Being an architect in Denmark (Part 2) — The "Ark," a house nurtured by the residents themselves
Mitsuyo Saito (Representative of Architectural Design Office PLAN)
Source: Reconstructed from "Special Feature: Overseas Work Techniques" in the April 2017 issue of "Architectural Journal"
------------
In the first part, I introduced the Danish way of working, where decisions are made in meetings, and the story of the printing shop in Roskilde. In the second part, I would like to talk about "The Ark," a cooperative housing project nurtured by the residents themselves, and what I have felt while working in this country.
From the Site: "The Ark," a Cooperative Housing Project -- A House Nurtured by the Residents Themselves
I would like to introduce "The Ark," which was completed in 1991 in the city of Bajle. It was a cooperative housing project consisting of 12 family homes (107-140 sq m each) and a common house for everyone to use. This is a very popular method in Denmark where prospective residents form a cooperative to purchase land and take on all aspects of construction, operation, and management themselves. Thanks to government subsidies, the land was available at a reasonable price, and the first 7 units were filled in no time. An announcement was made in the local newspaper, an information session was held in October, and basic design began in November. About 80% of the residents participated, and together they created the floor plans. However, it took a full seven years for all 12 units to find buyers. The hardest part was that things that had been decided at the beginning were constantly being overturned as the contracts progressed in parallel. Nevertheless, they persevered in discussions and signed a design contract with the "Ark" cooperative when the land purchase was officially decided.
What was impressive was how all the residents cherished their homes as if they had been passed down from their grandparents. A survey conducted 16 years after completion revealed that only 4 of the initial 12 households had moved out.
We entrusted the structure to a major general contractor, and in return, we also entrusted them with budget management. However, the bid amount exceeded the budget by 20%, leading to numerous discussions. Nevertheless, we managed to create a home that everyone could agree on, while still allowing each resident the freedom to choose whether to share kitchens and showers or have them in each unit.
Even so, here's why I love this country
Danish general contractors have structural departments, but they never interfere with architectural design. From detailed design to bidding, construction supervision, and post-completion support, the final 10% of the designer's compensation is only paid after a one-year inspection—here too, the attitude of "taking responsibility to the very end" is thoroughly implemented.
Honestly, if you ask me if Denmark is an easy country for foreigners to work in, I can't easily say. You have the handicap of not speaking your native language and working in a different culture, and you need to work harder than others, have talent, and be sociable. The working hours are short, but the pay isn't that high either.
Nevertheless, if you can use being deeply involved with this country as motivation—including the harsh realities of immigration, refugee issues, and racial discrimination—I think there is a lot to gain.
I don't have any plans to return to Denmark at the moment, but even as a foreigner, my love for this country remains unchanged. I want to continue to cherish the reputation of Japan that our predecessors have built.
------------
Author Profile: Born in Tokyo. Graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture (obtained a Danish first-class architect license). First-class architect, graduated from Sophia University Faculty of Foreign Studies, graduated from the University of Tokyo. After working at firms such as Utzon, he established the design firm PLAN in Denmark in 1988. He opened a Tokyo office in 2008.
