The courtyard of the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen is preparing to become a democratic meeting place for everyone thanks to the renovation project by the architectural firms Cobe, Arcgency and Drachmann Arkitekter. The project involves the introduction of amphitheater-like seating, a visitor entrance and the transformation of existing government buildings into modern, publicly accessible spaces. I consider it a good test, which could become a trend.
A symbol of openness and transparency
In an era in which trust in democratic institutions is often questioned, sometimes rightly so, this project represents a strong and clear signal. the Danish Parliament wants to open up to citizens, inviting them to participate and experience democracy up close. It is not just an architectural renewal, but a real paradigm shift, a reflection on the role of Parliament in contemporary society. In essence, the Danish project aims to showcase the uniqueness of Danish democracy, making it open and accessible to all, while maintaining the necessary efficiency, safety and security.
As he pointed out Dan Stubbergaard, founder of Cobe:
there is no more challenging task for an architect than to be able to work with the physical framework of our democracy.
An amphitheater for Danish democracy
The heart of the project is without a doubt the new entrance for visitors in the courtyard of the Danish Parliament. Here, the architects imagined an amphitheater dug into the ground, with seats arranged in a circle around a central tree, called "The People's Tree". A powerful symbol, which evokes the deep roots of democracy and its indissoluble bond with citizenship.
This space will only be an access, meeting and exchange point. Here it will be possible to hold public debates, interviews, demonstrations: all those activities that are the salt of democracy. A way to bring politics back close to citizens, to make it tangible and participatory. From the courtyard, visitors will be taken to an underground centre, located between the historic Parliament buildings. Here they will find bright spaces and arcades, with an exhibition area dedicated to democracy. A unique opportunity to retrace the history of Danish institutions, but also to reflect on the future of democracy in a rapidly changing world.
Existing buildings, including the historic one Christiansborg Palace, will be transformed into modern offices for parliamentarians, as well as housing a restaurant and further exhibition spaces. A delicate and thoughtful intervention, which requires a careful process of restoration and transformation, respecting the historical significance of these places.
A project for future generations
The Danish Parliament building is the largest construction project overall for 100 years now. An ambitious challenge, which looks to the future with optimism and confidence. Because if it is true that democracy is a precious legacy of the past, it is equally true that it must be cultivated and renewed every day, to hand it over intact to future generations. In this sense, the project by Cobe, Arcgency and Drachmann Arkitekter is much more than a simple architectural work. It is an investment in participation, in transparency. A way to say to Danish citizens, and not only: this is your Parliament, this is your home. Come in, participate, make your voice heard.
If only politics could keep up with design and architecture. Maybe it could also be a "place" where every citizen can feel part of something bigger, of a common project for the future. I hope that the Danish example inspires other institutions, in Denmark and around the world, to follow the same path. Because if there is one thing we have learned from history, it is that democracy is not a given, but an achievement to be defended and renewed every day. And projects like this are an important step in this direction.
