Realdania supports research into sustainable construction culture

The ‘Robust Construction Culture’ research project at the Institute of Architecture and Culture was awarded a DKK 5 million grant by the Realdania philanthropic association. The project examines how our architectural heritage can be transformed with respect for the past and the future.

There are many good reasons to take excellent care of Denmark’s architectural heritage.

One is that it embraces historical, cultural and aesthetic values. Another is that it is far more sustainable to refurbish and transform the existing building stock than it is to demolish and rebuild.

Therefore, a new research project at the Royal Danish Academy is looking into the interrelationship between building culture and sustainability.

The project aims to identify new methods, theories and strategies for designing more sustainable architecture, going forward. The knowledge gained will benefit the training of future architects and the construction industry in general.

“We’re currently experiencing enormous interest in sustainable architecture, from our students and the profession in general. They want to learn more about how to transform the building stock in a way that’s energy efficient and also uses fewer resources, while protecting the historical and architectural features at the same time,” says Nicolai Bo Andersen, Professor MSO at the Institute of Architecture and Culture, who is leading the project. “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to accommodate this interest by working with Realdania to intensify research.”

Recycling trend in construction and urban development
The ‘Robust Construction Culture’ project is embedded with researchers affiliated with the master’s degree programme Cultural Heritage, Transformation and Restoration at the Institute of Architecture and Culture and has received a grant of DKK 5 million from Realdania.

“Realdania is working to ensure that historic buildings and our building culture remain part of everyday life. For a variety of good reasons, it makes sense to use the buildings we already have, especially for the benefit of the climate. Fortunately, recycling is a growing trend – also in the construction industry and urban development circles. We hope that, alongside tomorrow’s architects, we too will learn more about this area through the new research project,” says Eske Møller, Project Manager, architect at Realdania.

The project will run until the end of 2025.