Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management

DANISH ARCHITECTURE
FROM MIDDLE AGES UNTIL TODAY
BY MONIKA BORISOVA

Consultant: O.S. Olesen

VIA University college
Horsens Campus
Denmark
November 2010
Danish Architecture from Middle Ages until today

Monika Borisova

Via University College, Horsens Campus, Denmark

Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management

7semester

Consultant O.S.Olesen

2 copies Front Arial 12

November 2010

33Pages A3 format approx 2400 characters/page

All rights reserved-not part of this publication
may be reproduced without the prior permission
of the author
NOTE: This dissertation was completed as a part
of and architectural technology and
construction management degree course no
responsibility is taken for any advice,
instruction or conclusion given within!

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CONTENTS:
List of Illustrations: ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
1. ABSTRACT: ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. PROBLEM FORMOLATION: .............................................................................................................................. 4
2.1. Project Background: ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. Problem statement: ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3. Research Questions: ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.4. Research Methods: ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3. INTRODUCTION:.................................................................................................................................................. 5
4. DANISH LANDSCAPE ......................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1. Viking strongholds: ....................................................................................................................................... 6
5. ARCHITECTURE STYLES AND PERIODS FROM THE PAST.................................................................... 7
5.1. Vikings time ................................................................................................................................................... 7
The period: .............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Construction and materials: .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Vikings Homes: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Conclusion about Vikings Period: ........................................................................................................................................ 8
5.2. Romanesque period:.................................................................................................................................... 9
The period: .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Churches: ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Materials: ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Windows: ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Columns: ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Conclusion about Romanesque period : ........................................................................................................................... 10
5.3. Gothic period ............................................................................................................................................... 10
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Materials: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Town halls: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Churches: .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Arches: ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Conclusion about Gothic Period: ........................................................................................................................................ 11
5.4. RENAISSANCE: .......................................................................................................................................... 11
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Christian 4: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Conclusion about Renaissance Period: ............................................................................................................................ 12
5.5. Baroque period: .......................................................................................................................................... 12
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Charlottenborg: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Fire Houses: .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Conclusion about Baroque Period: .................................................................................................................................... 13
5.6. Rokoko: ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Conclusion about Rococo Period: ...................................................................................................................................... 13
5.7. Neoclassicism ............................................................................................................................................. 14
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14
CF Harsdorff: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Houses: .................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Conclusion about Neoclassicism Period: .......................................................................................................................... 14
5.8. Historism ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Conclusion about Historism Period:................................................................................................................................... 15
6. MODERN BREAKTHROUGH ........................................................................................................................... 15
6.1. Modern Period (Art Nouveau) ...................................................................................................................15
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
6.2. Modern Breakthrough ................................................................................................................................16
th
Transformation of the single family house in the beginning of 19 century ................................................................. 16
6.3. Neoclassicism..............................................................................................................................................16
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Fborg Museum: ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Police Headquarters in Copenhagen: ................................................................................................................................ 17
Residential buildings: ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Conclusion about Neoclassicism Period: .......................................................................................................................... 17
7. MODERNISM The New Modern Danish Architecture ................................................................................ 18
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Materials:................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
7.1. International modernism: ...........................................................................................................................18
Kay Fisker: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Copenhagens City Architects:............................................................................................................................................ 19
7.2. Architecture during Second World War: ..................................................................................................19
7.3. Architecture after Second World War: ..........................................................................................................19
7.4. Architecture in 1960s: ................................................................................................................................20
7.5. The organic modernism: ............................................................................................................................20
Conclusion about Modern Period: ...................................................................................................................................... 21
8. THE ARCHITECTURE TODAY: ....................................................................................................................... 21
8.1. Postmodernism: ..........................................................................................................................................21
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Construction methods: ......................................................................................................................................................... 21
8.2. Deconstruction: ...........................................................................................................................................22
8.3. New Modernism: .........................................................................................................................................22
The period: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Modern architecture conclusion: ........................................................................................................................................ 22
9. SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE: ................................................................................................................................. 23
9.1. Baroque: .......................................................................................................................................................23
9.2. Rococo: ........................................................................................................................................................23
9.3. Classicism: ...................................................................................................................................................23
9.4. Historism: .....................................................................................................................................................24
Patrician Villa: .......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
The National Romantic Villa: ................................................................................................................................................... 24
9.5. Modern Period: ............................................................................................................................................25
9.5.1. Better Building Practices: ................................................................................................................................... 25
9.5.2. Murermester villa: ................................................................................................................................................ 25
9.5.3. The functional single family house: .................................................................................................................. 25
9.5.4. Bungalow: ............................................................................................................................................................. 26
9.5.5. Government houses: .......................................................................................................................................... 26
9.5.6. Muremestervilla from 1950s: ............................................................................................................................. 26
9.5.7. Typehouse:........................................................................................................................................................... 27
9.5.8. Modernism single family house: ........................................................................................................................ 27
9.6. The single family house today: .................................................................................................................27
9.7. Conclusion for Single Family House: .......................................................................................................28
10. MAIN CONCLUSION: ..................................................................................................................................... 28
11. PICTURE REFERENCES: ............................................................................................................................. 29
12. LITERATURE REFERENCES: ..................................................................................................................... 30
12.1. Books: ...........................................................................................................................................................30
12.2. Links:.............................................................................................................................................................30
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 Fig.42 Fborg Museum
Fig.43 The police headquarter Copenhagen
Fig.44 The police headquarter plan view
List of Illustrations: Fig.45 Hornbkhus - Copenhagen
Fig.46 rhus University (from top)
Fig.1 Borgens Trelleborg Fig.47 rhus University
Fig.2 Aggersborg at the Limfjord Fig.48 Vestershus Copenhagen
Fig.3 Fyrkat by Hobro Fig.49 Vestershus Copenhagen apartment plan
Fig.4 Vikings home plan Fig.54 Museum Louisiana in Northern Zealand
Fig.5 Stone house from Vikings Period Fig.55 Jrn Utzon house in Hellebk 1952
Fig.6 Reconstructed Viking house - Trelleborg Fig.56 Kingohouses 1956
Fig.7 Vikings house - Fyrkat Fig.57 Guggenheim museum by Frank Wright
Fig.8 Almuehus Fig.58 Sydney Opera House - 1973
Fig.9 Hedeby House Fig.59 Bagvrd Church in Copenhagen
Fig.10 Pit house Fig.60 Bagvrd Church interior
Fig.11 Longhouse from Vikings time Fig.61 Palace Cinema in Copenhagen
Fig.12 Longhouse from Vikings time - inside Fig.62 The Ark museum in Ishj
Fig.13 Ribe cathedral Fig.63 Royal Library in Copenhagen
Fig.14 Brshj church Fig.64 Digegrevens House
Fig.15 Church arch Fig.65 Baroque style components
Fig.16 Arch window from Romanesque time Fig.66 Rococo style components
Fig.17 Arch Window from late Fig.67 Half-timber house
Fig.18 Columns which are characterized for Romanesque time Fig.64 Digegrevens House
Fig.19 rhus Cathedral Fig.65 Baroque style components
Fig.20 Abbey church - Horsens Fig.66 Rococo style components
Fig.21 Gothic arch pointed arch Fig.67 Half-timber house
Fig.22 Romans arch round arch Fig.68 Patrician Villas entrance
Fig.23 Rosenborg castle Fig.69 Patrician Villa from 1860s
Fig.24 Hesselagergrd Fig.70 the National Romantic Villa
Fig.25 Frederiksborg Castle Fig.71 The National Romantic Villa Gable image
Fig.26 Licthenbergske Mansion Horsens Fig.72 Single family house from 1916
Fig.27 Charlottenborg Fig.73 Murermester villa 1922 Brabrand
Fig.28 Fire houses Fig.74 The Functional single family house
Fig.29 Rokoko door Fig.75 Bungalow 1935 Gren
Fig.30 Frederik VIIs Palace Fig.76 Typical government house
Fig.31 Copenhagens library-1861 Fig.77 Floor plan of a government house
Fig.32 Harsdorffs house Fig.78 Murremestervilla-1950 rhus
Fig.33 Hardorffs house (corner) Fig.79 Brick Arch door frame
Fig.34 The Marble Church Fig.80 Typehouse from 1960s
Fig.35 Palace Hotel Fig.81 Arne Jacobsen Single family house-1929 1931
Fig.36 Savoy Hotel Fig.82 Open interior in the single family house today
Fig.37 Half-timber house 19s century Fig.83 Modern Single family House view 1
Fig.38 Brick house with roof tiles Fig.84 Modern Single family house - view 2
Fig.39 Art Nouveau style Fig.85 Tulip
Fig.40 rhus Station 1927
Fig,41 The Temple of Delians

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 1. ABSTRACT: 2.2. Problem statement:

What are the different periods and styles in the Danish Architecture and how does the single
family house develop throughout the periods?
The report analyses the different periods and styles in the Danish Architecture from the Middle
Ages till today.

I analyze the typical characteristics of the period and gain an understanding of what is each
period unique for and what is the difference from period to period. After I analyze and go through
all the periods I focus on the single family house and analyze the different houses from different
period with a connection with the Danish architectural history.
Key Words:
Danish Architecture, single-family house
2. PROBLEM FORMOLATION:
2.3. Research Questions:
How do the different styles develop through the periods?
Which of the periodical styles made the biggest impact on the Danish Architecture?
What were the transformations from style to style?
How did the Modern Breakthrough happen?
What was the architectural style around 1900?
What changes did the Modern period make in the Danish architecture?
Which direction in the Modern period influenced the Danish housing?
When did the big industrialization happen and why?
Which Danish architects had the biggest influence on the Danish Architecture?
How did the Danish single family house transformed from the past till today?
In which period were the first single family houses built?
What did it change in the single family house from 1850 till today?
What is the new Danish single family house characterised with?

2.1. Project Background:

I came from Bulgaria to take my education as a Constructing Architect at VIA University College,
be course, I always have been interested in studying Architecture, around me and getting to know
different architecture styles and cultures from different country. I am an often traveler and I have 2.4. Research Methods:
being visiting many exciting countries with great architecture history. I have decided to stay in
Denmark after my education and I am learning the Danish language, at evening school in
This report is written as part of the final semester of my education as Bachelor of Architectural
Horsens, and I have a big fascination for the Danish Architectural buildings. I am specifically
Technologies and Construction Management. The research is analytical, which means that I am
interested in the styles of Danish architecture and to learn about the Danish history and the
using the analyze as a method to make the research about the Danish Architecture. The research
influence from the architecture. I think that the knowledge about the Danish Architecture can
is based on information from books, internet websites which references can be find on p.31
enrich me cultural and is going to be beneficial for my private and working career future in
Denmark.

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 3. INTRODUCTION:

The architect Louis Kahn quotes Architecture is what nature cannot make.

The architecture designs our lives through the spaces that we live in. I believe that the public is
involved in the architecture. Every different style in the architecture changes and improves the
human life. Architecture is the greatest form of art that put its influence on us every day and make
us create spaces where we can experience a new world within the confines of a structure. Thats
why it is so important for us and thats why it is so interesting topic also for me.

Architecture is in the same time, both science and the art of the building. To understand the art of
architecture it is best, to gain first an understanding for the science of architectural construction
through different styles and periods. The report will start with analyzing the major periods in the
Danish architecture.

The report describes each period shortly, involving information about both constructions and
materials. Each period is unique and I am trying to describe what is new in each style and what
makes it different from all the others.

I have always been fascinated by architectures different styles and periods, without the
knowledge to support me, when I am looking at different buildings, in different areas throughout
the world.

I have felt that I have been without the right knowledge when discussing topics concerning
architecture, in school, at practical placement, with family extra, this report have made me
stronger, and it will help me and hopefully others to understand and know the different styles in
Denmark, which I have learned have it all.

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 Fig.2 Aggersborg at the Limfjord
4. DANISH LANDSCAPE Aggersborg at the Limfjord was the
largest of the four Viking castles. It could
accommodate all the others put together and led
The Danish architecture can be described simply as an agricultural landscape which is mild and to the theory that it was enchilada for Sven
dotted with small forests, lakes and watercourses. Forkbeard's troops before they ravaged England.
Some of the oldest landscape architecture are *entormbments as dolmens and passage graves
from c. 2000 B.C and the distractive domed barrows of the Bronze age, from 1500 to 500 B.C.
The Viking fortifications from c.1000 are unique. They were served as training camps and these
earth formations later had a big significant influence on several grounds.

4.1. Viking strongholds:

During the Viking era all Viking towns located near the ocean. Often towns were located just up Fig.3 Fyrkat by Hobro
from a river's mouth. The purpose of that was to protect the city against attack from the water. The picture shows Fyrkat by Hobro. The
Besides these country towns lived some of the Vikings in actual fortifications, known as Viking Viking fortress is associated with nuns in
castles. Denmark has found four Viking castles. Trelleborg near Slagelse, Aggersborg by the Odense to the smallest of the four castles have
Limfjord Fyrkat by Hobro and castle on nuns in Odense. The man who stood behind the castles been found. It contained "only" 16 houses,
that were built around the year 980-981 was Denmark's former king, Harald Bltand. It appears while Aggersborg were three times bigger.
that he built them as defense against an enemy southward.

We do know a little about the Old Danish Architecture landscape and my knowledge is based on
descriptions, maps and prospects.

Fig.1 Borgens Trelleborg

Borgen Trelleborg covers a total area of 6 hectares, equivalent
to 12 football pitches. The system consists of an inner castle and a
forecastle. The castle is located on a promontory between two
rivers, Cry Creek and Vrby , which have provided natural
protection in three directions. Forecastle identified by an earthwork
that stretches between the two streams and thus demarcating the
entire headland. It is estimated that the construction of Trelleborg
has logged nearly half of all former oak forest on Zealand.

The inner castle consists of a perfectly circular earthwork, ca. 180 meters in diameter. Four ports
provide access to the inner castle, and the gates are linked by two wooded streets that cross in
the middle, and by a narrow, wooded path along the violence inside. The inner rampart is about.
17 meters wide and 5 feet tall and holds approx. 25,000 m3 of earth, stone and timber. The
egebekldte circle of violence was initially almost vertical on the outside. Both the inner and outer
violence has been fitted with an outer moat. The inner circle is about 17 feet wide and 4 meters
deep.

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 Fig.4 Vikings home plan Fig.5 Stone house from Vikings Period
5. ARCHITECTURE STYLES AND PERIODS FROM THE PAST

5.1. Vikings time

The period:

The Vikings time is ranging from the year 700 to 1000. There is not much left from the
construction period. Due to archeological finds we know about the large castles, churches and
dwellings built in the Vikings time. The period can be determined as evolutional in building design.

Viking houses were built of wood, clay, stone, sod, etc. The stone houses are known since 1000
year. The earliest houses had some wooden posts on the outside that are supporting the house
and the roof, while newer houses had not those carrying posts in the construction. The houses
were built in different sizes, but a normal house is measured approximately 5 x 12 meters. The
roof was covered with straw or straw.
These are 2 styles houses that the Vikings built. The one was found by Trelleborg and the second
is found by Fyrkat and Aggersborg the Limfjord. The two styles are similar but there are
differences in some of the construction principles. For example, the houses built by Fyrkat were
performed with double stud walls in contrast to Trelleborg houses where they were built by one
layer. Both styles are represented in different parts of the country. Therefore, it is probably more a
Construction and materials: reflection of different periods in the Viking Age than the local construction principles.

Viking houses were in the family context, a large oblong house, also longhouse. They were built
of the materials as closely as possible to their habitat. Some used to make the posts with a lot of
clay and branches in between. In places where there was much forest, it was natural to build
houses of timber, while on the rocky islands used stone and turf. Another way of building was of
clay and dung which were a cheap and effective way to build a simple house. In Africa are still
using this method which idea they got from the Vikings. In Although the fire could give most of the Fig.6 Reconstructed Viking house - Trelleborg Fig.7 Vikings house - Fyrkat
light that one should use, the Vikings also used lamps. They were placed in a crack in a table.

In the wooden houses there were no windows, so the only light in addition to the oil lamps was the
hole in the roof which functions as a chimney.

The floor was made of tamped clay or soil and it was only swept once in a while. A house is
usually used for 30 years. When it began to rot, it is turned down and rebuilt. Viking houses were
typically quite small so there was not much room for furniture. They were usually sitting on
benches, sleeping on the ground or on a fur rug. Only the very classy and rich people had money
enough to buy a bed.

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 Vikings Homes:

Fig.11 Longhouse from Vikings time

Longhouse The longhouses were usually located in
Fig.8 Almuehus country. They were approx. 30 meters and usually were constructed of
one big room. The walls were built from wood and the roof construction
Almuehuset - These buildings were used by the population
was covered with turf. The houses were furnished with benches for
for housing, agriculture, crafts, shops and more. There are
sitting and sleeping, placed on the inside of the walls. There was a
not so much left from them and I couldnt find specific
central fireplace which was the main source of light and heat.
information because not so much from the wooden
structures, braids and thatched roof constructions are
preserved for posterity. Usually the archaeological
evidences are often about conserved parts from churches,
longhouses and large peasant buildings.

Fig.9 Hedeby House

Fig.12 Longhouse from Vikings time - inside

Hedeby House - The building is at ground level approx. 5 x

The wooden benches next to the wall were the only
12 meters and is divided into 3 rooms with relations in the
furniture the Vikings were using for sitting and also for
central axis. The 3 rooms are from west to east as:
sleeping. There was very common to have a chimney in
the middle on the house which they were using for
cooking, heat and light.

the western room is furnished with an oven and has 2 access door
the central space has an open fireplace on the floor, constructed of stone that is
where the family spend the indoor life
The eastern room is smaller than the other two and has no interior used for
Conclusion about Vikings Period:
animals The construction techniques that the Vikings were using were very special for that time. They
Pit House it is smaller than Hedeby house and different used strictly geometrical rules, where the symmetry and the axes were very important. The
Fig.10 Pit house disposition. The house is called a pit house because it is partially Vikings period is very important and it marks the beginning of the Danish history of architecture.
buried in the terrain level, equating to a pit. There is a pit house in
rhus which is remaining from the Vikings time.
The Pit houses are one of the smallest houses, which are known
from the Vikings Age. They give the impression of a construction
where the materials and the construction methods, evaluated. For
example, by digging the house in the ground the Vikings were
taking the advantage of its insulation properties and also from the
heating which is coming from the ground.

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 Fig.15 Church arch
5.2. Romanesque period: Characteristic trait of Romanesque
period are the arches. Arches in
Romanesque architecture are
The period: semicircular (fig.15) They were also
very common used in the chuches
The Romanesque period takes place in the years 1100-1200. It began to develop in the middle of
1000-year when the people started using stone as a building material. The Romanesque style can
construction. They can be notice in
be summarized by the church buildings. The inspiration for the Romanesque style came from the construction of the entrance door
England around the year 1100th.The first stone church is built in Denmark in 1040 in Roskilde. and the windows.

Churches:
Materials:
Fig.13 Ribe cathedral

Big churches from Romanesque time:
The southwest Jutland cathedral - Ribe Cathedral it is a late-
Romanesque church with his oldest parts since 1150. The
church is build of the volcanic tufa stone from Germany.
In the Romanesque period natural stone were still used as a building material. Granite
was the primary building material in the period 1050-1150. On the country side many
people were using the granite as a building material. At that time the brick came to be very
popular. It was easy to shape and the burned stones were of suitable hardness and
durability.

The Medieval brick (stone monk) measures 25-30 x 11-15 x 70-10 cm. From about 1600
smaller bricks were used. The thinnest version is 1700 and 1800s Flensburg stone which
were 3cm thick and yellow. Today normal brick measurements are: 23 x 11 x 5.5 cm.

Windows: The windows in the Romanesque period were small, sometimes even only on the
south side. The window is double flattery, covered with a round arch and is usually fixed in a
stone. At the end of the period the windows are transformed in tall and slim. They often gather in
groups tree, sometimes two together.

Fig.16 Arch window from Romanesque time Fig.17 Arch Window from late

Fig.14 Brshj church

The Brshj church is the oldest one in

Copenhagen. It was built by Bishop Absolon in
1180s. Later, Around 1450 was added the Gothic
tower of red brick.

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Columns: The Romanesque columns are smooth and round with the same width from the bottom 5.3. Gothic period
to the top.
Fig.19 rhus Cathedral
The period:
Fig.18 Columns which are characterized for Romanesque time

The Gothic period takes place in the years 1250-1550. The

church forms the style of that period. They were richly
decorated with murals and woodcarvings. The Gothic style is
characterized by the construction of towers, the steep roof, the
pointed arch and arch windows openings. For the construction
of the pointed arch is used mainly brick and there was often
used colored glass in the windows.

Materials:
Conclusion about Romanesque period :
In the Gothic period the brick was the main building material. Because of the lack of stone
The Romanesque style is characterized by the round arches, both used to keep the structure and material, the brick were used not only for churches but also for building castles.
also served as decoration. Apart from that, the thick stone walls and the small windows also
characterize the Romanesque architecture style.

The churches buildings which were built in the Romanesque period put Denmark as a part of the Town halls:
International Architecture. The earliest wooden churches were replaced by stone churches in
1100 to 1250. During that time 2000 churches were build and nowadays over 1500 of these General houses and homes have been modest. Their shape was dictated by function, materials
churches remain. and design based on craft traditions that are transferred from generation to generation. They have
been different in appearance from country to country and from region to region, but the design
principles have remained the same.

Fig.20 Abbey church - Horsens

Abbey church is build around 1260. It was rebuilt several times.

Today the church represents Gothic style with its rich
decorations.

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Churches: 5.4. RENAISSANCE:

The churches which were started to be built in the Romanesque style were completed in Gothic
style. The reason was that it was easier to build larger structures with pointed arch that round
arch. Pointed arch can withstand more weight because of the way it is constructed. During the
13th century it became more popular to build in the Gothic style. The churches became larger
because it was better to take advantage of the new design possibilities. As an example for that
were the Cathedrals in Ribe, Roskilde, Haderslev and Aarhus that began to be built as
Romanesque, but finished with more or less Gothic features.
Arches:
Fig.21 Gothic arch pointed arch Fig.22 Romans arch round arch
The period:
The Renaissance period is characterized in Denmark in the years 1536 1660. Year 1536 marks
the Reformation, which means that the church`s power was broken. At that time the aristocracy
took the power and changed the architecture look.
The Danish Renaissance style took inspiration from Holland and it was very different from the
Italian Renaissance. The Italian architecture is characterized by very simple floor plans, flat
surfaces, and straight lines, use of columns, symmetry and harmony. In Denmark, the architecture
from the Renaissance period is characterized by special curved end walls which resembled
medieval architecture and was in a direct conflict with the Italian principles of good architecture.
The changes in Denmark during the Renaissance were not as revolutionary as abroad and
usually were most decorations on the buildings that changed compare to medieval architecture.

The Gothic arc is a sharp-pointed arch, Rosenborg Slot

Fig.23 Rosenborg castle
formed of two parts of a circle. The
Gothic arch evolved from the round- 1606-1634
topped Roman arch. The Pointed arch
is the strongest arch. It has more
vertical and less lateral thrust than a
semicircle arch.

Conclusion about Gothic Period:

Fig.24 Hesselagergrd
Nowadays the influence of the Gothic architecture can be seen in castles, houses, palaces,
churches and town halls. The architectural style from the Gothic time is very distractive, detailed Hesselagergrd
and mysterious at the same time. The greater difference from the Romanesque style can be seen
in the construction principles. The different arches represent the different styles. The very thick 1538
walls in the Romanesque style, which are supporting the arch and distributing the load are very Hesselagergrd is one of the first buildings which
thick. Strong walls also mean fewer windows, so the inside of Romanesques churches often characterize the Danish Renaissance. It was built in 1538
looks dim and feels cold. The Gothic style brings the opportunity of building higher using thinner and brings the typical gables and windows for that time.
walls, a lot of stained-glass windows which gives the churches the intention to look like heaven.

11
 5.5. Baroque period:

Christian 4:
He is known today as the largest Danish construction king because he built many great buildings.
Christian 4s favorite architectural style was Dutch Renaissance style. The king built many famous
buildings such as Frederiksborg Castle, the Stock Exchange, the Round Tower and Rosenborg
Castle in Copenhagen.
Fig.25 Frederiksborg Castle
The period:
The Baroque period is from 1650-1750.The style emerged in Italy and it developed later in
different countries in Europe. The Baroque style was very different from the other periods. The
individualism was playing a important role when the architects began to highlight different part of
the architecture such as windows, cornices or part of walls. That was made with the purpose to
create a movement in the building. According to this, the contrast between different forms and
between light and shadows played a big role when the building was constructed.

Fig.26 Licthenbergske Mansion Horsens

Built in 1744

Conclusion about Renaissance Period:

The word Renaissance means rebirth and the period marks the transition between Medieval Charlottenborg:
and Early Modern Architecture. It is highlighted by new learning, developing infrastructure and
more attention to the arts. The era is best known because of the the special dcor and element Fig.27 Charlottenborg
structures which are more severe than the styles in the past, and the attention to detail in the This was one of the first Baroque buildings that
ornamentation which is very precise. Fig.26 Charlottenborg
were built in Denmark. It was built between 1772-
1683. The building was built in a way that each
room had a function, status and thus of meaning.
Charlottenborg came to play a major role in the
construction of a number of large mansions and
manor houses throughout Denmark.

Characteristic of the buildings from the Baroque period include strictly symmetrical facades and
the lower roof pitch.

12

Fire Houses:
Fig.28 Fire houses
The Baroque style put its mark not only on the monumental building but
even on the ordinary houses.
The fire house is a kind of house that was built after the fire in
Copenhagen in 1728. The fire house is characterized by the gable
dormers. The overland architect JC Krieger gave a set of requirements for
how the house would appear. For example, the street faade should be
made of brick while the back faade could be made of timber.
Conclusion about Baroque Period:
The general characteristics of baroque architecture are the sense of movement and energy. The
style shows out with unique concepts and gives freedom to individualism.
The Baroque Architecture forms its style as a new and individual art while the Renaissance
architecture in influence by the antiquity. Important for an architect from Renaissance was to
create peace and clarity in a building while an architect goal from the Baroque period was to
create an architecture that was choppy and seemed like moving.
5.6. Rokoko:
The period:
The Rococo takes time in the period 1725-1800. It is the leading artistic movement in the period
between Renaissance and Impressionism. The Danish rococo occurs primarily in Copenhagen.
The period was short. It began in the early 1740 and disappeared in the 1770s. The Rococo style
is primary expressed in the decoration and handicrafts. The ornamentation is characterized by
shells and small flowers. Into the towns the Rococo style put his mark in the decorative details in
the exterior such as doors and portals and interior details.
Fig.29 Rokoko door
It was the architect Niels Eigtved who introduces the Rococo in Denmark.
Frederik VIII`s Palace
Fig.30 Frederik VIIs Palace
1750-60
It was built in 1750-60 for Baron Joachim
Brockdorff under the supervision of the
royal builder Niels Eigtved.
Conclusion about Rococo Period:
There are not that much difference between Baroque and Rococo buildings when you look at the
way they were built, their purpose and the time they were built in. However there was one crucial
difference: In the Baroque decorations and ornaments were almost put on the building. The
Rococo decorations are cut from the building. The Rococo architecture appears not so massive,
but lighter and more refined than the Baroque architecture.
13
 5.7. Neoclassicism Because of the bad economical situation at that time, the houses from this period is represented
Fig.31 Copenhagens library-1861 with simple faade and few embellishments.

The period:
After 1840 many of the old timber houses were rebuilt. The transition from timber to brick houses
Classicism is an artistic style period in Denmark in the years 1754-
happened in the country over a two-hundred year period beginning in mid -1600s. The brick
1856. The classicism style brings the Greece and Roman style to
house build with a thatched roof for many years was later replaced by red hand-molded roof tiles.
be modern again. The contrast with classicism is the romance
style. The style in the classicism has a formal and well-fixed
framework compare to the romance style which cultivates the
mystery. Conclusion about Neoclassicism Period:

Classicism is relevant to the ancient ideas of architecture. It is characterized by the columns, Baroque Architecture is presented bombastic and is judged by its style, meanwhile Neoclassical
arches, simplicity, clean lines, symmetrical and harmonious construction. Geometrical shapes as style inevitably evolve and became more flexible. There was also a greater focus on the interior.
squares, triangles and circles were the most used items. Neoclassical period is a return to a distant world where everything while simple, was effective and
imposing.

CF Harsdorff:

One of the architects who really influenced the development

of the Danish architecture at that time was CF Harsdorff. He Fig.32 Harsdorffs house
rebuilt Frederiksberg Palace, but he is today best known for
his very special house Harsdorff House in Copenhagen.

CF Hardorff was very inspired by French classicism in the

beginning, but later he got more and more knowledge of the
Greek ancient architecture and changed his style. His
inspiration from Greece can be clearly seen in the building
from fig.30

Houses: Fig.33 Hardorffs house (corner)

The broken corners of the houses were one of the many rules
that were set for the houses in that period. The goal was to
enhance fire safety. In the early beginning of 19th sentury
were built many new multi-storey domestic building in
Copenhagen. By removing the corners it was easier and
quicker for the fire department to get around. The broken
corners also gave to the building a unique architectural
character.

14
 6. MODERN BREAKTHROUGH
5.8. Historism 6.1. Modern Period (Art Nouveau)

The period: The period:

In the middle of 19 century the industrialization began to put his mark on the Danish society. In
the same time with the industrialization the architects started searching for a new and
contemporary design language, based on the historical styles, and combined with new materials
like cast iron, cement and stucco. There came up rapidly with two different architectural directions.
One was the national focus on a high standard of craftsmanship, good quality in the choice of
material and a texture that was especially fostered in brick and wood. Johan Daniel Herholdt
University from 1861 was the main building, where bricks, glazed bricks and wood reigned
together with the new era material, cast-iron pillars in the library hall. This direction turned to the
real national romantic architecture, which culminated with Martin Nyrop City Hall from 1905.
Fig.34 The Marble Church
The second line of historicism was internationally oriented, and drew
mainly on Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The preferred materials
were plastered walls in combination with, for example stucco and
painted zinc. Flow front figure was Ferdinand Meldahl. It was Meldahl,
who finally succeeded in completing Frederic Church in 1894(Fig.33).
As it had in more than one hundred years has been a ruin. Also just
burned down Frederiksborg Castle was rebuilt by him in 1875.
It is also known as Modern style and it is taking part in Denmark the period 1900-1915. This is a
style in which curved shapes are involved and inspired by natural forms. It was against historicism
and its imitation. It unites both architecture and art. The Art Nouveau time places emphasis on a
good performance, shapes, real material effects and decoration based on decorative line patterns
inspired by natural forms such as tulips and lilies. In Denmark this Art Nouveau period was never
really recognized as an architecture period but as Art period which made a certain mark on the art
industry.
However the architect Anton Rosen designed a series of Art Nouveau style buildings in
Copenhagen, including the Savoy hotel (Lvenborg) on Vesterbrogade (Fig.36) and also the
Palace Hotel with a location Town Hall Square in Copenhagen (Fig.35). In addition, the Elephant
House is one of the rear examples of Art Nouveau architecture (Fig.34).
Fig.35 Palace Hotel Fig.36 Savoy Hotel Fig.85 Tulip

Conclusion about Historism Period:

In the first time in the history the building were classified according to their different style and the
architecture started to be analyzed. The style of the period is inspired be the earlier periods and
their styles. The result was buildings with many different styles and motives mixed together.

The period came with major changes for the Danish architecture. It was designed in a new way
and new materials were used. In period were build a lot of new housing, schools, hospitals,
warehouses and factories. The new construction also meant a change into the architectural style.

15
 6.2. Modern Breakthrough 6.3. Neoclassicism

The new modern breakthrough had a big impact on the Danish architecture. In the earlier style The period:
periods that houses were heavy and massive. Art Nouveau style represents light, more vibrant
and asymmetrical architecture. These light lines were often highlighted by iron, which were a The Neoclassicism takes place in the years between 1915 -1935 but it was first around 1930
visible part of the structure. when the modernism really broke through in the Danish architecture. The architects from that
period were interested in building plans and were creating cheap but beautiful solutions for
apartment blocks, single houses, public and monumental buildings.
Up to the 19th century timber used to be the main building material and half-timbering used to be
Neoclassicism architecture is very good represented in rhus.
the dominating construction method both in the country and in the town. In the end of 18th century
half-timbering came to be gradually superseded by brick buildings whilst and at the same time the
thatched roofs in the towns were replaced by tiled roofs. The bay partition from half-timbering was
continuing in the brick house through the regular rhythm of piers and windows. The oil-painted Fig,41 The Temple of Delians
brick houses in the town and the beautiful half timber farm houses on the country side were the Fig.40 rhus Station 1927
result of the building activities which continued through the most of the 19th century. Later on
some Danish architects found inspiration from the simple brick houses and tried to improve its
qualities: the prismatic shapes, the simple well-solved details and the quality in the traditional The main train station in
materials. Just after 1900 the architecture the only original movement was Art Nouveau which in rhus is built in 1927and
Denmark was accepted more as art that architecture. In the beginning of the 19th century the is one of neoclassicism
personal expression was the goal of the client as well as the architect. It was a period of main monuments. The
individualism, artistic and political changes. building is inspired by
one of the greatest
ancient Greek

Transformation of the single family house in the beginning of 19th century

Fig.37 Half-timber house 19s century Fig.38 Brick house with roof tiles
Fig.39 Art Nouveau style
The characteristic features of the architecture of this period are very similar to these from the
classical period with the symmetrical and harmonious construction. Different from the historicism
building that had very mixed expressions in the Neoclassicism period it was created a great and
pure architecture.

The main architectural idea of that time was that each building should be built around one idea
and one form. The geometry was like in the inspiration periods of antiquity and classicism. In
contrast with the classicism of 19th century neoclassicism style was more concentrate on the
materials and now to apply them in the building industry. It can be seen in both Fborg Museum
and The Police Headquarters in Copenhagen.

16
 Fborg Museum:
Fig.42 Fborg Museum
Fborg Museum was designed by Carl Peterson. He was a great admirer
of CF Hansen, who was the most famous Danish architect during the
classicism. The Museum was built in the years 1912-1915. It is built on a
small street which was the biggest challenge when they built it. The
building is built of contrasts the faade is gray while all of the halls inside
the museum are painted I different colors. After a bright room, comes a
dark room, which was one of the characteristics of the neoclassicism. The
way Carl Petersen uses the contrast in his architecture can also be seen
in the police headquarters in Copenhagen
Police Headquarters in Copenhagen:
Fig.43 The police headquarter Copenhagen The Police station in Copenhagen was built in the years
1918-1924 and there were several architects involved in the
construction. Hack Kampmann was the chief architect. His
sons and his good friend Aage Rafn helped with the project.
The building looks monotonous from outside and it is hard to
ind out how it really looks from the inside. The building is
characterized by neoclassicism: the simple geometrical
shapes, clean lines and harmony.
Fig.44 The police headquarter plan view
The main idea of the building is the large circular courtyard
and the smaller square yard. The round shape can recall a
panopticon. A panopticon is a type of prison buildings,
which were designed by Jeremy Bentham in the late 1700s.
The design enables the supervision person to observe all
prisoners without they are able to see if they are watcher or
not. This idea reflects on the main architectural idea. People
behave differently when they think that they are watched.
Residential buildings:
Fig.45 Hornbkhus - Copenhagen
Not only monumental buildings were built in the
neoclassical style, but even the residential buildings
were expired by the simple and clean shapes. For the
first time at that time was introduced a new form of
housing the row house. Common to the new homes
was that they consisted of rather large block buildings
that were built around a large farm (grdanlg), so that
the families in the apartments had an easy access to
green spaces.
Neoclassicism architecture requites for simplicity and consistent rhythm on the faade and was
based upon economical requirements for the construction. A good example of resident building in
neoclassic style is Hornbkhus(1923) in Copenhagen (Fig.42). The building shows the
characteristic treats from the period. All dormers, balconies and bay windows are missing from the
faade in the way of simplicity. Today these long faade building seem to be a bit boring but in the
time they were built were a major advance in the housing construction for the ordinary people.
Conclusion about Neoclassicism Period:
One again Neoclassical style put his mark on the architecture, but in the Modern times. The
period is presenting the original idea of the style looking into the past to find inspiration.
Neoclassicism became the dominant style in Denmark for domestic building in the years 1915-
1935.
17
 7. MODERNISM The New Modern Danish Architecture Fig.46 rhus University (from top)

The period:

The period known in the architectural history as modernism began in the early 20th century,
particularly I Germany and France. In Denmark the Modernism is known also as functionalism.
The name itself gives enough information about what the modern Danish architects wanted. This
is especially new, young architects, with their functionalist views that deliver the expression on the Fig.47 rhus University
new flow. The clearest functional expressions are found in the architecture and furniture design.
The characteristic futures of the time are pure forms, straight lines and functionality. This period is
completely different from the previous periods in the Danish architecture. Everything should be as
simple as possible and the architecture should reflect on the modern society and the industrial
age.

Materials:

New construction and materials such as glass, reinforced concrete and steel, which emerged I the
1800s, became engaged in the architecture from the Modern period. New building types were Fig.48 Vestershus Copenhagen
built, such as airports and sports facilities.

7.1. International modernism:

International modernism, called also functionalism in the Nordic countries, made a considerable
impact in Denmark. The transition from neoclassicism to functionalism happened in the years
around 1930. The Exhibition in Stockholm in 1930 is considered to be the event which proved
Denmark with a break from Neoclassicism and gave functionalism ground in Denmark. The
Danish architects representing the new movement were few. Among them were Kay Fisker, Poul
Fig.49 Vestershus Copenhagen apartment plan
Stegmann and C.F. Mller Vestershus in Copenhagen is built by Kay
Fisker in collaboration with CF Moller.

The residential building presents very good

Kay Fisker: He was one of the first proponents of functionalism in Denmark. Kay Fisker Functionalism in Denmark with its long 7-
developed a type of a functional building design in Denmark which was corresponding to the storey faade located on St. Georges Lake
Danish language of materials. He is well-known for bringing functionalist principles to new forms consists of bay windows and recessed
of housing. Fisker described his its architecture as a functional tradition. Kay Fisker created also balconies.
the idea of window-bay houses where the dwellings were briefed by the sunlight, the floor plans
were unconventional and the rooms were located where it was most appropriate. Fisker helped to
draw more of the 20 centurys most distinctive building I Denmark, for example rhus University
and Shus in Copenhagen. In both buildings dominates the shape, the materials and the location.

18
 Fig.51 Bellahj blocks in Copenhagen
Copenhagens City Architects: Housing Units (Family Homes) After the
Second World War there was a great need of
It was a collectively organized drawing office under the direction of Copenhagens City Architect housing and that could only be complied by
Poul Holse which carried out the first major functionalistic building schemes. Among the first building fast and high. One of the first
internationally inspired works of the City Architect was the Brnshj water Tower built in industrialized housing in Denmark was
reinforced concrete (1930). In 1930 a Danish architect - Mogens Lassen introduced reinforced Bellahj blocks in Copenhagen (see
concrete houses of LE Corbusier*** and in 1937 he build the first block of flats in Denmark with a fig.46(Each building consists of dual towers
reinforced concrete framework and bearing crosswalls. connected by glass-clad elevators and stairs.
There are 1300 dwellings in the entire
project)).
7.2. Architecture during Second World War:
In 1940 the architecture was influenced by the difficult environment which Second World War
brought with it. The lack of imported building materials revived older building traditions. Future
Fig.52 Munkegrd School in Gentofte 1948-1957
features were the small construction projects such as Viggo Mller-Jensens Studio Houses in
Utterslev (1943) and Sondergrd Park in Bagsvrd (1950) by Poul Ernst Hoff and Bennet Educational Buildings - In that period after
Windinge. The compex consists of a town unit with a large common park, shopping center and the Second World War, many schools were
institution for children. built and one of the most famous is Munkegrd
School in Gentofte by Arne Jacobsen (see
fig.47 (one of the bst examples of school
construction in the 1950s)). The architectural
Fig.50 Viggo Mller-Jensen Studio Houses Utterslev 1943 competitions have had a special impact on the
The Studio Houses were built as school design and were engaged with finding
apartments in 1943 for painters and the best condition for teaching in the schools.
sculptors. The eccentrically angled roofs
and the functional placement of windows,
doors and skylights give the homes a
unique character.
Fig.53 University of South Denmark 1964

Universities - There were two Universities

before The Second World War one in
Copenhagen and one in rhus. After The
Second World War universities were founded
in Odense, lborg and Roskilde.
7.3. Architecture after Second World War:
Just after the war it was The United States of America who provided the great source of
inspiration. The standard of modern Danish architecture has been greatly influenced by
competitions. They were held in order to obtain new solutions design, new types of dwellings and
institution.

19
Fig.54 Museum Louisiana in Northern Zealand
Museums The best know museum from that
time is Louisiana in Nothern Zealand, designed by
the architects Jrgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert (see
fig.49) The buildings were retrached from the large
open space in the park and take in all the beauty
of the park by large windows.
Fig.55 Jrn Utzon house in Hellebk 1952 Singe family houses - The building industry,
after the war, was not only focused on building
large public buildings but also in the developing of
family houses. There was a big influence on single
family housing buildings which were constructed
with open floor plans, flat roof, large glass facades
which repealed the buildings traditional boundaries
and created intimate connection between indoor
and outdoor (see fig.50).
Jrn Utozon House in Hellebk consists of a single large room, divided by light, partly
movable partitions into different sections assigned to different functions whilst large
windows on the south side provide contact with garden and terrace. On the north side, the
house is enclosed by a tight wall of yellow brick Tobias Faber, New Danish Architecture.
Fig.56 Kingohouses 1956
The single storey court-houses They
provide a good standard for a family life combined
with a high degree of privacy and close relations
between the rooms of the house and common
open spaces (see fig.51) Kingohusene designed
by Jrn Utzon near Elsinore 1956 became first
major housing estate consisting of court-houses.
7.4. Architecture in 1960s:
Before the development of family homes came industrialization and standardization to play a
significant role, which really broke through in the 1960s and especially 1970s. Initially, it was
mainly small details like. windows, doors, brackets and facadebekldninger that were
standardized. But pretty soon began to produce load-bearing wall elements that could be
assembled on site.
Fig.57 Guggenheim museum by Frank Wright
It was not only industrialization that came to
influence the development of single family
houses. Many of the Danish architects were
inspired by Japanese and American residential
architecture and renowned architects as Frank
Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe.
7.5. The organic modernism:
In 1956, Jrn Utzon won the competition to build
Fig.58 Sydney Opera House - 1973 an opera house in Sydney. In the opera house
can be noticed more organic version of the
otherwise very hard edged modernism. The
architecture is still simple and functional, but the
forms are softer and more round. In this direction
within modernism, it is important that the building
fit into to the landscape. The building is designed
for a specific place and did not consist of mass-
produced modules that can be used for a variety of buildings. The architecture relates to its
surroundings and would not have looked the same if it were placed, for example in Denmark.
20
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, studio Friis & Moltke was responsible for the design of several 8. THE ARCHITECTURE TODAY:
buildings, where the concrete raw surface was exposed. The buildings, such Scanticon in Aarhus
(1969), which has since become known as the "casemates architecture" is extent related to the
foreign Brutalism, which never really took roots in Denmark. In 1973-76 Jrn Utzon built 8.1. Postmodernism:
Bagsvaerd Church in Copenhagen with a modest and rational exterior and a very special interior
with great combination of soft, rounded shapes and sharp edges.
The period:

Postmodernism was popular around 1975-1995, but never got popular I Denmark
Fig.60 Bagvrd Church interior
Postmodernism has its origins in America. The concept is not unique, but all directions relate to
modernism, either as a continuation of it or a confrontation with it. The style was popular around
1975-1995, but never got popular I Denmark. Postmodernism refers to what comes after
modernism. The style represents the break with modernist architecture and urban planning. It
was a reaction from architects, designers and craft people against the mass-producing building
Fig.59 Bagvrd Church in Copenhagen
method with straight lines. Right angles and simple shapes that was predominant in the modernist
period.

The style was a kind of experiment by mixing ancient architecture with new steel structures in
various forms. The style uses unusual combination of materials with colors.

Construction methods:

The buildings from Modernism look like a distinctly shaped box without any embellishment while.
The post-modern buildings were built with odd angles, with broken imaginative forms in diagonal
patterns. The basic forms that were used in the buildings were a mix of geometrical shapes. New
materials, shapes and colors were used, mixed with elements form the past styles. Especially,
arches, domes and pillars from the ancient architecture were popular to reuse as a decorative
touch. This new way of mixing things together can remind Historism.
Conclusion about Modern Period:

A big change came in the Danish architecture when the modern period developed. There were
Fig.61 Palace Cinema in Copenhagen
found new building solutions and created new structures which were the development of the
previous architectural periods. Architecture can be considered as a post
modern, which from the 1070s describes
reactions to modernism. Postmodernism was
never particularly widespread in Denmark but
In the compare with the previous periods the architecture from the Modernism shows very few
there are few examples such as Palace Cinema
embellishments and decorations. The few decorations may be a part of the building itself and not
in Copenhagen (fig.)
something that has just been put on the facade. Functionalism ideals were to construct modern
architecture based on concepts such as objectivity, light and aid. There was an expressed desire
for consistency between form, function and technique which can be seen first in 20th century.

21
 8.2. Deconstruction: 8.3. New Modernism:

In 1980s came a new direction in the architecture, called deconstruction.
The architecture has always been concerned to bring harmony, unity and stability. The
deconstructive architecture attempts to disrupt the daily observation of the architecture. In the
architecture, the shape has always been subject to the requirement for function but the
deconstructive architecture seeks to incorporate style elements that lie outside the functional
considerations and is driven by external purposes. Randomness and creativity are the key words
in this new architecture where the traditional concept of space is challenged and where materials
are put together in unexpected ways.
Fig.62 The Ark museum in Ishj
A Danish example of deconstruction architecture is Sren Robert Lunds
museum building The Ark in Ishj, located outside Copenhagen. The
building consists of several axes to collide and almost dissolves the
buildings shape.
A deconstructive building has no meaning. In this way, the building is
completely open to the viewer and can provide the content that he or she
wants. Therefore, the buildings are experimented with shapes and space.
The purpose of the deconstructive building is to provide space for the
viewer to formulate his own interpretations based on shape, material and
space.
The period:
As the name says, New Modernism is the resumption of the trends of Modernism. It develops
itself of modernist idioms. The simple
forms of Modernism still exist, but often
Fig.63 Royal Library in Copenhagen
become even more simplified. The
primary building materials exchange the
concrete with glass and steel. Buildings
that are complied under the concept
new modernism may appear very
different from each other. The period
takes place from the late 1980s till
today. The characteristics of the period
are highly simplified shapes and glass
as the most used material. A good
example of it is the Royal Library also
known as the Black Diamond. The building consists of a simple black cube, made of granite and
glass. There are no decorations on the building beyond water reflection in the faade.
Modern architecture conclusion:
The Old Danish Architecture presents different design and construction styles which were
developing with the years and play a major role in the Danish history nowadays. With the turn of
20th century new generation architecture came out with its own unique style which was different
from the one from the past.

The Modern Danish Architecture developed from the 20th century and it is still developing till now.
The period is very strong and gives the architects the opportunity to work in a manner where
function, construction and design are treated as equivalent component and where they are able to
rely on high-quality workmanship with orthodox construction and materials.

The Old Danish Architecture was concentrated on construction churches, cathedrals and public
building. Meanwhile the modern architectural styles from 20th century as functionalism had a
social engagement which paid particular attention for creating good housing for the general
population. Functionalism was the period when housing units developed and the modern
architecture expose its boundaries. I found out that the architectural problems of modern times,
had in many respects, greater affinity with simple, anonymous houses than with more complicated
type of buildings.

22
 9. SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE:
9.2. Rococo:
During the period between the Middle Ages and up until the middle in 1800s are single family
houses in Denmark almost exclusively as a major architect-designed mansions and country
houses, farmhouses on the countryside or very small detached country houses for the poor Rococo style came from France and is characterized
Fig.66 Rococo style components as light, elegant, graceful and refined. Rococo style
population. Around 1900 to have a single family house has become a common need.
continued with Baroque ideas of building with
columns and decorations on the facades, but in the
same time the new interpretation of Rococo was to
9.1. Baroque: build something with lightness and elegance. Rococo
is best known for furniture, but it also put his mark on
many ordinary townhouses, especially on doors,
There are very few ordinary houses left from the Baroque in Denmark and it is especially
windows and stairs. In Rococo style the single family
townhouses in Copenhagen and the older cities. The style came from Italy and it was
house was still not mentioned.
characterized as dark and overloaded, but also strictly symmetrical.

Digegrevens House (fig.), built by Jacob Aahauge is one of Denmarks finest examples of late-
Baroque provincial building with stylistic features of Rococo style.
9.3. Classicism:

In the last half of 18th century architecture changed rapidly. Classicism was inspired by the ancient
Fig.64 Digegrevens House Fig.65 Baroque style components ideals of ancient Greece and Roman Empire. The neo-classical houses were clean and simple
forms, straight lines and symmetrical and harmonious construction. The decorative elements were
used as columns, arches and geometrical shapes as square. (Villa Sparrow in Virum)

Fig.67 Half-timber house

In the period 1800-1850 was very successful

for the timbered houses in the country where
the new building techniques were used. The
old low ceiling roof was replaced by high-
ceiling roof with rafters. The greater
opportunity of the new roof allows larger
windows in the faade, and the houses
change rapidly their look. In the province,
more houses came to be built with brick.

23
 9.4. Historism:
Historism takes place in the period 1850-1915. The period was mixed different styles from the
past, so one house could have elements of several different styles. The period was marked by
industrialization, which meant new materials in construction, for example tiles, bricks and roof tiles
in new forms, the Portland cement, cast iron and terracotta. But also new types of paint, new
window glass and new roofing material such as natural slate were used for the first time in the
building industry. It is also during Historism that the first real houses were built for the more
affluent people in the cities. Most of these houses were villas built in National Romantic style.
Patrician Villa:
Patrician single family house is an example of the kind of housing from 1860. Houses from this
period are usually in the citys most attractive neighborhoods near downtown. Typical features are
multiple building parts large houses with spacious kitchen and living room. The house is
characterized by a steep pitched roof, very big entrance or hallway, plastered walls and white-
painted windows. The style is neo-classicism which means strict classical forms inspired by Greek
classical architecture.
Fig.68 Patrician Villas entrance
Fig.69 Patrician Villa from 1860s
The National Romantic Villa:
In the National Romantic Villa people would like to show the good craftsmanship, the elegant
design and the use of native materials as red brick, whitewashed walls and woodwork especially
in the roof construction. The architecture of these villas is lively and colorful. The villa expresses
the owners personality through the choice of architectural motifs.
The granite walls with red brick, whitewashed brick or masonry timber were considered as
national and natural. The pitched roof was covered with tiles or roof slate, in rare cases, shingle
or thatching with straw. The roof had visible rafters, which were decorated and carved.
The gable was the favorite object for coloring and ornamentation. The national romantic villa has
a powerful expression; there is a plays in contrasts between materials and color combinations,
and in contrasts with building forms. The materials and structures are generally of good quality
and suitable for appropriate renovations.
Fig.70 The National Romantic Villa Fig.71 The National Romantic Villa Gable image
24
 9.5.2. Murermester villa:

9.5. Modern Period:

Fig.73 Murermester villa 1922 Brabrand
This style takes place in the period 1915-1930. The architectural period is very similar to the
moves from the classical period in the years 1770-1950. Neoclassicism simplicity, clear lines and
This is the best known single family house from the
straight lines was a reaction to historicism mixed styles. The architects wanted to build a building
from an idea and a form that every detail had to subject itself. period. These houses were built from 1913 to the mid-
1930. Murermester villa was typically simple, nearly
Since in 1850 the villa was common form of housing for more affluent citizens, in Neoclassicism squared house, built of red bricks with red tile roof. The
also people from the middle class could afford to move into own house. That was a completely ground floor was usually divided into four nearly equal
new task for the architects to build houses for the ordinary people. sized rooms situated around a central chimney.

9.5.1. Better Building Practices:

In 1915 was created the Architects Association in reaction to historicism incoherent architectural
style. The association was called Better Building Practices. They were focused on the low
9.5.3. The functional single family house:
houses and intention to promote a more aesthetic and functional building. They were
concentrated in the classic proportions, accurate detail and the choice of building materials. The
proportions concerned in particular the relations between the faade and roof, the window size in Fig.74 The Functional house-1930 Silkeborg
relation to the faade and not least their location in the faade. The movement designed correct
construction details such as chimneys, roof dormers and eaves.
From the international functionalism came the idea
The brick architecture was the answer to the desired simplicity. The bricks are combined with that a modern house was designed for a simple and
natural roofing used roofing materials. Roof covering was either natural slate or brick. natural framework for a daily life. New ideas were
developed around the traditional, brick single-family
house with tiled roof. Building envelope was simplified
Fig.72 Single family house from 1916
and refined so that it appeared with an almost cubist
clarity. The historicism details and requirements for
symmetry in the faade were gone. The functional
became the most important.

For example, windows and balconies could be placed

according to the sun and views, the chimney should
be placed in foster faade when it is appropriate. The house could consist of several precise
building parts of various sizes.

The functional single family house is characterized by simplicity of construction details and a
refined texture. The windows could be with wooden or iron frames and usually divided by vertical
mullions, and the colors were coordinated with the masonry or white. Some single family houses
had windows with shutters and normally the entrance door was painted.

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 Fig.77 Floor plan of a government house
The single family government house was built with
new materials and methods. The outer walls were
9.5.4. Bungalow: mostly of brick. New building techniques were walls
of aerated concrete or lightweight concrete blocks,
The word bungalow is Indian-English and refers to those houses with large roof overhangs. The
which were plastered and painted. The roofing
Danish form of bungalow stems from the 1930s functionalism. The typical bungalow consists of a
house in a single plan with high basement and windows in the corners. Two-storey bungalows are materials at the low pitched roof were Eternit slate
or corrugated sheets (blgeplader). There were
also not uncommon. The bungalow is said to be the modern version of the murermestervilla.
large windows and the entrance door were facing
The bungalow has two distinctive architectural elements the basic floor plan and pyramidal roof. the garden, while the high level windows were
The layout can be a regular square, which gives the building character volume of a cube. The placed against the road.
bungalow is built of brick that can be sanded and painted.
The color idea was to create a contrast between different elements, masonry, windows and
woodwork. It expressed the houses structural and textural clarity that will disappear if all the
Fig.75 Bungalow 1935 Gren building surfaces are painted the same color.

9.5.6. Muremestervilla from 1950s:

Fig.78 Murremestervilla-1950 rhus

1935 gren The facades have several motives: in the gables the windows and
doors could be placed in a regular symmetrical order, while the
long faade was composed more freely. The faade could consists
of various elements and forms, such as a large flower window,
9.5.5. Government houses: which was pulled out from the faade or an entrance door, which
had an end top with half round brick arch.
Fig.76 Typical government house
The system of government single family houses
functioned in the period 1938-1958. There was
a great focus on developing of new ideas. A
Fig.79 Brick Arch door frame
modest faade height and a roof with low pitch
was a popular way to reduce material
consummation. In the interior, the kitchen and
the dining room were separated. There was a The house style is subdued and generally designed in bright red brick with
bigger living room with a direct access to the a pitched roof with a steep slope in the red brick and white painted
bedrooms. woodwork. Many houses also have whitewashed walls, mostly for show.

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 9.5.7. Typehouse:
In 1960s the single family houses increased to record highs. There were built around 450 000
single family houses.
A standard house from 1960s and 1970s is one-storey house. The house was built usually with
pitched roof and trusses, which spanned from faade to faade and parquet flooring. Houses plan
were committed around the so-called gun time where the kitchen was located between the
entrance and the utility room. The house was usually built of industrially produced building
elements of lightweight concrete, covered by yellow, red or white brick
In 1970s developed another unique feature: the house was in fact divided into childrens and adult
section. Another characteristic was that the plan with open kitchen, dining area and living room.
The idea of modern expression was to show in the building clear, simplified and modern design.
Among the new constructions were the exterior walls of glass (curtain wall) and slender steel
columns. The single family house could fit with an open plan, where rooms in a smooth flow
succeeded one another, and the large glass faade aside the distinction between indoors and
outdoors.
The faade components played between straight lines and surfaces, between heaviness and
lightness, between dynamic and quiet. The houses were constructed with a flat roof with large
overhangs. The houses supporting structure is constructed as a harmonious composition of
vertical columns and horizontal beams of wood. There is placed a great emphasis on the housing
design and the construction to be visible and easily readable. All the bearing, vertical
constructions in the house could be made of concrete, while the columns and horizontal
structures were made of wood.

Fig.80 Typehouse from 1960s The house was much faster and
cheaper to build that the past single
family houses. The appearance also 9.6. The single family house today:
got a completely different look. The
factory-made materials such as
bricks and tiles had much smoother
and uniform surface than the brick in
the past. There was also a
Fig.82 Open interior in the single family house today
production of bricks in different
colors, for example, yellow and
white, which had not been possible Today the focus on the single family
before. house is on individuality and flexibility.
There are used new materials which were
not previously used. For example, every
5th single family house was build of wood
in the early years in the beginning of 21th
9.5.8. Modernism single family house: century. The dcor of the houses have
also become more unconventional. The
room does not necessarily have four
Fig.81 Arne Jacobsen Single family house-1929 1931 walls, but it is opened for a more open
layout.
Modernist houses were primarily built in the
1950s and 1960s, and were inspired by
mainly U.S and Japan architecture. The
modernism single family houses arose in
1920s but became more popular first after
The Second World War.

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Fig.83 Modern Single family House view 1 Fig.84 Modern Single family house - view 2

10. MAIN CONCLUSION:

In this report I have researched the different periods and styles in the Danish Architecture and I
developed my knowledge about the Danish Architectural History. I found out that each period is
either unique or is a development and a mixture of previous periods. Each Architectural style talks
about the period. The old castles with fascinating structures and extraordinary architecture were
built in the medieval period to serve a military purpose typical for the middle Ages.

The architecture is also thinking green. New ecological materials are used and sustainable
solutions are taking an important place into the single family house design.
In my point of view, the period which had the biggest impact on the Danish Architecture was the
period after 1900. After 1900 the Architecture is developing as an art which is engaged not only
with the necessity to the government, but also with the necessity to the social sociality. That was
the time when the first Single Family House was built. Now I can see the importance of it. The
single family house we know today gives us an own property with a character which we can
develop as we want. That has a major engagement for our social and personal development in
the sociality which gives us a better comfort of living.

9.7. Conclusion for Single Family House:

The history of single family houses tells us a story of growing prosperity and settlement of class
society. Society today is characterized by individualism; therefore the architecture is fully involved
in the process.

The large and beautiful buildings are usually written about in the past. The single family house
didnt exist before in the architect eyes. It is barely 120 years old. In the early 1900s grew the
architects social engagement and they began to concern itself with the little Danish house.

I found out that the traditional Danish architectural techniques in the single family house are saved
till today. The red brick and the red clay tiles existed from the past periods, and have been
developed today with new construction techniques.

The single family house writes a history which shows the development during the different
periods. In the beginning of 20 century, only very rich people could afford to have their own
house. Around 1960-1970s a lot of cheap single family houses were built but all of them were in
the same style. Today, everyone has a choice. People can choice their own design and the
materials they want to use for their house. The single family house is projected as an individual
building, showing the character of its owner and still saving the traditional Danish architectural
techniques.

28
 11. PICTURE REFERENCES:
Fig 1 http://netspirit.dk/new/?page=1027
Fig. 2http://mgeisler.net/images/kongemagt/vikingeborgene_aggersborg_large.jpg aggersborg
Fig. 3http://mgeisler.net/images/kongemagt/vikingeborgene_fyrkat_luftfoto_large.jpg fyrha t
Fig.5 http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5585i2ccv6ppKphX2hxbGA
Fig.6 http://www.biopix.dk/Photo.asp?Language=de&PhotoId=53058&Photo=Trelleborg-Wikingerburg
Trelleborg hus
Fig.7 http://mit-danmark.blogspot.com/2008/11/fra-vikingeborgen-fyrkat-ved-hobro.html
Fig.9 http://www.flickr.com/photos/14026364@N04/3570456163/
Fig.10 http://www.vikingemuseet.dk/pics/boliger/grubehus_stor.jpg
Fig.11 http://www.viking.no/images/hus.gif
Fig.12 http://www.vikingdenmark.com/viking-houses-architecture-inside-layout.html
Fig.13 http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=470899
Fig.14 http://www.vufintern.dk/614ffb/stilarter.htm#MIDDELALDER_
Fig.15 http://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/zalam/Architectural%20Elements/Parts%20of%20an%20Arch.jpg
Fig.16http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zyXCEqd110U/Sw6byYfbRyI/AAAAAAAAQmA/J7D1qT9RXto/s1600/DSC
_5063+romansk+vindue+Lerbjerg.jpg
Fig.17 http://www.tibirkekirke.dk/hist3.html
Fig.19 http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Denmark/West/Aarhus/Aarhus/photo114496.htm
Fig.20 http://www.cofman.com/danmark/attraktioner/kirker-og-klostre/midtostjylland/horsens-
klosterkirke.html
Fig.21http://www.sandia.gov/tp/SAFE_RAM/ARCH.HTM
Fig.22 http://www.sirgeorgetrevelyan.org.uk/books/images/bk-arch-fig06c.gif
Fig.23 http://www.vufintern.dk/614ffb/stilarter.htm#RENSSANCE
Fig.24 http://www.kaih.dk/fotos/hesselagergaard3.jpg
Fig.25 http://picsdigger.com/image/903c55dd/
Fig. 27http://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fil:Charlottenborg_K%C3%B8benhavn.jpg
Fig.30http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/content/tourist/what_to_see_and_do/events/event_calendar/venue
_info?VenueID=300&EventName=Frederik%20VIII%C2%B4s%20Palace
Fig.32 http://www.guldalder.dk/show.asp?id=316
Fig.31 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen_University_Library
Fig.32 http://www.dac.dk/visKanonVaerk.asp?artikelID=2532
Fig.33 http://www.guldalder.dk/show.asp?id=316
Fig.34 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Marble_Church_front.jpg
Fig.35 http://www.hotel-denmark.demon.co.uk/palaout.jpg
Fig. 36 http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/da_DK/savoy-hotel
Fig.37 http://www.egetrae.dk/dk/galleri.php
Fig.38 http://www.toppenafdanmark.dk/danmark/da-dk/menu/turist/oplevelser/begivenheder/lokal-
begivenhed/produktside/gdk034734/loekken-miniby---aabent-hus.htm?CallerUrl=1
Fig.39 http://www.byfo.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=2016
Fig.40 http://www.8200.dk/Aarhus/index.htm
Fig.41 http://www.travel-to-mykonos.com/page.php?page_id=27
Fig.42http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/da_DK/faaborg-museum/images/newest/1/faaborg-jun-09-
251
Fig.43http://obamapacman.com/2009/10/danish-police-high-tech-control-center-runs-on-apple-computers/
Fig.44http://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbc-
drawing.cgi/Police_Headquarters.html/Police_HQ_Plan.jpg
Fig.45 http://www.dac.dk/visKanonVaerk.asp?artikelID=2554
Fig.46 http://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/artikel/345899:Anmeldelse--Et-meget-smukt-land
Fig.47 http://www.studentum.dk/Didaktik_Kandidat_56037.htm
Fig.48http://www.ambottawa.um.dk/Publikationer/UM/English/FactsheetDenmark/Architecture/html/chapter
01.htm
Fig.49http://www.jarden.dk/lejlighed/
Fig.50 http://www.archi-tours.dk/referencer-eng.htm
Fig.51 http://www.sab-bolig.dk/Default.aspx?ID=472&Printerfriendly=2
Fig.52 http://www.flickr.com/photos/seier/4486317204/
Fig.53 http://asonam2010.hau.gr/Venue.aspx
Fig.54http://www.denmark.net/denmark-guide/attractions-denmark/louisiana-museum.html
Fig.55 http://www.flickr.com/photos/seier/2472346988/
Fig.56 http://www.dac.dk/visKanonVaerk.asp?artikelID=2556
Fig.57 http://www.ecopolis.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/guggenheim03.jpg
Fig.58http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FceXbVBDbu8/TJmBMOqz3FI/AAAAAAAAB60/d7fcQz4637k/s1600/Sydn
ey_Opera_House_4.jpg
Fig.59 http://www.flickr.com/photos/james_woodward/3069160970/
Fig.60 http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/2af139/
Fig.61http://www.flickr.com/photos/simondownham/4213715414/
Fig.62 http://www.nordicartbooks.com/images/books/4230.gif
Fig.63 http://community.webshots.com/photo/fullsize/2197928890083693009GPHeZO
Fig.64 http://www.boghallen.dk/Kultur/Arkitektur_og_design/Digegrevens_hus(9788792230065).aspx
Fig.65 http://www.boghallen.dk/Kultur/Arkitektur_og_design/Digegrevens_hus(9788792230065).aspx
Fig.76 http://www.estate-
maeglerne.dk/maegler/ShowDocServletBG.servlet?contentId=Artikler/Husdoktor/Images/statslaanshuset_f
acade_stor.jpg
Fig.77 http://www.estate-
maeglerne.dk/maegler/ShowDocServletBG.servlet?contentId=Artikler/Husdoktor/Images/statslaanshuset_
plan_stor.jpg
Fig.81http://www.realea.dk/upload/gotfredstor.jpg
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 12. LITERATURE REFERENCES: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01688a.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2044725_recognize-renaissance-architecture.html
12.1. Books: http://www.ehow.com/how_2088770_recognize-baroque-architecture.html

http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/arts/architec/TheAgeofRevivals/Neoclassicalarchitecture/Neoclassical
Danmarks Arkitektur Enafamiliehus Lisbeth Balslev Jrgensen architecture.htm
Dansk Arkitektur Tobias Faber http://www.neoclassic.com/the-times-that-are-changing.html
Understanding of Architecture Leland Roth http://www.dac.dk/visKanonVaerk.asp?artikelID=2554
Digegrevens Hus Realea A/S 2007 http://www.ambottawa.um.dk/Publikationer/UM/English/FactsheetDenmark/Architecture/html/chapter01.htm
Arkitekturteorier siden 1945 Nils-Ole Lund http://www.samenhuizen.be/cohousingdk/deel2/II1.htm
Guide to Danish Landscape Architecture Annemarie Lund 1997 http://www.answers.com/topic/arne-jacobsen
Arkitektur uden grnser Steen Petersen 2007 http://www.flickr.com/photos/seier/4486317204/in/set-72157600269237235/
99 huse i Horsens en arkitekturguide Horsens Kommune 1995 http://www.dac.dk/visKanonVaerk.asp?artikelID=2556

http://antikmuseet.au.dk/udstillinger/antikkeniaarhus/
12.2. Links: http://www.bolius.dk/alt-om/hustyper-og-arkitektur/artikel/typehuset-fra-1960-til-1980/
http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/da_DK/theme/arkitektur-klassicisme-historicisme-og-
modernisme/article http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Arkitektur/Europa/Stilretninger_og_perioder_i_kunsten/m
odernisme_(Arkitektur)
http://www.danskarkitektur.dk/kulturperioder/dansk%20historicisme.htm
http://www.mffu.dk/files/pdf/Tema-Postmodernisme-2009.pdf
http://multimediakontoret.dk/programmer/arkitektur/
http://www.leksikon.org/art.php?n=5089
http://www.arkitekt-raadgivning.dk/
http://www.bygningskultur.dk/Menu/Mit+historiske+hus/Stilguide/Modernisme
http://www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/menu/turist/inspiration/detkulturelledanmark/arkitektur/danish-
architecture-an-overview.htm http://www.arksiteplus.dk/wm142308

http://www.astoft.co.uk/denmark/index.htm http://www.arksite.dk/wm140509

http://www.dac.dk/visKanonSide.asp?artikelID=2753 http://www.bolius.dk/alt-om/hustyper-og-arkitektur/artikel/kend-dit-hus-fra-foer-1930-1/

http://gis.aarhus.dk/kommuneatlas/arkitektur_byggeskik_byen/Arkitektur_byggeskik_byen_start.htm http://www.chataboutarchitecture.com/history-architectural-styles.html

http://architectural-world.blogspot.com/2008/05/kay-fisker.html http://www.boghallen.dk/Kultur/Arkitektur_og_design/Digegrevens_hus(9788792230065).aspx

http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Arkitektur/Danmark/Danmark_(Arkitektur) http://www.multiform.dk/1960--83.aspx

http://www.codesmiths.com/shed/workshop/techniques/arches.htm http://old.bygningskultur.dk/

http://www.mentalfloss.com/difference/romanesque-vs-gothic-architecture/

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