Notification of Langelinie pavilion in Architecture, 1958

Reviewed by Tobias Faber

Simplicity, clarity, accuracy and consistency characterize Nils and Eva Koppels new Langelinie Pavilion - characteristics as Fritz Koch's ruined, more romantic building certainly did not own. With its towers and poor details, it was no major work of art that were lost, and its undeniable popularity was more due to addictive thinking and the place of beauty than the architectural qualities. A reconstruction of the pavilion in the same shape, which many wanted would have been an injustice. Also other outrageous opportunities and suggestions had been made and was avoided before the competition in 1954 was printed and gave Nils and Eva Koppel the first price. The competition gave many valuable solutions of different characteristics. Beyond the first price Jorn Utzon claimed his fantastic tower particularly strong with its circular balconies. It would be a huge dominant port and a landmark for the city through its entrance and with a little practice, but certainly hurt exciting and attractive restaurant by balcony. Halldor Gunnlögsson and Jørn Nielsen had intervened tasks more quietly the way with a forest-like pavilion proposal which might seem a bit unfamiliar in the Copenhagen harbour but had its special qualities in a lively varied levels, which could have provided opportunities for a fun and cozy restaurant.

It must be a case of judgement whether it will consider it to be appropriate to build a Utzon landmark or a more welcoming and friendly house as Gunnlögsson-Jørn Nielsen happen to be, which might have had opportunities for a more immediate popularity than the hours a little cool and sobering løsning. Nils and Eva Koppels pavilion is certainly of a high artistic standard. The project won the competition thanks to the same qualities that the finished house holds. They looked forward to a solution of a restaurant with the spectacular view as the overriding factor and having an outer shape which at the extreme simplicity should cooperate in the surroundings. They would deliberately avoid the dominating building and compete with ships and cranes, bastions and large old trees.

The architects have managed to implement their intentions in a very beautiful way. Was the competition the project simple, the nearly finished house even clearer in both plan and design. Restaurant and function is now surrounding the global jaunt and dish so that the restaurant facing east towards the port and the better prospect, while company premises located on the west and north side against kastelsgrave what is not bad. The kitchen is turned against the South, where the view is less attractive. The Yacht Club is well positioned and insulated on the top floor.

The competition project assumed a concrete building might seem rather cumbersome, but by accommodating our otherwise very strict fire authorities, the architects have managed to implement a facade with an easy and free steel construction without the usual omstøbninger. The large cubic glass box is built elegant in addition to the carrier during take across the carriageway and into the higher lying promenade. A few small now partially disguised support pillars on the promenade side has probably been necessary, but rather mask it as clear constructive hovedidé. The lower floor serves as foundation for the entire building and has a strong and closed nature of a coating of sea stones.

Consistently the stones continues in udeserveringens terrace building, where it still uncovered by plants seems heavy enough to letbenede furniture and umbrellas. Access and parkeringsprolemerne is solved more efficiently than any other competitive projects. The old kørevej which naturally followed the fortress installation broken lines, is directed out and led across Pinneberg bastion, and parking is excellent insulation against the channel. The rational solution of these problems are, unfortunately, while anything beyond udeserveringen and the audience trivselved after-noon coffee. While the sun shines on all the cars, remained the terrace to the east in shadow. Afternoon and evening sun on the old north terrace is probably the only one is missing from the earlier time.

Quite successful contrast exteriørets color position. In summer subordinates to ambient beauty building values and strong colors, and winter are the cool blue and gray tones beautifully with the naked trees, the frozen soil and the Cool Blue water.

Pavilion simple hovedidé is beautifully implemented in the interior markets. Access through a deliberately stressed lavloftet but comfortable hall where a wide burning fireplace offers guests welcome. View looks nothing in this floor, and the surprise effect is also large and impressive when the low hall up in the højloftede and bright dining room with the brilliant vision to all sides.

Compelling true it is that the restaurant is only a few meters above water, so that the prospect gets the foreground of trees and people who are a crucial determinant of experience and contacts with the surroundings. The restaurant`s design is completely built on this view, and large windows also provide value in that direction from every seat in the room. Konkurrrenceprojektet showed blinds next to the upper windows all around, and you can probably wonder just above that the architects did not want to break the sunlight, which in summer can be quite annoying. Deducting the curtains, is of course most of the main effect is lost. Space equipment is extremely simple. The walls are covered with broad-Oregon pine panels from floor to ceiling with a warm golden tone. Folding walls of the same material can divide the land as required in large or small sections of both the restaurant and Function. A particularly beautiful disposition is the omission of any strong colors overboard and chest height, so that all udsigtens colors may come to their right.

The furniture is designed by architect Jørgen High and Poul Henningsenis the designer behind the lamps. The large cones unfolds into space to the festive way and spread a warm light djligt without in any way orifice. The only other decoration is a series of mosaics by Else Alfelt. Some paintings show temporarily deferred sensitive color shades of blue and green.

The whole construction has been completed with impressive skill. Nothing is left to chance and every detail has been designed in strict accordance with the whole house idea and design. The proportions of spaces and formats is safe and accurate and the building appears to be full of high artistic quality and craftsmanship that must afvinde the deepest respect. "