Let's Talk Architecture

How experimenting can foster sustainable living

Let's Talk Architecture

Show Notes

Cities are attracting more and more people, but finding an affordable home can become a struggle – especially for students making the move. In Copenhagen the demand for student housing has led to new ways of building and living. The goal is to create space for more people by living smaller and sharing more. CPH Village is a leading actor in constructing – and experimenting with – temporary and affordable housing. But this is no easy task changing the housing industry – and the law. In this episode of Let's talk architecture the cofounder of CPH Village, Frederik Noltenius Busk, takes Michael Booth on a tour of their fourth iteration of their student villages, Village Nørrebro, that promises small homes, lots of community and even a low carbon footprint. And lots of learnings too. Let's talk architecture is a podcast by Danish Architecture Center with sound edits by Munck Studio. You can listen to previous episodes here.

More from Let's Talk Architecture

Sep 24, 2026

Copenhagen continues to build and expand, and the next stage will be the development of Refshaleøen, a former military base and industrial zone on the harbourfront across from the Little Mermaid statue. But what will the mobility mix look like when the district is completed in a couple of decades' time? Copenhagen is world famous for its cycle culture, but the Danes are buying more cars than ever, and driving them more kilometres too. Meanwhile, the Metro link looks like it will come after the majority of new residents have moved in, which isn't ideal… One of the organisations hoping to be involved in planning the transport for the Danish capital in the future is Beta Mobility. We meet with its co-founder, architect Robert Martin, to hear how he sees the city's transport mix of the future and take a trip to Refhaleøen to hear how he would like things to shape up as the Danish capital moves into the second half of the century.

Aug 27, 2026

When Børsen caught fire on 16 April 2024, Denmark lost one of its most iconic landmarks. In this episode, we visit the historic building during its reconstruction and speak with Mette Tony, co-founder of Praksis Architects, about the challenges of rebuilding an important piece of Danish cultural heritage. How do you restore a building with 400 years of history, and which version of Børsen should rise from the ashes? Guest: Mette Tony, co-founder Praksis Architects Host: Michael Booth

Jul 30, 2026

Visit most of the major architecture firms in Copenhagen and you might be forgiven for thinking the industry is more diverse than most, but as we learn in this episode, things aren't always what they seem. Christine Bjerke is an architect and the co-founder of Building Diversity, a volunteer-run organisation which focuses on inclusivity and aims to enhance diversity within the built environment. We've touched on this a few times over the years in episodes of Let's Talk Architecture, looking at how to include a wider range of people in the consultancy process, how to open up the industry to a broader spectrum of people, or how to make buildings and spaces more accessible, both physically and just more approachable. But Building Diversity is tackling all of this head on. Join us as we visit one of Copenhagen's most prominent public spaces to see it through Christine's eye

Jun 25, 2026

The Hedeskov Living Lab in Djursland, on the Jutland Peninsula, points towards a potential paradigm shift in sustainable architecture. In this episode, we meet architect Justine Bell from Djernes & Bell, who tells the story of transforming a former school into a centre for education, research and experimentation with regenerative building practices. The project has been created using locally sourced raw and reclaimed materials, including clay, sand, bulrushes and horse manure.

May 27, 2026

You find Dinesen wood floors in museums, flagship stores, restaurants, galleries and historic buildings around the world. But what is it about these extraordinary timber planks that architects love so much?

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