Outings

I know it's been ages, but I have finally gotten around to posting again. In my defense, at least I have a good reason this time: We just finished our studio project yesterday! This past week has been atrocious, as the week before deadline usually is in the wonderful world of studio. Needless to say here I am finally, with pictures galore for you all. I've been quite busy with the excursions the past couple weeks, regardless of the necessity for studio focus. I've tried to force myself not to be so meticulous about school work here and make a better use of my time by soaking up as much culture and architecture as humanly possible. Our grades actually transfer pass/fail, which means as long as we pass it doesn't matter what we get, but it's still proven difficult not to care, especially with studio. Regardless I believe I have managed to maintain my adventure quota thus far and here's proof:

We had a day of field study out just outside of København. The trip was for my 20th/21st Century Danish Architecture class and focused on Danish housing since that is what we had been recently discussing in class and is such a strong component of architecture here. First we visited Galgebakken a complex of prefab units that are all connected to each other and allow easy modification and growth by moving walls not only in each unit but between them.
Here's a cute view down the street between the units. The architecture is pretty plain but apartently the architects goal was to simply create a framework for their lives and when it was filled with vegitation and and patio furniture, overgrown with life, his vision would be complete. He was really focused on a sense of community.
Here's inside one of the units: it's not very big really but Danes don't seem to need near as much room as us ostentatious americans and note the daylight, always taken advantage of.
Don't get too excited but this is the 7th, that's right 7th biggest rock in Denmark! haha It's just sitting in a field and they made a point to tell us.

We then headed to Bagsværd Kirke, a church I'd been longing to experience for some time. I was pretty pumped for this structure: it's another building by who else, Utzon. The interior is an extremely dynamic space created by this large swooping ceiling that was formed to create amazing acoustics and benefit from directing and enhancing daylight.
I was actually kinda annoyed after seeing the building at the disconnect from the interior to the exterior: such beautiful organic forms don't relate at all to the angular facade.
That's one nice set of pipes!
beautiful lighting: there were no artificial lights on while we were in the space
Amazing
Check this out: it's the choir loft which carries the sound throughout the church

Afterwards we went to Egebakken a dwelling complex for senior citizens, but this place was unlike any old folks place I'd ever seen. It was super modern and also extremely adaptable similar to the previous complex but constructed to allow any level of accessibility once the residents develop the need.
View into a precious little courtyard

Rediculously little cars are everywhere which everyone drives, even the more mature of citizens.

Lo-Skolen was next, a Conference and Trading Center for the Danish Trade Union. Now I know this doesn't sound too exciting but here in Denmark the unions are pretty powerful and they contribute greatly to culture and the arts. The whole place was filled with artwork incorporated into the building.
Growing out of the stairs
View of sculpture framed perfectly
Dynamic courtyard
I was obsessed with this sculpture!
Sculpture even growing out of the wall!

Our last stop was definitely not my favorite: Kingohusene another by Jørn Utzon. It was another housing complex focused on the layers of privacy, but the outermost layer is extremely closed off. I'm sure the overcast weather and drizzling didn't help with the dreary impression of the place, as well as the season and dead foliage all around. However, each unit only has limited opening and a stark solid enclosure that absolutely prevents any connection to the interior.

The Units themselves worked well and I liked the way the whole home was centered or focused on the courtyard, there were views from anywhere inside. It had a nice but extremely isolated coziness.
This is how excited we are that the day is almost over. (not that we didn't enjoy it, but it was pretty exhausting, enhanced by the cold and dampness)
Several of the units had nice views out to the pond from their courtyards.
So that is the end of our field study but of coarse we were still out and about for the next class checking out more architecture around København.
Copenhagen Business School
Fun bubbly skylights.
View below onto the seating landscaped in the lobby.
Incredible glass elevator looks like it belongs on a spaceship.

Sara and I joined other DIS students on a visit to the København Zoo! I think we had a little too much fun, acting like a bunch of animals ourselves. :)My imitation of a flamingo, pretty good right?
These guys were great, true entertainers: they kept chasing each other and jumping in the water, splashing the crowd.
Norman Foster Elephant House. I'd heard a lot about if but honestly was more impressed with the building they had the hippos in.
The Eifel Tower! at the Zoo that is...

Next up Sara and I took a trip out to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art which is located about 30 min from the city center.
The original structure was a residence and the rest of the museum has been added on in stages. It seems to grow out of the ground, one of the wings is actually located completely beneath the earth.
Art incorporated into the structure
We love art, it's true!

So I know this post was dwindling with text but I've been trying to get this finished before I leave bright and early tomorrow morning for spring break. Now don't be fooled this is no ordinary spring break. It last for three weeks and includes visits to Germany, the Netherlands, Italy (Rome, Orvieto, Florence, Milan) and Czech Republic.... it'll be quite awhile but lookout for the next post it'll be a doozy!