ARCHITECTURE IS AESTHETICS AND FUNCTIONALITY, BUT ALSO… DEMOCRACY

ARCHITECTURE: In recent years, Danish architecture has become an international brand. In one competition after another, Danish architects are taking 1st or 2nd prizes and always with spectacular solutions which make a lasting impression in cities all over the world.

Until a few years ago, the great names like Jørn Utzon, Arne Jacobsen, Johan von Spreckelsen and Henning Larsen represented Danish architecture, but in recent years a new generation of Danish architects has emerged. They all capture the unmistakable Danish expression of elegance, lightness, pure lines and aesthetic enjoyment. At the same time, every project displays built-in functionality and care. Their architecture is not only outstanding, but also user-friendly and considerate towards both the general environment and the local surroundings in which the buildings are placed.

According to Bjarne Hammer of architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the success of Danish architects abroad is due both to the shared basis of architectural training and the egalitarian culture which has characterised Denmark for decades.

Architect Tom Danielsen, C.F.Møller

Decoding context

“We have all learnt to think in totalities,” he says. “To draw something beautiful is actually the smallest part. Our approach to an assignment is first and foremost to decode the context it forms part of – what the surroundings are, what kind of people will use the building, the history behind it, and the functional environment. There are many specific questions to ask before the building project starts to take shape.”

Architect Tom Danielsen of another large Danish practice, C.F.Møller, has the same view.

Sought after welfare

“One of our specialities is hospitals, which are highly complex assignments,” says Tom Danielsen. “Our approach is holistic. We view a hospital as a totality, where patients’ interests must be ensured while at the same time providing a good workplace for the staff. The overall principle is to put the patient at the centre. The reason why we have such success designing hospitals and health centres abroad, is essentially because the Danish welfare system is sought after abroad. Not just a hospital in terms of buildings, but also a model for patient care.” Regarding healthcare planning, C.F.Møller does not see itself as solely an architectural firm, but also as a planning tool for contractors, with economists, engineers and political scientists who are just as indispensable as the architects in the initial planning processes.

Architect of Schmidt Hammer Lassen, Bjarne Hammer

“Besides possessing a difficult-to-define sense of aesthetics, Danish architects have a perception of wholeness which is vital,” says Bjarne Hammer. “Above all, we respect the individual and have a democratic approach to our work. When those values are incorporated into a beautiful design, the foundation is laid for sublime architecture.”

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