COBE plans new danish parliament with underground amphitheater in copenhagen

the new danish parliament: A Vision for Accessible Governance

COBE Architects has unveiled its winning design for the future Danish Parliament building in Copenhagen, Denmark. The project prioritizes open access for citizens, aiming to embody the spirit of democracy and public participation. The design team quotes the historical Danish concept of the ‘Tingsted,’ an open-air space for public debate and governance. Its vision is for the new Parliament to function as a modern-day Tingsted, fostering a sense of engagement and accessibility. ‘The Danish Parliament is something special. It is open, equal and for everyone,’ says COBE Architects. ‘We would like to show everyone that the Danish people’s parliament is something special… We wish to show that it respects our historic and cultural heritage — that the new Parliament is the modern ‘Tingsted’ for the whole of Denmark.’

images © COBE Architects

Cobe archtiects’ respectful restoration in copenhagen

COBE Architects designs the new Danish Parliament to incorporate the restored and transformed historic buildings formerly used by the National Archives. These will be converted into a citizen-oriented parliamentary meeting center. A new underground visitor center will connect the existing Parliament buildings with the former Archive Buildings. This expansion will improve capacity and create a more unified Parliament complex. The architects will redesign the Parliament Courtyard to feature a new visitor entrance. This entrance will be shaped as a circular amphitheater penetrating the courtyard and descending below street level. Here, a central tree will be planted to symbolize the roots of democracy. ‘The Parliament Courtyard is an important, historic and multi-functional urban space… The new visitor entrance is designed as an open, inviting meeting place and an integral part of the Courtyard,’ explains COBE Architects.

COBE Architects reveals plans for a new Danish Parliament building focused on public engagement

a modern-day public forum

With its new Danish Parliament, COBE Architects will maintain the existing open access for visitors. The expansion will incorporate modern security solutions to ensure continued accessibility while maintaining safety. ‘Today all citizens of Denmark and other guests can visit the Parliament. In large parts of the buildings one can be accompanied through the same rooms used by the elected politicians, the employees and the press,’ says COBE Architects. A new visitor center will feature an exhibition space dedicated to the Danish constitution and the concept of people’s government. Meanwhile, the former National Archive buildings will be transformed into a vibrant space with multiple functionalities. This includes an eatery, exhibition areas, and committee rooms with public access.

a visitors center and restored National Archive buildings will create a welcoming civic space

The project will incorporate life cycle analyses to select the most sustainable materials and building methods. Existing materials from the site will be reused whenever possible. ‘We want to carry on this tradition and shape a resource-conscious project that uses local solutions, craft traditions and materials,’ says COBE Architects.

the design draws inspiration from the Tingsted, a historic democratic meeting place
a circular amphitheater and public courtyard will be a central gathering space

existing materials from the National Archives will be reused in the new build

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project info:

project title: The Future Danish Parliament

architecture: COBE Architects | @cobearchitects

location: Copenhagen, Denmark

client: The Danish Building and Property Agency

collaborators: Arcgency, Drachmann Arkitekter, Sweco engineers

team: Bastian Weinreich, Christian Kamp Iversen, Christian Schmidt, Dan Stubbergaard, Eik Bjerregaard, Emanuele Biscaro, Felix Wise, Iselin Bjørnevik, Jacob Blak Henriksen, Nina Mathiesen, Mark Aron Thomsen, Max Neumeister, Mikkel Reedtz Morris, Sidsel Hellström, Stine Bærentzen, Susanne Skov Kunert