November Talks 2024

Copenhagen Transformation

How to transform Copenhagen from a city that had gone bankrupt in the late 1980s to today being a living city for a diversity of people?
How do we transform industrial areas into cozy districts, crematoria into dance venues, office buildings into dwellings, spaces in cities into landscaped places for climate adaptation and communities? How do we recycle the history of every place? How to keep materials on site and develop another understanding of aesthetics?
And how can urban planning be the tool that all architects must use and know in order to transform the city?

Tina Saaby is a experienced professional in architecture and urban planning, currently serving as Chief City Architect in Kopenhagen. She excels in leadership, navigating complex political and professional landscapes, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including politicians, employees, industry professionals, and citizens. Tina has a strong background in political and societal issues affecting the built environment, gained through her involvement in academic and industry organizations. As a guest professor and advisory board member, she bridges theory and practice in architecture, emphasizing the role of knowledge in construction innovation and education. Previously, as a partner at WITRAZ Architects + Landscape, she helped shape the company’s architectural vision, focusing on the integration of buildings, urban spaces, and community well-being, with extensive experience in public-sector, socially-focused projects.