Our Architecture
Danish Architecture Center (2023)
Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects (DK) has been creating iconic architecture for the past 100 years and are internationally known for Copenhagen airport. Through a beautiful 1:20 model of the Copenhagen airport, we were asked to illustrate the development from the first terminal in 1939 to future expansions of this modern airport. The installation takes the spectators through 5 time periods, showing active buildings, periodic aeroplanes, public transportation and passenger flow.
One small particle in the installation represents 40 people in real life. Starting at the iconic Wilhelm Lauritsen Terminal 1 with around 200 passengers a day to the modern airport of 2022 with roughly 83.000 passengers daily, the installations life grows naturally as society develops globally. Throughout the time periods, planes are designed on pair with technology and grow bigger in the installation - until budget flights change the game and smaller fast planes dominate the runways to maximize efficiency. In 1939 public transport was limited to small local busses developed during the last 70 years to a network of interconnected trains and metro transporting travellers from and to the airport.
The installation displays a mesmerising overview of life in an airport, where the spectators recognise themselves in similar situations as small living particles. They are ranging from relaxed tax-free shoppers to the desperate family running to reach the plane at the end of an extended gate.
Credits
Client: DAC
Model: Vilhelm Lauritzen architects
Animation & mapping: Dark Matters
Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj
Video: Henrik Edelbo