Contemporary Nordic Architecture and Urban Design

Paper in proceeding, 2014

“Super Danish”, “New Nordic”, and “Scandinavian welfare design” are among numerous seductive names that coin planning and architecture practices from the North in recent years. Drawing on historic recognition of design traditions, the Scandinavian approach has recently experienced a profound revitalization. Landscape architects and urban designers from Denmark and the other Nordic countries have increasingly become exporters of design solutions to places like Beijing, New York and Christchurch, while Copenhagen repeatedly receives awards for its liveability. Nordic planning is often promoted as particularly human, ecologically sustainable, and democratic. However, looking beyond the immediate branding effect, what themes and values, methods and challenges are current in Nordic urban space design and planning in the early 21st century? Where are the gaps between imaginary and reality? How does the Nordicness relate to what is going on in other regions and cultures and what does it potentially have to offer? Which movements, paradoxes, conflicts and challenges exist? Where are the blind alleys? And how do these current trends reflect traditions of design and placemaking exploring site, process and nature?