Copenhagen, the world capital of architecture
In 2023, Copenhagen has been designated the World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects. This award highlights the city’s excellence in urban planning and sustainable architecture. Copenhagen is the city with a forward-looking vision, where design, sustainability and innovation come together to shape the cities of the future.
A model of a sustainable and innovative city
Copenhagen is today one of the best examples of a city committed to the ecological transition, with the ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. To achieve this, the city is focusing on :
- Eco-designed architecture incorporating recycled materials and carbon footprint reduction technologies.
- Sustainable infrastructures that encourage the recovery of rainwater and the greening of urban spaces.
- Mobility for all, with an efficient public transport network and a widespread use of soft mobility.
An urban laboratory where ecology and modernity meet
Copenhagen’s urban planning is designed to meet the challenges of climate change and society. The city has succeeded in combining tradition and modernity to design a harmonious and resilient living environment. Its innovative approach attracts many architects and urban planners from all over the world, who come to study its avant-garde solutions.
📌 Read: Is building and living high up a Danish taboo?
Architectural highlights in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a veritable playground for architects. The city is full of innovative projects that illustrate its ability to blend modernity, sustainability and quality of life.
- Nordhavn: Northern Europe’s largest urban development project. This former industrial port is being transformed into a modern, sustainable eco-neighbourhood, where low-energy buildings sit alongside green spaces and infrastructure adapted to soft mobility.
- CopenHill: A revolutionary energy plant that converts waste into energy. Its roof is more than just a structure: it houses an urban ski slope, a climbing wall and a walking area, proving that architecture can be both functional and recreational.
- Ørestad: A veritable architectural laboratory, this district on the outskirts of Copenhagen is home to some daring and innovative projects. It was in this district that the famous Danish architect Bjarke Ingels carried out his first projects.
- Superkilen Park: A participatory urban planning project celebrating the cultural diversity of Copenhagen. Designed in collaboration with local residents, this park is a mosaic of urban design, incorporating elements inspired by more than 60 different countries.
- BLOX: A centre dedicated to architecture and sustainable urban planning. It houses the Danish Architecture Center and serves as a hub for city and regional planning professionals, offering exhibitions, conferences and collaborative work spaces.
📌 If you’re interested, please read another blog post on must-see projects in Denmark.
How do I organise an architectural study trip to Copenhagen?
Planning a study trip to Copenhagen means total immersion in one of the world’s most innovative urban models. Whether you are an academic group, a company or an institution, it is essential to adapt your programme to the participants’ educational and professional objectives.
Thanks to NORDIC INSITE, specialists in study trips to Scandinavia for over 10 years, you can benefit from tailor-made support to structure a trip to suit your tastes. From the definition of themes to logistical management and meetings with local experts, we can help you design an optimised and rewarding programme.
📌 Find out more about our offers and examples of programmes here.
1 – Adapting the programme to different architectural themes
An architectural study trip to Copenhagen can be designed around several themes, depending on the participants’ areas of interest. The city, renowned for its urban innovation, offers a diversity of architectural projects that illustrate current trends and the challenges of the future.
Social housing and collective housing
Copenhagen is rethinking affordable housing by integrating inclusivity, sustainability and the well-being of residents. The emphasis is on low-carbon buildings and community living spaces.
- 🔹 One example is the Tingbjerg district, which was designed to improve social integration through architectural redevelopment.
- 🔹 Focus on housing cooperatives, a Danish model that promotes access to affordable housing while encouraging civic involvement.
Sustainable architecture and eco-design
Carbon neutrality is at the heart of the city’s architectural projects. The buildings are designed to reduce their environmental impact by using organic materials and incorporating intelligent energy solutions.
- 🔹 Mærsk Tower brings these solutions together in a university building that combines energy efficiency and comfort of use, with a façade designed to optimise natural light.
- 🔹 UN17 Village is also an innovative project that applies the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals in its design, from the choice of materials to the lifestyle of the locals.
Health and education architecture
Copenhagen is also innovating in the design of healthcare buildings and schools, with a focus on well-being and ergonomic spaces.
- 🔹 The NORD Architects Cancer Centre is an example of therapeutic architecture in which the optimisation of light and materials promotes patient serenity.
- 🔹 Diabetes Centre, recently awarded a prize for its harmonious integration into the urban fabric and its people-centred approach.
Extraordinary architecture and spatial innovations
Copenhagen is also a land of experimentation for the great names in contemporary architecture, who are pushing back the boundaries of design and the use of space.
- 🔹 The iconic projects by Bjarke Ingels (BIG), such as 8-House and VM Mountain, reinvent the way people live and move around in a building.
- 🔹 The work of COBE Architects, transforming everyday infrastructures into functional and sustainable masterpieces.
👉 The programme can be adapted to other specific themes depending on the group’s expectations (urban regeneration, intelligent public spaces, etc.).
📌 We’re here to help you plan your itinerary.
2 – Logistics and transport
Study trips require good anticipation of the logistical aspects, particularly in terms of transport and accommodation. The city is renowned for its excellence in sustainable mobility, but it is essential to plan travel well in order to optimise visits and ensure a smooth experience.
Copenhagen, city of cycling and soft mobility
Copenhagen is the cycling capital of the world, with over 400 km of cycle paths, so getting around by bike is the quickest and most enjoyable way to discover the different districts and architectural sites.
- 🔹 Bike hire: a number of hire services are available (please note that groups must not exceed 10 people).
- 🔹 Dedicated infrastructure: bridges and dedicated lanes make it easy to link all the points of interest without having to rely on motorised transport.
How can you move easily between the different architectural sites?
If your group is less than 10 people, cycling is ideal for getting around the city centre, but public transport is still essential for reaching certain sites on the outskirts.
- 🔹 Metro and S-train: a modern, fast and reliable network that allows you to reach areas such as Nordhavn or the airport in just a few minutes.
- 🔹 Electric buses and city ferries: a sustainable alternative that allows you to discover the city from a different angle, particularly when travelling along the seafront.
- 🔹 Copenhagen City Pass: an economical option for unlimited access to public transport for the duration of your stay.
Accommodation and catering: a challenge to be anticipated
Copenhagen’s hotel market is very busy, especially in high season. So it’s crucial to book accommodation well in advance.
- 🔹 Limited availability: the hotel offer may be limited depending on the period, so it is advisable to choose hotels close to the main transport routes.
- 🔹 Alternatives: designer hostels, apartment hotels or university residences can be suitable solutions for groups.
- 🔹 Sustainable catering: the city places great emphasis on local, eco-responsible gastronomy, with many options for organic restaurants and short circuits.
📌 We take care of all the logistics, so you can travel with peace of mind and save a considerable amount of time (at the planning stage and on site).
3 – When should you leave?
It all depends on the subject you want to investigate. The Danish climate can be unpredictable, but certain periods are more favourable for making the most of a study trip to Copenhagen.
📆 The best period
To maximise the experience and outdoor visits, we recommend that you plan your stay between April and October.
- 🔹 April – June: Spring brings pleasant temperatures (between 10 and 20°C), longer days and a bustling city full of cultural and architectural events.
- 🔹 July – August: Summer season with mild weather (20-25°C), ideal for exploring the city by bike and enjoying the public spaces. However, this is also a tourist period, so bookings should be made well in advance.
- 🔹 September – October: Autumn is an excellent compromise, with plenty of natural light for architecture and temperatures that are still comfortable (around 15°C). Note that this is the most popular period, and the pressure on the hotel trade is considerable. So you need to plan at least 6 months in advance.
📌 Need a programme optimised for the season? Contact us for a tailor-made programme
Why use a local expert to organise your trip?
Organising an architectural study trip to Copenhagen can be complex without a good knowledge of the local area. Calling on a local expert such as NORDIC INSITE can optimise every aspect of the trip and guarantee an immersive and enriching experience, in co-creation and perfectly in tune with your subject of investigation.
🌍 Over 10 years’ experience in Scandinavia
With over a decade of expertise in organising Learning Expeditions and Study Tours, NORDIC INSITE offers tailor-made support to meet the needs of professionals and students.
🤝 An exclusive network of local architects and town planners
Thanks to our partnerships with renowned agencies such as Bjarke Ingels Group, COBE, C.F. Møller and Jaja Architects, we are able to offer exclusive visits and privileged exchanges with the major players in the Danish architectural landscape.
📅 We take care of all the logistics:
- Planning the programme according to the chosen themes
- Organisation of professional meetings and guided tours
- Booking adapted transport and accommodation
- On-site support for a smooth, optimised experience
Let’s talk about your Architecture study trip to Copenhagen.
