In June 2012 Louisiana embarks on a new series of exhibitions focusing on architecture, identity and culture. New Nordic Architecture, the first exhibition in the series, investigates how identities and cultures are reflected in contemporary Nordic architecture, and points to the most important tendencies in the five Nordic countries.
The exhibition begins with a broad cultural introduction followed by three themes – place, community and urban space. For many decades the issue of the significance of place has loomed large in Nordic architecture – today as new interpretations with a focus on among other aspects construction traditions and landscape.
A number of installations created specifically for Louisiana’s exhibition of work by Johan Celsing (SE), Jarmund/Vigsnæs (NO), Studio Granda (IS), Lassila Hirvilammi (FI) and Lundgaard & Tranberg (DK) exemplify this.
The Nordic countries are often associated with the welfare system that was built up in the twentieth century. But how are the welfare ideals manifested in contemporary architecture? The exhibition also tries to suggest answers to this question. Various types of collective housing play an important role in public and private contexts, for example local libraries, culture houses and sports halls which gather residents in one area.
The city is constantly changing, with new buildings, outdoor spaces and infrastructure. While the earlier ideal was rational, efficient cities, attention is now focused on creating sustainable environments and social spaces, and the sensible use of resources. This part of the exhibition concentrates on specific designs for public space, including the theories of the Danish architect Jan Gehl. ´
Further information about the exhibition New Nordic Architecture here