Away Day 2025: Copenhagen

Our tradition of annual away days took us to the stunning Copenhagen this year, a city where good design seems to be embedded into every day life. Known for its effortless balance of heritage and innovation, Copenhagen offered the perfect backdrop for our team to explore, connect, and be inspired. We returned feeling full of creative energy and a deepened shared passion for thoughtful design.

Hotel Ottilia

We stayed at Hotel Ottilia, a beautifully repurposed industrial building in Copenhagen’s vibrant Carlsberg City District. Once part of the historic Carlsberg brewery, the hotel seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary Scandinavian design and is the kind of adaptive reuse project that resonates deeply with our own architectural ethos.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the interplay of raw materials and refined details. The preserved brick façades, circular brewery windows, and exposed concrete surfaces serve as a striking backdrop for minimalist furnishings, warm lighting, and tactile finishes.

The rooftop restaurant offered panoramic views of the city, providing the perfect setting to unwind after days of design exploration. Hotel Ottilia reminded us how architecture can breathe new life into heritage structures, not by erasing their past, but by weaving it thoughtfully into the present.

Meatpacking District

On our first evening we took a stroll through the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen), a dynamic blend of industrial heritage, contemporary culture, and creative energy. Once the heart of the city’s meat industry, the area has been transformed into a hub for galleries, restaurants, bars, and design studios, making it a living example of adaptive reuse at its best.

The juxtaposition of old and new resonated strongly with our design sensibilities, highlighting how respect for history can coexist with bold reinvention. The Meatpacking District was more than a visual experience; it was a sensory one. The bustling atmosphere, the aroma of gourmet eateries, and the constant flow of creative energy reminded us how urban spaces can be reimagined to foster community, culture, and innovation.

Kalvebod Bølge

One of the first places we explored was the Kalvebod Bølge (Kalvebod Wave) which is a striking example of how thoughtful design can transform urban waterfronts into vibrant social spaces. Designed by JDS Architects and KLAR, this wooden promenade brings life to Copenhagen’s harbourfront, inviting people to gather, play, and connect with the water in new ways.

As we walked along its sculptural curves, we were struck by how the project merges functionality with playfulness. The shifting levels create pockets for relaxation, swimming, and kayaking, while maintaining a strong architectural rhythm that feels both organic and intentional. For us, Kalvebod Bølge was more than a scenic stop; it was a reminder that architecture has the power to shape experiences and foster community. It left us inspired to think about how we can bring that same sense of openness and interaction into our own projects back home.

Danish Architecture Center (DAC)

No architectural trip to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to the Danish Architecture Center! Housed in the striking BLOX building by OMA, the DAC is more than just a museum; it’s a vibrant hub where architecture, design, and urban innovation intersect.

We explored the dynamic exhibitions, which ranged from explorations of sustainable city living to showcases of cutting-edge Nordic design. Beyond the exhibitions, the building itself is a great example of spatial design. The transparent layers of glass, interlocking volumes, and open circulation blur the boundaries between inside and out, perfectly framing views of Copenhagen’s harbour. It was a powerful reminder of how architecture can simultaneously educate, inspire, and connect.

Det Kgl. Bibliotek (The Royal Library)

This iconic building along the city's waterfront is a bold statement of modern Danish architecture, designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. The sleek, black granite façade reflects the shifting light and water of the harbour, creating a constantly changing interplay between the building and its surroundings. Inside, the atmosphere transforms from the dark, sculptural exterior to a bright, soaring atrium filled with natural light. The central void connects the contemporary extension with the original 19th-century library, seamlessly blending past and present.

As we moved through the space, we were struck by the sense of calm and openness. Every material, from the polished stone floors to the warm timber detailing, feels purposeful and human-scaled. It’s a space that celebrates knowledge, community, and contemplation.

Practice Visit 1: 3XN Architects

A big part of all our Away Days is studio visits to local practices. We visited 3XN Architects’ studio, known for their innovative approach to design, sustainability, and human-centered spaces, 3XN offered us a glimpse into the creative processes behind some of their landmark projects.

Walking through the studio, we were struck by the collaborative atmosphere with open workspaces, models on display, and material libraries that encourage experimentation and dialogue. The team shared insights into their design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of context, user experience, and environmental responsibility. This visit reinforced our own belief that architecture thrives on curiosity, iteration, and teamwork. Leaving 3XN, we felt energised, carrying with us fresh ideas and a renewed appreciation for the craft of designing spaces that truly connect with people.

Nordhavn

Copenhagen’s ambitious waterfront district and a fascinating case study in sustainable urban development. Once an industrial port area, Nordhavn is being transformed into a forward-thinking mixed-use neighbourhood, combining residential, commercial, and public spaces with innovative environmental strategies.

Walking through the district, we were impressed by the seamless integration of water, green spaces, and architecture. Buildings of varying scales and styles coexist harmoniously, demonstrating a careful balance between density, light, and openness. Nordhavn offered a glimpse into the future of urban living, showing how thoughtful planning and design can turn an industrial landscape into a vibrant, resilient, and human-centered community. For our team, it was an inspiring reminder of the potential for architecture to shape not just individual buildings, but the rhythm and life of an entire city.

Practice Visit 2: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Whilst in Nordhavn we had our second practice visit of trip to Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the studio behind some of the most iconic and boundary-pushing architecture in Denmark and beyond. Known for their inventive, playful, and sustainable approach, BIG offered us a fascinating look into how bold ideas are transformed into built reality.

Touring the studio, we were struck by the energy and creativity that fills the space. Walls were adorned with colorful sketches, models, and diagrams, reflecting the iterative process that BIG is famous for: a balance of conceptual daring and practical problem-solving. Visiting BIG reminded us of the power of vision in architecture and of how ambitious and imaginative thinking can reshape skylines, communities, and everyday experiences. It was an inspiring end to our exploration of Copenhagen’s design scene, reinforcing the value of curiosity, experimentation, and courage in our own work.