Danish architecture and design have earned well-deserved fame for being functional, sustainable and innovative. A new exhibit from the Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) highlights the best of best by looking at '100 Danish Breakthroughs that Change the World'. Aimed at both architecture aficionados and newcomers to Danish design, the exhibition looks at the importance of Danish design worldwide and shares curious facts about the various constructions. 

 

Few might realize, for example, that the Great Belt Fixed Link (Storebæltsbroen) that connects the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen, is the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Of that the Bella Sky Hotel in Ørestad is actually more lopsided than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

 

Bella Sky Hotel

 

“The exhibition is suitable for everybody; people from abroad can get a general view of Danish architecture and Danes can discover new aspects of buildings they already know,” Kristina Jakobsen, a DAC spokesperson, told The Local at a sneak preview of the exhibit. .

 

The selection of 100 construction is made up of breakthroughs of Danish architecture and the display shows a global perspective and lesser-known facts about the most iconic Danish architectural achievements.

 

Photo: Agustín Millán.

 

“We often pay tribute to our starchitects: Bjarke Ingels, Jørn Utzon, 3XN and all the others. And of course we’ll still do that. But actually Danish engineers play a much more important role in the export of Danish construction. The work of engineers encompasses some really fascinating aspects, because these engineers are constantly expanding the realm of possibility,” DAC spokesperson Martin Winther said in a press release. 

 

The exhibition, for example, uncovers the role of Danish architects and engineers in exotic constructions like the Trans-Iranian Railway, covering 1,349 km from the Arabian Gulf to the Caspian Sea, in the early 1930s. Visitors to the exhibition are also invited to try their had at applying the principles of construction with one of the oldest architectural elements in the world, the round arch. 

 

The Trans-Iranian Railway. Photo: COWI's historic archives

 

“Architecture is an art form. But it is an applied art and doesn't not move people until they experience it: not until it has been realized in the form of actual buildings. The exhibition shows that this can only happen when different professions work together,” DAC CEO Kent Martinussen said. 

 

Photo: Agustin Millan.

 

The exhibition “Groundbreaking Constructions – 100 Danish Breakthroughs that Changed the World' runs through December 18th at the Danish Architecture Centre in Copenhagen. Entrance is 60 kroner. More information and advance ticket purchases can be found here.