prsentation kongelig akademi rev 7

Without an integrated theory-informed approach to urban development and architecture, there is no
European urbanism to relate to. Mark Jayne and Kevin Ward suggest the elements around which a
European city in New Kastrup could be harmonized: participation, materials, play, social utility,
technology, sustainability, rhythm, mobility and mixed-use, learning and entrepreneurship,
encounters and consumption, markets and waterfronts in a reproducible and comparative way. The
value of the European City lies in the way it connects urbanization with urbanity, cultural policy
with democracy, multicultural identity with local distinctiveness, and architecture with urban theory
to create a contemporary European expression combined with a sense of innovative visual form. We
must create something new and better in Europe.
The aim is not only to excite Copenhageners and make them feel more European but also to
contribute to the development of multicultural European theory-informed urbanism. Of course, I
respect New Bauhaus' implicit desire to act as a support wheel for the political unification of
Europe under the leadership of Paris-Brussels-Berlin. However, this is not the focus of my project.
The autonomy of art is at stake. At the same time, the connections between architecture and human
experience are not particularly well elucidated in the urban-theoretical literature. There are
questions regarding the relationship between the political system, governance of the project, and
funding.
Copenhagen must be an actor in the fast-changing world of European urbanism, and help shape
European capitalism with its own goals and values, which are now in the making stage. The city
must communicate clearly and build relationships along this path through bridge-building and
networking. I envision a European city that expresses an anthropocentric cosmic order, is functional
and organic in its form as fungi that grow in and hold together the earth, as conceived by urban
theorists, architects, and artists in happy symbiosis from all EU and candidate countries, and with
leading forces to be defined. Strong leadership and good governance are necessary to lead change.
The purpose of this is to express a certain idea of the European City. I see Fungi as signaling: (1)
The earth that holds us together through an invisible network that we must cherish; (2) that we must
be earthy in the sense of being down-to-earth, natural, or even open and direct about what others
avoid, or are ashamed of; and (3) to stimulate a connection to the earth in Europe or to European
soil, something that we have become distanced from in our society.
But I cannot do it alone. I need your help.
I am hoping for fruitful exchange and guidance from teachers and students in both directions.
In a nutshell, I will explore the connections between politics and urban planning, architecture,
sculpture, and painting within an appropriate urban theoretical framework.
Overall, I think we need to prepare for rapid change in Europe. We must combine boldness with
smoothness as part of a well-thought-out plan for the political unification of the EU. May les
consciences keep up.
What are your contributions?
Christian Ilcus director@ilcus.eu
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