In recent years, Copenhagen has seen an intensification in the debate over urban expansion, with controversial projects such as Fælledby and Lynetteholmen at the forefront. Amid these discussions, there has been a growing focus on the potential and methods for increasing density within the existing cityscape.

In 2017, a coalition of developers, construction companies, architects, and ecologists urged the City of Copenhagen to systematically utilise the vast untapped spaces within the city. According to Dagbladet Politiken, an open letter from Dansk Byggeri, Bygherreforeningen, Akademisk Arkitektforening, Det Økologiske Råd, and Drost Fonden highlighted the potential to create 22,000 new homes by utilising these overlooked spaces under Copenhagen's rooftops.

This podcast serves as a significant intervention in this public conversation. Listen to Alberto Roncelli, Architect & Circular Design Specialist at GXN, as he challenges conventional views on urban "leftovers"—the unused and underused spaces within the city. Ronchelli presents his project, "The Grafted City," which maps 25,000 m² of leftover space in the Nordvest neighbourhood. This discussion covers:

• The reasons behind the existence of these spaces
• Strategies for utilising these spaces
• The concept of viewing these spaces not as isolated entities, but as part of a broader ecosystem or network of unused areas

This is the first episode of "10 Dogmas," a 10-part podcast series designed to push the boundaries of architectural thinking. In this series, we invite ten leading architectural studios to critically examine and challenge ten core dogmas that currently dominate architectural practice and consensus. In this inaugural episode, we explore the concept of "urban leftovers" and explore innovative possibilities that extend beyond this prevailing dogma. 

10 Dogmas is produced by CAFx and presented in collaboration with VELUX and their Build for Life initiative, which reconnects people and the planet through healthier, more sustainable buildings.

Further Reading

1. Der kan findes 22.000 boliger under københavns tage by Mathias Lilholt
2. Following Fellows: Progressive Cityscapes by Koozarch, featuring an interview with Ronchelli
3. KAB: Hvis der skal være plads til københavnerne, skal fortætning være en reel mulighed by Rasmus Jessing

About Alberto Roncelli

Alberto Roncelli is an Italian architect based in Copenhagen. After graduating at Polytechnic of Milan in Architecture & Built Environment in 2021, he joined the Copenhagen-based innovation firm GXN, where he works as an architect and circular design specialist.

Visit albertoroncelli.com

Visit GXN