The Finnish Embassy in Copenhagen is a prestigious property of approximately 1200 square meters, completed in 1918. It is centrally located in a significant urban area of Copenhagen. The Finnish state purchased the property, also known as the Hagemann Palace, in 1943. Following renovations, the building now houses the embassy’s work and representation spaces, consular services, the ambassador’s official residence, and the offices of Business Finland. The property is classified as a high-security site.
The Embassy in Copenhagen is one of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ highest-level representations worldwide. It is unique as it combines the chancery’s representation spaces with the ambassador’s traditional representation areas under one roof. The interior design needed to accommodate a wide range of events, from large conferences with hundreds of guests to concerts and high-security meetings, as well as dinners for distinguished guests. This posed a significant challenge for functional design and furniture selection, requiring items to be adaptable and movable within the historic building. Thus, we also designed several unique pieces of furniture for the site. The choice of colors and materials had to suit the prestigious setting while being durable enough to withstand the high usage and adaptability of the spaces. Modern technology was carefully integrated as a discreet part of the elegant interior.
The project included interior architectural design for the work and representation spaces, encompassing space utilization and functional planning, interior color and surface material design, built-in furniture design, as well as loose furniture and textile design. Due to the building’s unique nature, we designed numerous unique pieces of furniture, lighting fixtures, and textiles, such as carpets. Marko Nenonen also designed the dining room’s wooden, stackable chairs that fit the environment, crafted in Finland by carpenters. The work also involved inventorying and planning the restoration of historical furniture and lighting fixtures.
The guest and representation areas include impressive entrance halls and staircases with cloakrooms and restrooms, two dining rooms that can be used for meetings of varying sizes, three salons, one of which also serves as a concert space, several smaller meeting rooms, and a gallery corridor for rotating exhibitions. Supporting these representation spaces are professional-grade preparation and serving kitchens.
The historical value and uniqueness of the building were the foundation of all design solutions. The design principles were based on changing work practices, increased collaboration, high security requirements, space adaptability, and conveying a positive image of Finland. We worked closely with the National Gallery’s experts on art selections to ensure that Finnish art formed a cohesive whole with the interior design. In terms of materials and colors, as well as the fixed interior, we aimed for restorative and preservative approaches. The interior color scheme was developed using extensive historical sources and color research, uncovering previously used shades from beneath paint layers in collaboration with local experts.
Sustainability and responsible practices were emphasized in the choice of materials and products. Certified materials and Finnish craftsmanship created a timeless, warm, yet impressive outcome in the unique, historical setting.
The architectural and principal design of the project was by ALA Architects.
Photos by Riikka Kantinkoski.