Study Programs in Copenhagen: Community, Transformation, and Biodiversity, that contributes more than it consumes

We offer in-depth, guided tours led by professionals in Copenhagen for groups of 10 to 25 participants.Our programmes focus on the latest development projects within areas such as transformation/renovation, climate adaptation, and innovative housing and neighborhood development. You will also gain insight into how these projects align with the new LCA requirements

From 1 January 2023, Danish building regulation mandates a full life-cycle assessment (LCA) for new constructions to document their CO₂ emissions and comply with specified threshold levels. The assessment follows DS/EN 15978 standards and sets a maximum threshold of 12 kg CO₂-e per m² per year for new buildings above 1,000 m². The requirement applies to all new buildings covered by the energy framework.

Our programs provide the opportunity to explore Copenhagen through three specific focus areas:

01. Communities and Regenerative Environments

How can we create co-living communities and housing models that both support modern lifestyles and foster strong social ties? We explore inspiring projects such as co-housing and village-style communities, where residents live closely together and share the tasks of everyday life. Here, concepts like co-housing, tiny living, and micro-living become reality, with every detail designed to strengthen social connections and shared responsibility.

The programme covers a wide range of housing types, including senior co-housing, student housing and social housing projects, where flexible living formats and material-conscious design choices help build resilient neighborhoods. The design makes it easy for residents to engage in everything from communal cooking to maintenance and energy use — ultimately supporting sustainable communities.

Sample projects in this program include:

Fælledbyen, an urban and housing development project featuring approx. 2,000 timber/CLT apartments and a local energy network. Biodiversity is a high priority, making the environment regenerative — a biotope for insects, birds, and other species.
Cactus Towers by Bjarke Ingels Group: Two towers with a “spiked” design inspired by cacti, rising above the city skyline. Here, micro-living and compact apartments are combined with large shared spaces where residents cook, meet, and build community.
AlmenBolig+ by ONV and JAJA Architects: An award-winning social housing concept where residents take part in maintenance and are rewarded with lower rent. Shared areas and co-housing elements make it easy for neighbors to gather and form everyday relationships.

Duration: 1 day, including 4–5 project and site visits, along with presentations from professionals involved in the developments.

02. Climate adaptation and green solutions

Copenhagen is at the forefront of climate adaptation, and we explore projects where urban nature and flood protection go hand in hand. This programme gives you insight into everything from surface water management and coastal protection to holistic climate adaptation and rainwater diversion. We look at how storm surge barriers, cloudburst tunnels, and multifunctional landscapes protect the city from flooding while creating beautiful, recreational urban spaces.

Throughout the tour, you will learn how the interaction between surface water and groundwater is managed through coastal protection and cloudburst parks that also benefit the city’s biodiversity. We visit examples of projects featuring green roofs and cloudburst-proof areas that function both as the city’s water buffers and as green retreats for residents.

Sample projects in this program include:

Kalvebod Brygge Cloudburst Tunnel by HOFOR: A major cloudburst tunnel, designed using a cloud-based BIM platform, capable of collecting large volumes of rainwater and diverting it away from the city centre. A crucial component in Copenhagen’s flood-protection strategy.
Grønningen NV – Bispeparken by Niras and SLA: A classic residential area that has now been transformed to integrate climate adaptation, recreation, and biodiversity. Water is naturally retained and channelled through small watercourses and depressions. Residents have been actively involved in the development process, contributing ideas on how the area can both mitigate cloudbursts and create diverse recreational spaces and habitats for urban wildlife.

Duration: 1 day, including 4–5 project and site visits, as well as presentations by various professionals involved in the projects.

03. Transformation and Reused Materials

This programme offers insight into how Copenhagen transforms and reuses its existing buildings for new purposes with a strong focus on sustainability. From the renovation of social housing and the transformation of 1960s warehouse buildings to mixed-use areas with housing, institutions, and commercial spaces. The projects employ sustainable building materials and energy optimisation to create modern, functional environments that still preserve the buildings’ history and character.

Through meetings with professionals, from engineers to developers, you will learn about the reverse design process principle, where all materials are assessed with reuse and sustainable energy supply in mind, in accordance with LCA requirements. Solar installations and resource-saving solutions play a key role in uniting past and future under the same roof.

Sample projects in this program include:

Nørrebro Library by Keingart: Transformation of a former tram depot into a multifunctional cultural centre and library. Here we see how the building’s structure has been preserved, while modern library facilities and sports areas make the space relevant for all ages.
Prags Boulevard by Henning Larsen: Renovation of a 1960s housing complex featuring new green landscapes. Solar installations and green façades add a sustainable dimension while the area’s raw, industrial character is maintained.
Upcycling of building materials: Several start-ups are working with circular models and offer reclaimed doors, floors, windows, stone, and more from demolished buildings. The programme can also be expanded to include bio-based materials, from timber/CLT projects to the Clay Alliance, which researches rammed-earth construction.

Duration: 1 day, including 4–5 project and site visits with presentations by the professionals behind the developments.

World-Class Danish Projects: MIPIM-Nominated

Five Danish projects have earned a nomination (in 2025) — a strong international recognition of Denmark’s approach to sustainability and innovative design solutions:

Operaparken, Copenhagen: Located in the heart of Copenhagen, this project by Cobe demonstrates how urban nature and architecture can merge seamlessly. The park was developed by The Opera Park Foundation with a donation from the A.P. Møller Foundation.
Håndværkskollegiet, Horsens: An innovative student residence dedicated to craft and vocational fields. The project is designed by Cubo Arkitekter & DANØ Arkitekter and developed by BRFfonden and the Foundation for Craft Colleges.
UN17 Village, Copenhagen: A pioneering sustainable housing development where all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals are integrated into the design and planning. Designed by Sweco Architects and Lendager, and developed by Urban Partners’ real estate arm, Nrep.
TRÆ, Aarhus: A groundbreaking timber building that highlights the material’s potential in the architecture of the future. Architects: Lendager. Developers: PFA Ejendomme, Kilden & Hindby.
The Beehive, Hamburg: A dynamic living and working environment designed by the Danish studio WERK in collaboration with Baugemeinschaft Halbinsulaner. A strong example of how Danish architecture continues to shape the international landscape.