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+45 6142 1927
A new campaign featuring four short films highlights the role of architecture in solving some of today’s biggest challenges. The campaign goes live on February 25, 2025.
The Minister of Culture has established the Expert Group for National Architecture Policy, which has invited four Danish architectural firms to challenge our perceptions of how we will build and live in the future. The four firms—Atelier for Byers Rum, Hahn Lavsen, Os Arkitekter, and DETBLÅ—have created visionary and thought-provoking depictions of a future Denmark, where sustainability and community are at the forefront.
The humorous and inspiring films are produced by the production company OLALA in collaboration with the Danish Architecture Center. They encourage Danes to rethink the way we design our homes and cities for the future.
Architecture as a Solution to Future Challenges
The climate, environmental, and biodiversity crises demand that we rethink how we build and live. The construction and infrastructure sectors account for a significant share of resource consumption and CO2 emissions, making architecture a crucial factor in shaping a greener and more sustainable future. But what will that future actually look like?
The campaign’s four films offer a glimpse into a radically different 2050: we live closer together, and a construction ban has taught us to appreciate existing buildings. New housing models are emerging, and nature has gained a decisive voice.
The four films explore ideas ranging from fostering communities across suburban neighborhoods to introducing urban protection zones that prioritize wild nature over suburban development. The films challenge us to share more, use fewer resources, and rethink how we create the spaces we live in.
A Call to Action
The films serve as an introduction and invitation to a broader debate on how we should live and build in the future. How do we create better cities for more people? How can we rethink suburban housing? And how can we live closer to nature? The campaign invites everyone to reflect on today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Helle Søholt, CEO of Gehl Architects and spokesperson for the Expert Group for National Architecture Policy, says:
“These four visions of the future are an important source of inspiration for our work in the expert group. They challenge us to think radically differently about our urban environments and show how future architecture can be a catalyst for sustainable change. This kind of innovation helps illustrate the trends incorporated into the expert group’s recommendations for the new national architecture policy. We hope the films will contribute to an open, active, and inclusive dialogue about these recommendations in municipalities across the country.”
Watch the Films and Join the Discussion
The films provide insight into what Denmark could look like if we dare to think differently and take action—something that is urgently needed. Danes can visit the campaign’s website to watch the films and be inspired to take part in the debate about the future of housing. Watch the films at https://dac.dk/en/how-will-we-live-in-2050 from February 25, 2025.
Background of the Campaign
The Expert Group for National Architecture Policy was appointed by Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt to develop a white paper that will serve as the foundation for a new national architecture policy. As part of this work, the expert group selected four architectural firms to participate in the Attractive Living Environments for the Future demonstration project.
This project showcases how architecture can contribute to Denmark’s sustainable development. Each of the four firms has developed a future vision for architecture, demonstrating a broad spectrum of possibilities for future urban design.
About the Expert Group for National Architecture Policy
The Expert Group was established by the Minister of Culture to draft a white paper that will form the basis for a new national architecture policy. The group consists of leading experts in architecture, urban planning, and sustainability.
About the Danish Architecture Center (DAC)
The Danish Architecture Center is an international cultural institution that creates engaging experiences and debates about architecture and design. DAC is a public-private partnership between Realdania and the Danish government, represented by the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing.
DAC is the project owner of the Attractive Living Environments for the Future demonstration project and the How Will We Live in 2050? campaign.