Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAPITAL DRAMA
Functional, humanistic, organic and sympathetic are all adjectives that might be used to
describe the defining features of classic postwar Danish architecture, best embodied in
the work of architects such as Jørn Utzon and Arne Jacobsen. Their usually restrained
take on modernism has been superseded since the 1990s, often by a much bolder, brash-
er, even aggressive type of building.
Here are a handful of Copenhagen's most iconic modern buildings.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
(Arne Jacobsen) Not content with merely creating a build-
ing, Jacobsen designed every item in the hotel, down to the door handles, cutlery, and the
famous Egg and Swan chairs. Room 606 remains entirely as it was on opening day in
1960.
The Black Diamond
(Schmidt, Hammer & Lassen) Completed in 1999, Copenhagen's
monolithic library extension offers a sharp contrast to the original red-brick building.
While the latter sits firmly and somberly, the black granite extension floats on a ribbon of
raised glass, leaning towards the harbour as if wanting to detach and jump in.
Operaen
(Henning Larsen) It seems to be the rule that any large commissioned public
building must be marked by the word 'controversial' and the opera house (completed in
2005) is no exception. While its squat exterior has drawn comparisons to a toaster, the
maple-wood and Sicilian marble interior is a triumph.
Royal Danish Playhouse
(Lundgaard & Tranberg) Completed in 2008 and facing
Operaen, the award-winning Skuespilhusetis dark, subdued and elegant. Its glass-house
design includes a projected upper floor of coloured glass, a playful contrast to the build-
ing's muted-grey, English clay bricks.
Den Blå Planet
(3XN) Denmark's new National Aquarium has made quite a splash
with its spiral, whirlpool-inspired design. Hitting the scene in 2013, its gleaming silver
facade is clad in shingles; diamond-shaped aluminium plates designed to adapt to the
building's organic form.
INDEX: Design to Improve Life is a Danish-based nonprofit organisation that works to pro-
mote design and design processes that have the capacity to improve the lives of people
worldwide. Read more about its inspiring work at designtoimprovelife.dk.
