BIG Deal

Visionary housing architecture by Bjarke Ingels in Copenhagen.

If you are planning a visit to Copenhagen and exploring it’s many tourist features, all official guides will first direct you to tourist spots such as the main pedestrian street Strøget, the Royal Palace, the old theme park Tivoli or the Little Mermaid statue. However, what makes Copenhagen different then other European capitals is that it’s also famous for contemporary architecture.

In its tourist offer, this city emphasizes some of the extraordinary examples of today’s architecture, by both Danish and foreign architects. It’s also unique in the fact that these high achievements of Danish architecture are not limited to public programs such as operas, libraries or museums, but are also visible in innovative housing complexes, which represents some of the most interesting examples of global contemporary housing architecture. And the most commonly met name among Danish architecture offices distinguished by their housing projects, is certainly that of Bjarke Ingels.

CAB has visited and photographed three famous and impressive housing complexes in Ørestadu, a southern suburb of Copenhagen that is the home of some of these inventive and contemporary public and housing architecture. BIG’s contribution to this new town is visible in three housing structures: VM Houses, Mountain and 8 House. The first part of this report will present you with the first two projects, since they are both physically close, and thus in the same suburban context, and are also the early work of this, today globally known, architect.

VM Houses are one of the first built projects by Bjarke Ingels (2004-2005), done as part of the architecture studio PLOT in which Ingels partnered with Julien De Smedt. This housing complex consists of two separate buildings, whose plans are reminiscent of the shapes of letters V and M, hence the name of the project. This, thanks to its architecture, easily recognized building complex is located on the main axes of development of Ørestad – right next to the main elevated metro line. The buildings are free-standing, positioned perpendicular to the street, which emphasizes the in-between spaces created between them. They are not oriented towards the street, therefore there is no defined street front, but towards well designed and groomed inner parks.

A clear definition of the complex’s block doesn’t exist, instead the two buildings become part of a series of free-standing contemporary public and housing project lining the street. Completely accessible green areas next to the buildings, a public ground-floor that doesn’t block pedestrian flow and large glass facade surfaces that allow a glimpse into modern interiors, all create an impression of openness and democracy. The architecture of this houses represents the Danish society and its values.

Right adjunct to the VM Houses is another housing complex called the Mountain. This 2008. project is maybe the most famous work of Bjarke Ingels and the PLOT architecture studio. It’s characterized by a completely different approach to the concept of living. Althought this builing is also right next to the main street and metro line, it’s street facade is dominated by the garage. First few levels of the street facade are actually the building’s parking facility, and it’s only publicly accessible part. The entrance and access to innovative elevators that move both vertically and horizontally are strictly controlled, and create an impression of an exclusive building.

The occupant’s privacy is completely secured from all sides: the wooden decks orriented towards the park and the canal are rising from the ground to the top of the Mountain without the possibility of curious looks into the inner world of this impressive structure. Thanks to this architectural solution each apartment has its own piece of greenery, nature and open sky, while entirely maintaining its privacy.

VM Houses and the Mountain are builidngs in a series of interesting and innovative responses of Danish architects to the challenges of a new city development. Located along the main traffic axes that connects Ørestad to downtown Copenhagen, these builings, together with Ørestad High School and Library, a big commercial mall and other public buildings, create the center of the new city.