Beyond Blueprints - Copenhagen

OVERVIEW

Browse two radical, modernistic buildings with an architectural historian that will reveal little known facts about their extraordinary designs. The Black Diamond extension to the Royal Library is as revolutionary as it looks. The irregularly shaped monolithic prism is clad in black granite and leans toward the river to capture as much natural light as possible. The building’s significant tilt, wave-like balconies and expansion as it rises from top to bottom presented a slew of design challenges that your guide will thoroughly explain. The Blue Planet may be even more striking as it is the largest aquarium in Europe and resembles a giant whirlpool – a design inspired by the shape of water in endless motion. The building’s exterior is covered in aluminum panels that are reminiscent of fish scales, while the interior curved ceiling evokes images of the baleens of a massive whale. The guide will further elaborate on the technological challenges from constructing the Blue Planet seaside.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour two innovative buildings with an architectural historian to learn their design complexities.
• Gain insight into why the Black Diamond intentionally tilts and expands from top to bottom.
• Discover how the whirlpool-shaped Blue Planet aquarium defied architectural conventions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.