Atelier Drome: Denmark

Lucinahaven

Samsø, Denmark has been in the news recently due to their incredible development of green energy. Since the late 90s when Samsø's energy was derived mostly from imported coal based electricity and oil, the island has opted to make a concerted effort to become more environmentally friendly. The island, which has about 4300 inhabitants was coaxed into green energy little by little, through town meetings and such. Soon, as more residents were using green energy it became the thing you do... whether you erect a micro turbine in your yard, or install heat pumps at home. Now, with 11 land based turbines (which produce enough electricity for the entire island) and 10 off shore turbines (which counteract the island's other energy use, plus some), Samsø has an incredible amount of wind generated electricity for such a small population. Additionally, the island has wood chip and straw burning plants, burning items that would have released CO2 into the atmosphere anyway, but this time getting heat in return. The island has become a bit of an experiment/showcase for Denmark... But really, this 'experiment' could be used as a standard all over the world.

Recently, I've been traveling to Hawaii for work (don't bother telling me how bad it is to fly - I already know). Whenever I fly into Maui, I think about how sad it is that I don't see more photovoltaics. I mean, if Hawaii isn't the best place on earth for solar energy, then I don't know what is. There is consistent sun year round, and solar energy would really help the cost of electricity, which is huge on the islands. On my last trip as I was lamenting the lack of panels, I noticed a string of wind turbines high on the mountain. I guess they have been there for a few years, but this is the first time that I noticed them. A little research, and I discovered that the turbines are providing 20% of the island's energy. Now imagine if they combined the 20 existing land based turbines with some off-shore turbines and more solar panels... the island could be nearly carbon neutral!

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, by Michelle Linden

Denmark

Beyond the Egg Chair

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, by Michelle Linden

Denmark

Hover Craft

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, by Michelle Linden

Denmark

Ageing Gracefully

I've always felt very strongly that architecture should not just be studied and admired, but it should be used and loved. This belief is part of what draws me to residential design - it is very rewarding to create architecture for people who truly want to use, occupy, and love every aspect of the space. However, in wanting people to use a space, we must understand that spaces will in fact be used and abused.

As architects and designers, its our responsibility to create designs that will lend themselves to ageing gracefully. Architecture is not and should not, in my opinion, be a disposable art form. While I certainly appreciate new materials and technologies, I have a real problem with architecture that can not withstand the use it for which it is created. For example, Rem Koolhaas' Seattle Public Library which was only completed in 2004, has already required restoration due the deterioration of materials in the main spaces. While I think that this is probably due to both budget constraints and that architect's disregard for reality in favor of the latest design craze... its really not acceptable to me that the building is already in need of repair.

The house shown above is mid-century architect and designer Finn Juhl's personal home. I'm not sure exactly when it was built, and I'm sure that some restoration work has occurred... However, its still really impressive how well the house has held up over time, particularly since its clear that it was well used and well loved. Its especially impressive when you think about buildings like the SPL that are already looking more forlorn and abused than this 50+ year old house. I can already hear the comments reminding me that its not fair to compare a public library to a private home, which is probably true. But, mostly I wanted to reiterate my admiration for a building that has managed to retain its elegance over time despite showing some obvious wear. We should all aspire to create such substantial architecture.

Of course, beyond appreciating the longevity of the structure, the building and all of the furniture inside is a spectacular example of mid-century modern Danish design. And I love it.

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, by Michelle Linden

Denmark