Michael Squire’s inspiration: Grundtvig’s Church, Copenhagen

Grundtvig’s Church, Copenhagen

Source: Gareth Gardner

Michael Squire admires Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen for its poetic use of brick and the way the architect interpreted local traditions in a contemporary way

In Denmark, brick is an ordinary material. But at Grundtvig’s Church, the architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint makes it extraordinary. I first visited two years ago on an office trip to Copenhagen, and as I engaged with the building I found it increasingly compelling. It demonstrates how a building can be a contemporary image of its time while remaining grounded in its culture.

The exterior is powerful and expressive — with roots in gothic, classical and local Danish architecture. Its shapes are drawn from organic crystalline forms and contemporary futurist images, but they are organised within the framework of a traditional Zealand village church.

This is premium content. 

Only logged in subscribers have access to it.

Login or SUBSCRIBE to view this story

Gated access promo

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

A subscription to Building Design will provide:

  • Unlimited architecture news from around the UK
  • Reviews of the latest buildings from all corners of the world
  • Full access to all our online archives
  • PLUS you will receive a digital copy of WA100 worth over £45.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Alternatively REGISTER for free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts