The Berlage Keynotes: Dorte Mandrup A/S, Copenhagen

Dorte Mandrup graduated from the Aarhus School of Architecture, Denmark in 1991. Eight years later she founded her Copenhagen-based studio where she continues to be Creative Director. Her design philosophy and artistic yet systematic mindset permeate the entire office as she is design responsible for all projects. As a humanist with a distinct nonconformist outlook, Dorte Mandrup is well known for her commitment to the development of the architectural practice and her frequent participation in public debates. Dorte Mandrup designs architecture from an artistic starting point. At its best, this leads to architecture as art and art as architecture. Driven by a devout belief in the possibilities of modern architecture and an experimental curiosity that insists on outstanding craftsmanship, her team combines a firm grasp on reality with the courage to push the boundaries of form and materiality.

The Berlage Keynotes is an ongoing lecture series featuring internationally prominent architects, designers, and thinkers who are at the forefront of design discourse and innovation. A selection of speakers working from different disciplinary perspectives and in different geographic, cultural, and political contexts present how their work engages with contemporary issues and debates. This fall semester, speakers include Bovenbouw, Arquitectura-G, Sophie Delhay Architecte, John Wood and Paul Harrison, Part Office, Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, DnA_Design and Architecture, and Dorte Mandrup A/S.

Image: Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, Greenland, 2016. (Photography by Adam Mørk)