The phenomenon of the modern Scandinavian architecture

Clean and simple forms of buildings are matched to and harmonized with the natural environment, complimenting it. It is falling back on tradition but at the same time being among the most modern constructions in the world. This is the contemporary Scandinavian architecture.

Modernist ideas about art from the beginning of the 20th c. showed to the Scandinavians the way that they have been following ever since. The watchword chosen by the northern artists is: “creating beautiful things which will make everybody’s life easier”. And this is exactly how it is – buildings constructed in the North of Europe are considered the most “democratic”. Although they are intended for public use, they do not lose their aesthetic values. They are not only functional such as the ones in the USA, for example. There grey skyscrapers form only multiple, common housing and office buildings. The Scandinavian architecture is betting on comfort, as well as on their charming aesthetic. Buildings should be simple, but at the same time intriguing and environmentally-friendly.

In the years 1930–1960, Scandinavian design became the focus of attention of the whole world. That is when one of the first in the world exhibition of applied art took place in Stockholm. Several years later, Danish projects captivated the Americans who relocated the northern collection to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Arts. In this way the concept of “Scandinavian architecture” started to individualize itself from the multi-coloured art, emphasising its outstanding ideas over years.

The power of Scandinavian artists comes from unlimited inspirations. Fascinating nature of northern Europe spurs them into action. Northern Lights, glaciers and twisting rivers dictate the colours. The Sun which is playing tricks and shines sometimes only three and sometimes eight hours a day, suggests how to use its changing glare.

Buildings constructed in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland (taking into account historical and cultural influences of the first three countries, Iceland is considered a part of Scandinavia) emanate beauty, modernity and functionality and at the same time they perfectly blend into natural landscapes. Probably only the Scandinavians are able to combine all these features!

However, the Scandinavian style is not only about buildings. It encompasses other branches of art for public use — monuments, fountains and arrangements of city space. This trend has its reflection in interior design and is immensely popular among brands dealing with interior decorations (furnishing characteristic to the northern style is offered by IKEA, HOME&YOU, MYLOVIEW or chain stores H&M Home).

Here are the most interesting buildings of the Scandinavian countries:

(heatsweden.com) SWEDEN — Turning Torso Malmö — a residential skyscraper with 54 stories, designed by Santiago Calatrava Valls.

(fotopedia.com) NORWAY — The Oslo Opera House — the building created by the artists of Snøhetta company, in 2009 it received the Mies van der Rohe Award given to acknowledge and reward quality architectural production in Europe.

(jdsa.eu) DENMARK — Aarchus Isbjerget — the neighbourhood given the 2013 MIPIM Award for the Best Residential Development.

(icelandairvawes.is) ICELAND — Harpa Reykjavik — a concert hall and conference centre, designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects, it received the Mies van der Rohe Award.