This visit came on the heels of a night out at Culture Box and an early morning at Kastellet as another place that opens fairly early. I was sure to push my feet after 5 hours of dancing just a little further and walk here before heading back (of which after getting back was an all nighter with no sleep until the following night- impressed? my future self should be). What I realize now is that by serendipitously tacking this building on to my all nighter that I benefited from photos that we almost completely people free- this is a tough task during normal people hours. For me, there’s nothing like being in a space like this and having it all to myself.
On my only other visit to Copenhagen- I don’t remember much (rarely do I) but I do remember chatter about this Black Diamond. To be honest- I just didn’t get it. I only saw it from the water (which I did on this trip again) and this time learned the locals called it “the whale” because the main building was akin to the large whale head with the tail being the adjacent lighter gray building (see left photo- the tail is the part where a morning workout crew are using the stairs). Okay- I can see that reference…
First, it’s another building with an atrium. The theme carries through and through again in Copenhagen- the need for light in their lives. Unlike the other atriums though, where the passageways don’t use the space for navigation, in the Black Diamond the passageways crossed through the space. I believe I came through the main entrance (on the side of the building) but the way this moving walkway is positioned- so that it cuts from the water side and to the upper studying space- makes me think the entrance was intended be at the atrium, not on the side. Curious why it wasn’t in use- too early? Security?
Letting myself be guided by the seeming hierarchical navigation paths set in the building, I took the moving walkway and just kept walking forward where I was taking into the bridge between the new and old library. I have to say I felt like all security eyes were on me the building was so empty.
I can’t express the joy I felt walking into the old library. The smell, the detail of the wood work, the nooks and crannies of the book shelves. So well preserved and well used indeed.
I took the invitation from these mod 70s chairs to rest my feet for a brief moment, and enjoy the view to the courtyard garden that I wish I had the time for (like White Rose from Mr. Robot I’m often running on a clock). I wish I had more time to rest and watch the people file into the library, taking their seats, unpacking their bags to settle into the process of reading and learning. What I learned is that time never stops and yet I seem to always be running out of it.
Copenhagen surprised me with the depth and density of culture it has preserved- I had underestimated it to be honest. What is their secret? Perhaps learning is more a process of seeking than knowing the answers and if this is the case than I learned a lot on this trip because I am left wanting to know much much more.
Address: Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, 1221 København, Denmark
Website: ArchDaily write up ; Copenhagen Library write up
ofallthespaces 