kontraframe
JUUL | FROST Architects
Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Jesper Balleby
P 54 (bottom)
©
P 54 (top)
P 54 (middle)
©
©
Kvadrat
REPUBLIC OF Fritz Hansen
Confederation of Danish Industry P 55 P 58 (top)
©
P 58 (bottom)
©
©
Jan Magasanik
©
©
Carl Hansen & Søn
P 66 (bottom)
© ©
© ©
WeDoWood
Normann Copenhagen
P 67 (bottom) PP 70 – 71
Jens Lindhe
Danielsen Architecture
P 66 (top) P 67 (top)
ege
Dragor Luftfoto
P 59 (top) PP 62 – 63
©
GamFratesi
C.F. Møller Architects P 78 P 79 (top)
P 79 (middle)
©
©
©
b0bles
Coloplast
Novo Nordisk
P 79 (bottom)
©
3XN
photo credits /
Contemporary Danish Architecture
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