Current Danish Architecture at Prague Castle

Public space Superkilen in Copenhagen, Iwan Baan

Danish architecture has been synonymous with beautiful and innovative design for many years. Continuing the legacy of Arne Jacobsen, a leading figure of Danish modernism and the creator of famous design chairs with distinctive names like “Swan” and “Egg,” Denmark achieved unprecedented success in architecture in the 20th century. The Sydney Opera House by Danish architect Jørn Utzon is considered Australia's greatest architectural gem and one of the most famous buildings of the 20th century overall. The Grand Arch by Johan Otto von Spreckelsen became a symbol of modern Paris. However, Danish architecture represents much more than these two iconic buildings – a whole series of internationally recognized projects by legendary architects such as Bjarke Ingels, Hennig Larsen, C. F. Møller, Jan Gehl, or the studio 3XN.

The exhibition Contemporary Danish Architecture, which is a collaboration between the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Danish Association of Architectural Firms, and the Danish Design and Architecture Initiative, presents not only a selection of the best of contemporary Danish architecture but also its fundamental values. Danish architecture is characterized by a strictly ecological profile, sustainability, empathy, and primarily a democratic approach, according to which elegant design and beautiful architecture are not reserved for the elite but are intended for the broad masses.

Residential complex Iceberg in Aarhus, Mikkel Frost

The exhibition is divided into five categories in which Danish architecture has achieved international recognition: the healthcare and education category features, for example, the impressive School of Architecture in Umeå, Sweden, designed by Henning Larsen, and the sustainable building of the university hospital in Norway's Akershus, designed by C. F. Møller Architects. Industrial and commercial buildings are represented by, among others, Media Evolution City in Malmö, Sweden, designed by JUUL | FROST Architects. In the cultural facilities category, impressive works can be found, such as the grand national aquarium Blue Planet in Copenhagen, resembling a huge water vortex emerging from a round lake, credited to the successful Danish studio 3XN. Examples of successful urban development include the colorful and vibrant public space Superkilen in Copenhagen, which continually evolves based on citizen proposals according to a project by Bjarke Ingels Group, and the award-winning project by Jan Gehl for the cultivation of public space at Times Square in New York. Last but not least, the exhibition will also showcase residential architecture. The extensive residential complex Iceberg in Aarhus, Denmark, resembling snow-capped mountains, created by the studio CEBRA, best represents this.

All these unique projects were selected for their top quality and also because they embody Danish identity: a high standard of living, a modern approach to healthcare, education, and study, and a strong emphasis on environmental friendliness. The exhibition also vividly illustrates the role of culture in urban space, which goes hand in hand with the modern Scandinavian lifestyle.

The exhibition will be presented to the Czech public as part of Architecture Week Prague, which this year focuses on architectural heritage and contemporary architecture. This year's seventh edition is held under the patronage of the President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman at the Jiří's Monastery at Prague Castle from September 23 to October 20, 2013. The exhibition can be viewed daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets are available on-site - the standard admission fee is 120 CZK, reduced 60 CZK. The ticket is valid not only for the entire exhibition at Jiří's Monastery but also for the exhibition The Story of Prague Castle, which takes place in one of the oldest and most attractive castle premises - the Gothic floor of the Old Royal Palace.