bjarke ingels with the 27 project team in copenhagen, denmark
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo


in the second instalment of '27: a journey through contemporary architecture in europe',
paris-based studio LAN architecture, FATCAT films and french graphic designers undo-redo
visits bjarke ingels of internationally-renowned BIG. designboom brings you the exclusive
first look at the team's meeting with the young architect as they explore the rich backdrop
of copenhagen and to discuss the distinct characters and values of danish architecture.

27 DENMARK Bjarke Ingels from FatCat Films on Vimeo.

since establishing his own practice in 2006, bjarke ingels (copenhagen, denmark, 1974) has gained
world-wide recognition for his playful yet practical approach to the built environment. often being
driven by evolutions, typologies, user experience and social elements, BIG's work sets a new standard
for contemporary architecture in its clear formal reading of multiple functions and coherent space.

'as an architect, I am interested in the real world and its mechanisms,' says ingels. 'I think it is not
possible to start working on a project without considering the references that already exist;
instead of focusing on different aspects, it is important to work on the elements present in the setting
in order to be able to inject innovation to the project.'



'mountain dwellings' by bjark ingels and julien de smedt in copenhagen, denmark (2008)
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



image © LAN architecture, undo-redo


while denmark is considered today to be a thriving and lively location for contemporary architecture,
the country had a very limited range of typologies and buildings as early as ten years back.
'but somehow the provincial bubble burst and the alternative propositions started to be accepted
and taken into consideration,' says ingels. 'at around that time, we won three competitions in
6 months… it was a new architectural danish renaissance.'

since then, the principles and primary expressions of danish architecture - the importance of
public space, social issues, the tangible link between function and form, coherent geometry
and proportions - have been exhibited and recognized on a world-wide platform.



'VM house' by bjarke ingels and julien de smedt in copenhagen, denmark (2005)
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo

image © LAN architecture, undo-redo

highly pragmatic in nature and style, ingels believes that architecture is the result of a collective
give-and-take between the architect, the institution, the investors and - perhaps most importantly - the people.
this focus has led to a very recognizable method of presentation that the practice utilizes to communicate
its main concepts and ideas. consisting of simple logos, schemes, and diagrams, the context of each project
is made legible, making their architecture open and comprehensible for the public mass. 'it is very crucial
that we are able to transmit our own ideas within the team and with all the consultants,' ingels says about
this practice. 'as a result, advertisement is created within the project itself through a process that is both
theoretical and practical… our projects are accessible to everybody because everybody can understand them.'



'8 house' by BIG in orestad, copenhagen (2010)
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



image © LAN architecture, undo-redo
to see more images of 'house 8', click here for our previous coverage on the project



'tietgenkollegiet' by lundgaard & tranberg in copenhagen, denmark (2005)
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



interior view of a unit
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo


image © LAN architecture, undo-redo

'bagsvaerd church' by jorn utzon in copenhagen, denmark (1976)
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo

interior view of 'bagsvaerd church'
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



'concert hall' by jean nouvel in copenhagen, denmark (2006)
images © LAN architecture, undo-redo



facade
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo

'round tower' commissioned by king christian IV in copenhagen, denmark (1642)
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



outside the BIG office
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



behind the scenes
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



film still
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



dinner with the team in copenhagen
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo



bjarke ingels
image © LAN architecture, undo-redo


remember to check out 27's website for more images and behind-the-scenes
look of their visit with bjarke ingels.

to read more on '27: a journey through contemporary architecture in europe',
click through to our article on the project's scope here.