Issue 15. * October 26th, 2022 

And so we're back with another issue of Copenhagen Unfolded. This month we will zoom in on the architecture in Copenhagen, and there is a special reason for that. 

In 2023 Copenhagen has been granted the title of UNESCO-UIA - World Capital of Architecture in recognition of its strong legacy within architecture and innovative urban development, along with its high ambitions on climate, sustainability solutions and livability.

In that context we'll take a closer look at:

• Bike bridges and bike paths
• BIG bike tour
• Meet a Copenhagener - Sofie Lund Michaelsen
• Multi-use-spaces - Copenhill, Konditaget, Østergro
• A lot more about Copenhagen architecture

🏢

Let's go explore some buildings, bridges, bike paths, and all these other things that have earned Copenhagen the title: World Capital of Architecture.

Photo: Thomas Høyrup Christensen

COPENHAGEN CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE

Bikes and Copenhagen are an integral part of each other, a fact that’s even clearer when you experience the many, many kilometers of bike paths and the several bike bridges that connect and cross over the harbour. 

Copenhagen is one of the best bike cities in the world, with one-of-a-kind bike culture. So it should be no surprise that getting around Copenhagen is easiest on a bike. By hopping on a bike and going with the flow, you become immersed in the city, and connect with the locals. Moving along at a slower pace, you can appreciate the sights much more.

Photo: Terry Mclaughlin

Copenhagen has more bridges dedicated to bikes than cars, and there are plans to build even more. We also have the world’s busiest bike path; Dronning Louises Bridge. This one is shared between bikes and cars, but some years ago, it was transformed with wider sidewalks and bike paths that now dominate the bridge. 

You can also try and ride the many kilometers of bike paths that criss-cross the city, like Den Grønne Sti (The Green path), a bike highway that cuts across the city and goes through Superkilen Park, a culturally diverse urban area. 

THE ARCHITECTURAL BIG BIKE TOUR

If you want to combine cycling and architecture, even more, you can try out The Architectural BIG Bike Tour. Here you go on a self-guided bike trip exploring the many architectural sites and buildings by the architecture firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). 

The world-famous architect Bjarke Ingels has really made his mark on Copenhagen, with his buildings dotted around the whole city. It doesn’t matter what neighbourhood you’re in; there’s going to be a BIG building nearby. 

Photo: Thomas Høyrup Christensen

The best way to experience these architectural masterpieces is by bike, of course. You can start in Ørestaden, where you’ll find 8Tallet and VM Mountain. The route snakes its way north towards Refshaleøen and the famous Copenhill, the powerplant with a ski slope on the roof. The route ends at the northern part of Copenhagen with the urban area Superkilen and the residential complex Dortheavej.

SOFIE LUND MICHAELSEN

In this issue's installment of Meet a Copenhagener, we have had a chat with Sofie Lund Michalsen. A young architect at the renowned architectural firm Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter.

She loves the beat of the city and exploring Copenhagen's endless cultural offerings and meeting new people. She always makes an effort to make space for spontaneity and creativity.

Tell a little about what you do at Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter.

I work as a sketching architect, at Vilhelm Lauritzen architects. This means that I work to outline and propose future visions for sustainable architecture. 2022 is the 100-year anniversary of the architectural firm I work for, and in that context, I’m working on an exhibition at Dansk Arkitektur Center, which runs from November 17 to May 2023. The exhibition bears the title ‘Our Architecture’ and as a spectator, you will take on a journey through life based on the architecture by Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter.

What would you highlight in Copenhagen as a city of architecture?

First and foremost, I would point to the high living standard we have in Copenhagen which is inextricably linked to the extremely high-quality urban spaces we have in our city. Copenhagen is really a good place to go exploring. A walk along the harbour gives insight into the development from a place of industry into a vital city with inviting and safe spaces. You can both walk and bike it but going by the harbour bus is what I propose, especially enjoying it all from the deck.

Another thing that I would highlight is what gives Copenhagen it’s architectural character; the many beautiful red brick residential buildings from the beginning of the 1900s, in the inner city and the surrounding neighborhoods. The scale, height, and density create the unique Copenhagen street life.

Which VLA projects should a tourist or local experience in the city?

The iconic concert houses, drawn by Vilhelm Lauritzen; Folkets hus – VEGA (1956) in Vesterbro and Det Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium, the former Radiohuset (1945) in Frederiksberg. The best way to experience the architecture is by going to a concert at VEGA or DKDM. Notice all the quirky details and the furniture both in the concert rooms and the foyer areas, which were originally designed for the buildings. 

For something more contemporary I would point out Krøyers Plads by the harbourfront. It is a really nice place that gives back to the city. It shows how architecture and cityscapes can create access to nature; modern warehouses and an urban environment that includes the water, where you can enjoy life from the many wooden platforms. 

How would you describe the perfect day here in Copenhagen?

A perfect day for me consists of great food and inspiring art and architecture. I would start by meeting a friend at The Packhouse in Christianshavn for coffee and a rhubarb croissant. After that, we will go on foot or along Christianshavns Vold or bike through Christiania, pass noma and the houseboats and Krudtløbsvej. We’ll stop for a delicious vegetarian lunch and a glass of natural wine at La Banchina, and take a dip in the harbour (if hits a colder day, we would hit the sauna). After that, we will visit Øens Have. It’s an interesting place since it’s both an urban farm and at the same time a space to hang out and meet other visitors. In the afternoon we’ll catch a show at Copenhagen Contemporary, and finish the day with dinner and more natural wine at The Lille Bar.

Do you have a hidden gem you would like to share with us?

The free art exhibitions with newer contemporary art at Overgaden at Christianhavn Kanal is a hidden gem. Check out an exhibition and follow that up by having a bottled beer at the bulwark at the local bar Kanal Bodega just across the canal. Here you can thoroughly enjoy one of the best urban environments the city has to offer. One of my absolute favorites.

MULTI-USE SPACES

Photo: Daniel Rasmussen

A LOT MORE ABOUT COPENHAGEN ARCHITECTURE

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more to know about architecture in Copenhagen, and if you want to dive a little deeper, we got you covered.

Photo: Astrid Maria Rasmussen

On visitcopenhagen.com you'll find a guide on 20 architectural masterpieces to experience on your own. We got great suggestions for guided architectural tours, and articles on how Copenhagen became an architecture and design paragon.

This and much, much more right here:

OVER AND OUT

As usual, we hope you learned a little bit more about this fantastic city that is Copenhagen. 

Let us know what you think. We're always curious about your thoughts and we're certainly open to good ideas, future topics, and so on. Get in touch at redaktion@woco.dk or via our Instagram.

Frederik, Andrea & Kasper, Copenhagen Unfolded

Copenhagen Unfolded is published by VisitCopenhagen. Our goal is to tell the world about Copenhagen and the great experiences that are to be had here. Be sure to also check out www.visitcopenhagen.com and our social channels.

This issue of Copenhagen Unfolded is put together by Kasper Syhler, Frederik Ibsing and Andrea Sonne.

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