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Danish delights blend with touch of China
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THE Danish embassy is a majestic yet understated modern sanctuary in the center of Beijing’s diplomatic area.
The unexpectedly cordial alliance of hutong-inspired modern architecture, Danish furnishings and striking works of art has yielded a residence that is contemporary in construction and sensibility yet classic, completely at one with the natural light.
The embassy was constructed in 1972 by a Danish architect who had been inspired by local hutong features such as the gray bricks and inner courtyards. The architect combined this with Danish elements like big south-facing windows to brighten up the interior.
“I knew the space very well before moving to Beijing five years ago. I’m fond of the whole outlet of the embassy compound due to its modest, low-key state looking from outside but as you enter inside, the open space, the gracious buildings and abundant greenery transform the piece of land into a city oasis,” ambassador Friis Arne Petersen said, who is serving his fifth year in Beijing before moving to Berlin this summer.
The spacious one-level residence, which contains the official reception, dining and living areas and the private section, is encased in sliding, double-glazed window walls that allow for abundant natural light. The design of the residence is also about embracing the outdoors and the courtyard. The generous use of wood and glass, natural ventilation and multiple connections to the outdoors demonstrate the architect’s and Danish people’s love of the outdoors and nature.
The interior space is remarkable for its stately entrance hall. The narrow, long space features bold rugs on the stone floor to showcase some of the well selected artworks, installations and iconic furniture pieces.
“The interior mixes up modern Danish design and traditional Chinese features representing both present and past,” said Petersen. For him, it was crucial to make a place where he could entertain in style and where his family would feel free and comfortable. He has achieved this balance by skillfully mixing new furnishings with antiques and leaving open space throughout. His art collection serves to give a glimpse into his and his wife’s personality.
Danish furniture and vintage treasures found at flea markets sit alongside modern pieces, while clever touches give the overall look a sense of individuality.
The dining area, for example, showcases a very Danish setting with the Zeta table in the middle, Georg Jensen silver candle holders on top and Arne Jacobsen series seven chairs from manufacturer Fritz Hansen.
The Swan chairs are also the work of Jacobsen and placed in the other corner of the living area. The chairs have a fluid form and are rather comfortable despite being very light. Fritz Hansen is considered one of the most influential furniture designers of the last century and one of the ambassador’s favorites.
The designs reflect the essence of Danish style: aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and functional. Most of the designs have also been manufactured in a variety of colors and patterns.
To keep the residence from appearing too calm and static, the ambassador selected Danish artworks with charm and vitality.
One of the ambassador’s favorite artists is Niels Nedergaard (1944-87). Several of Nedergaard’s paintings seem to have been inspired by Islamic art. Petersen met Nedergaard when they both lived in Cairo, Egypt, in the early 1980s, when Petersen was first secretary at the Danish Embassy.
Speaking about Chinese contemporary art, the ambassador expresses his fondness for the Gao Brothers and Liu Xiaodong. The embassy showcases the work of emerging local artists in one hall.
On weekends, Petersen loves to bike around and discover “treasures” at Panjiayuan market once a month or check out the contemporary art scene in 798 art district.
“I love the buzzing atmosphere of the city,” he said, “yet at the same time you can still find peace and greenery here and there.”
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