About
Tietgenkollegiet is a circular student residence in Copenhagen's Ørestad district, and it stands out even among the city's many striking modern buildings. Designed by the architectural firm Lundgaard & Tranberg, it is a place where architecture lovers and photographers tend to linger.
The building's bold rounded form is its defining feature. Rooms project outward from the curved structure, clad in timber, and the arrangement wraps around a central courtyard. From the outside the facade is a layered pattern of warm wood and glass, and the shape changes as you walk around it, so the building rewards a slow circuit on foot.
Why visit
For visitors interested in contemporary Danish design, Tietgenkollegiet offers a clear example of how the country approaches housing: communal, light-filled and carefully composed. It is primarily a residence for students, so it is best seen from the outside and its surrounding public space rather than treated as a sightseeing interior. Photographers in particular will find that the curves and timber create different compositions depending on the light and the angle.
Getting there and planning
Tietgenkollegiet is located in Ørestad, a newer district of Copenhagen that is quite different in character from the historic centre. The area is modern and open, which suits a visit that is mainly about architecture and photography. Because the building is a working residence, it is worth checking its own website before you go for current information about access and any visiting arrangements.
A visit here pairs well with a broader look at Copenhagen's recent architecture, since the district around it is full of contemporary buildings. Allow time to walk the full perimeter and see how the building changes from each side.