If you ever find yourself in Copenhagen, I thoroughly recommend a visit to this French Impressionist Art gallery, Ordrupgaard, on the outskirts of the city, in Charlottenlund. The extension to the original building was completed by Zaha Hadid in August 2005, redefining the existing art gallery and landscape, creating a fluid motion from old to new and interior to exterior; “Design ensures that visitor’s experience is not fragmented or compartmentalised- building/collection/gardens- but a continuous, fluid interaction between different elements and aspects”.
For me, my favourite part of the building was the cafe/restaurant, which is sandwiched by glass walls, bringing both the landscape and light into the space. Sometimes Hadid’s architecture can be all about making a bold statement, and not so much dedicated to the user’s specific needs. However, I think with the Ordrupgaard extension, the space certainly becomes somewhere you want to linger, walk around and use.
Images: my own.
