DENMARK - COPENHAGEN

“Uncertainty urges us to open our certainties. … Is uncertainty our only certainty?” (J. González et al., 2021) Being unfamiliar comes with the feeling of uncertainty – and staying abroad made me understand the above quote from a different point of view. I got to know the positive of the unknown.

Since I had never been abroad for a longer period, there were many smaller and bigger unfamiliarities for me. One specific cultural attitude that I could experience in Copenhagen highlights the positive effect such an exchange semester can have on our minds. It is the inclusion that is part of life. In Copenhagen, this cultural aspect can be experienced to a new, unfamiliar extent compared to what I know from home in Austria.

Reflected in various ways, probably one of the most direct illustrations is the name of the registration office. While in Copenhagen it is called “International House” the German-speaking countries call it “Ausländeramt”. Another example is the ramps and small bridges that can be found in the Danish streets and sidewalks to help all people move with a stroller, wheelchair, bicycle, or other vehicles. From my personal perspective as an exchange student, the culture of well-developed and used English was welcoming and inclusive. People of all ages, speak in very well understandable English when they realize that you are not speaking the Danish language. At the university, inclusion is not only an integral part of the way we interact with each other. The teaching method reinforces this practice even more. Working at eye level, which I appreciate at home, was shown to me on another level while studying abroad. This opened a new sense of awareness and made it easier for me to communicate, discuss and present in the English language. Furthermore, there is a focus on teaching inclusion in architecture. Thus, also many built examples can be seen in the city.

One evening, I was waiting for some friends to go to a party at the Academy. All of them came too late for different reasons, which is why I was standing there trying to find out what I should do in the meanwhile. However, I was not completely alone, other unknown people saw me waiting. They came over, gave me a beer, and invited me to celebrate with them. From the first second, they were to me as if I belonged to their group of friends. I remember being almost speechless at first about their kindness and care and the evening turned out to be one of the best. It was a social situation that highlights my experiences regarding practiced inclusion.

All in all, I think it was the extent of inclusion that is embraced by the people that made me not only familiar with it but very much appreciate it. That means when coming home I am wondering even more about the missing connections of inclusion. Where are the ramps on the walkway? Do we include people – enough? Why do we include some people more than others? No matter what the situation may be. Everyone should be able to experience these differences and reflect on them. Thereby it becomes clear how important it is to get to know other places and cultures. Personally, I would like to set the reflection of these thoughts as a goal for my future work in architecture.

The word unfamiliarity has a negative image. The happier I am that I was able to experience the unfamiliar as something beautiful, valuable, communal, caregiving, and involving. Referring to the quote at the beginning, I am excited about the upcoming uncertainty. May it raise uncertainty or reflection on the familiar. I think learning how to deal with it increases the well-being and clarity of such future scenarios in every part of life.

J. González, D., Piñero, S., Gwizdala, A., & Herrera, F. (2021, May 18). Uncertainty: Pavilion of Spain_17th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Archisearch. https://www.archisearch.gr