THE KING'S GARDEN PAVILION

Located in the Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen, The King’s Garden Pavilion from Stockholm-based Krupinski/Krupinska Arkitekter, is a pine slatted pavilion that provides a multi-sensory, modern focal point in the historic castle grounds.

The use of pine wood for the structure lightly scents the air and is designed to creak underfoot, while the intricate patterning of the structure slats catches the eye. The cross-shaped design of the structure creates multiple viewpoints of the garden and speaks to the history of Scandinavian structures.

The elongated walkways of The King's Garden Pavilion encourage visitors to promenade along them. The regularly placed wooden columns filter the light like tree trunks, while the slatted roof is intended to mimic sunlight dappling through the crown of a tree.

"We hope that the pavilion will enhance the experience of visiting the existing garden; a stylised avenue where one can feel the rhythm of the columns and sense the sun between the wooden members of the roof, an axial movement and a distinct crossing," said architect Konrad Krupinski.

The intersecting design recalls the history of the Copenhagen’s oldest and most visited park, the King's Garden, which was established in the 1600’s as a royal pleasure garden in the Renaissance style. Original formal pathways were arranged around symmetrical planting beds in geometric patterns.

In later years, the gardens were redesigned according to the prevailing baroque fashion, complete with a maze leading to an octagonal summerhouse at its centre. The garden and the castle were turned over to the public by the royal family in 1710.

The history of the gardens was used as inspiration for the design of the pavilion structure, with Krupinski/Krupinska Arkitekter acknowledging influences from the strict geometry of the pre-existing formal gardens in the pavilion’s right-angled corners and accessibility from all sides.

These corners intentionally create four new outdoor spaces. The first is a calm oasis filled with broad-leafed trees, providing shade for picnickers or those looking to lounge with a book.

The second space is next to the existing Hercules pavilion, which hosts cultural activities and a coffee shop where visitors can sit and people-watch.

A large lawn forms the third space, which the architects hope will encourage games of frisbee and football. A permanent stage and a smaller, moveable stage occupy the fourth space, featuring a programme of music, theatre and other performances.

The architects suggest that the pavilion could be used as a stage itself, or used for fashion shows and exhibitions. 

"We hope that the public takes the role of both actors and audience; at the permanent stage, at the smaller movable stage and in the pavilion itself," explained Krupinski.

The design beat 63 other entries in the biannual competition held by the Danish Architect's Association. The temporary structure opened to the public mid-2017.