Copenhagen Architecture

As an Architectural Technologist, my role in architecture is to analyse and assess the technical reality of building designs, both before and after construction. On a recent visit to Copenhagen in Denmark, I was impressed by the modern architecture and its juxtaposition to the traditional buildings. Around 10 or so years ago, I became familiar with Danish modern architecture through Bjarke Ingels work.

Danish culture seems quite practical yet with appreciating enjoyment in life at the same time, similar to their philosophy of Hygge. This is evident in their architecture and a good example of this is Architect Bjarke Ingels of www.big.dk.

Image www.big.dk

His buildings break the rules of plain box architecture, yet it delivers functionality unimaginable to most people, myself included. His project The Mountain, is a ground breaking interpretation of apartment living yet residents enjoy stepped gardens with exceptional views. The undercroft space of the building, is used as a public car park instead of packing in endless apartments with lower quality living experience for residents. The car park generates turnover for the owner, while the apartments are of the highest quality in finish and design. Each unit has a garden space larger than a usual balcony with a hanging garden of greenery to ground the sky view and reduce overlooking.

The Mountain is so called because of it’s stacked nature that appears structured but feels quite organic in form when you are up close to the building. The undercroft car park is clad in perforated metal that at a relatively close distance and quite far distance forms a mountain range graphic. This adds to the intrigue and interest of this building as it sits in it’s suburban context served by a lengthy cycle path leading 5kms direct to the city center.

The Mountain is a refreshing reflection of Danish architecture that delivers high quality apartment living.