Learning from Danish functionalism: in search of a tectonic building culture in architectural detailing

This paper studies how tectonic building culture of the past may inform
present day architectural details. In order to frame the study, central
theoretical positions and tectonic aspects of details and detailing are
unfolded. This is done by presenting various definitions that seem
sufficient when speaking of architectural details and construction
design. The second part of the paper forms an exploration into different
tectonic approaches to detailing. For this, three building projects
designed by prominent Danish architectural offices have been selected.
The projects are multi-storey housing situated in the center or nearby
center of Copenhagen. They are all based on or referring to traditional
Danish masonry construction: Vestersøhus I-II (1935-39); Charlottehaven,
(2001) and Æblelunden, (2009). The final part of the paper forms a
discussion on – if or how the Danish tradition of careful detailing in
architecture – identified as an outcome of tectonic consideration – can
survive the future challenges provided by the industrialized construction
industry. In other words, if Danish architects can hold on to the art and
craft of contextual detailing and transform this cultivated skill into
robust contemporary architectural edifice.