World Architecture:
Foster + Partners – Working with History
19 June – 30 August 2009
Strandgade 27B, 1401 Copenhagen K
Open every day 10am – 5pm, Wednesday until 9pmFree admission Wednesday 5pm – 9pm
Free guided tours Sunday at 12am (DK) and 2pm (UK)
For four decades, the internationally recognised practices, Foster + Partners, has created architectural landmarks worldwide – from master plans, airports, cultural institutions and office buildings to private housing and product design. The new exhibition “Foster + Partners – Working with History” at the Danish Architecture Centre, focuses on Foster + Partners’ treatment of historic structures and connections.
Although Foster + Partners is often associated with new buildings, much of its work has involved the treatment of historic environments. The exhibition “Foster+Partners – Working with History” explores a number of works, which demonstrate a clear philosophy about the sensitive treatment of historical structures and contexts. A contemporary architectural intervention on a historic site is a fine balance between celebrating the strengths and culture of existing structure, while creating a new building that has integrity.
Gigantic Glazed Domes between New and Old
With text and images, the exhibition provides the audience with an insight into 19 international projects, among others, the Reichstag in Berlin, British Museum in London and Smithsonian Institution in USA – in addition to the Danish projects – which include the non-realised but very debated design concept for a Hotel in Tivoli Gardens, and last but not least the Elephant House in Copenhagen Zoo that opened last year.
The common denominator for most of the projects is the Foster + Partners “signature” – the large glazed domes that pay respect to existing buildings and surroundings while adding a significant and innovative expression to the architecture.
“Buildings with complex histories are like cities in miniature. The richness of so many cities stems from the fact that successive generations had the confidence to make their own optimistic stamp. Similarly, the layers of history in a building can often be appreciated more clearly when seen through the lens of the new.” Says Norman Foster, Founder and Chairman Foster + Partners
Elephant house
With Foster + Partners’ Elephant House, Copenhagen Zoo has climbed into the architectural league. The house is partly buried into the ground and has two glazed domes that ensure a bright and friendly environment for both elephants and audience. The visual relationship between the elephant area and the park has been opened and the relation to the park has been restored.
The Danish landscaping architects SLA can also be found in the exhibition with the installation ELEPHANT, as they have designed the surrounding landscape of the Elephant House.
The exhibition is created in collaboration with Foster + Partners and is financed by Realdania
For more information, contact Danish Architecture Centre:
PR and Marketing Manager Line Juul Greisen on mail ljg@dac.dk or phone +45 22 13 24 70
Danish Architecture Centre
Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) is a project organization that develops and disseminates knowledge about architecture, building and urban development. DAC is located in a charming old warehouse along the Copenhagen Harbour and offers a wide range of professional and cultural activities, including among others exhibitions, education, guided tours in the city, lectures and access to online knowledge and news.