Danish Parliament in Copenhagen gets a new design

The expansion by Cobe Architects aims to embody democracy and public participation, starting from the traditional Danish public space for community debate.

COBE Architects has unveiled its design for the new Danish Parliament building in Copenhagen, Denmark. The project aims to embody the vision of accessible governance, democracy, and public participation, prioritizing open access for citizens. To develop its concept the studio started from the traditional Danish concept of the “Tingsted”, an open-air space for public debate. “The Danish Parliament is something special. It is open, equal, and for everyone,” says COBE Architects. “We wish to show that it respects our historic and cultural heritage […]”, continues.

The design incorporates the restored and transformed historic buildings formerly used by the National Archives, and it plans a new underground visitor center that will connect the existing Parliament buildings with this building. The expansion aims to improve the spaces capacity and to create a more unified Parliament complex. COBE will also redesign the Parliament Courtyard adding a new visitor entrance, shaped as a circular amphitheater descending below street level, where a central tree will be planted to symbolize the roots of democracy.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.

The future Danish Parliament. Copenhagen, Denmark.

Image courtesy of COBE Architects.