The Administration Building

Knud Blach Petersen was a significant Danish architect who played a central role in shaping Aarhus' architectural landscape in the 20th century. He is particularly known for his functionalist approach and his ability to integrate modern design with practical needs. Blach Petersen designed several important buildings in Aarhus and across Denmark, and his work reflects a strong sense of both aesthetics and utility.

The Administration Building in Hasselager, as mentioned, is an excellent example of his work from the 1960s and 1970s. The building is characteristic of the era, where functionality and rationalism were dominant in commercial architecture. Its simple, monolithic form that simultaneously signals modernism is a key part of Blach Petersen’s signature style. Blach Petersen was often focused on how architecture could serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, and his buildings have a clean, clear expression that considers both functional and human needs.

His work strikes a balance between the technically modern and the human, which can be seen in many of the buildings he designed in Aarhus and beyond. One of his most well-known buildings is the Aarhus City Hall, which he co-designed with architect Erik Møller. It is one of the most prominent examples of functionalism and modernism in Danish architecture.Blach Petersen is often described as an architect who not only thought about aesthetics but also about how people would experience and use space. His work has left a lasting mark on the cityscape of Aarhus, and his buildings are recognized for their timeless design.

GRID SYSTEMS

In this documentary, we delve deeper into the artistic vision of Carsten Beck, a master who blurs the boundaries between architecture and art. Beck’s paintings are more than just depictions—they are expressions of the spaces, structures, and emotions that architecture evokes. His abstract works are inspired by the forms and geometry of the built environment, transforming them into powerful visual statements. Through his eyes, we see how architecture isn't just a backdrop to our lives but a living, breathing art form that shapes our experiences. This journey uncovers the intimate relationship between structure and creativity, offering a fresh perspective on both the art world and the spaces we inhabit.

Photo and video by Carsten Faaborg

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Invisible Structures