Trøstens Bolig

Facts

Humble dwellings for the well-to-do

By Thomas Roland, Forhistorisk arkæolog, cand. phil. (14 stories)

The district around Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady") was destroyed by the English bombardments of Copenhagen in 1807. In the years that followed, a new district arose from the rubble, with the rebuilt church at its centre. Many of the buildings were designed by the architect C.F. Hansen in his capacity as a director-general of public buildings. Such buildings include Vor Frue Kirke itself, Metropolitanskolen (a school) and Trøstens Bolig (“Abode of Solace"). The latter, at No. 34 Skindergade, was built in 1816 under royal patronage. Originally intended as a dwelling for impoverished artisans, the good intentions to provide better dwellings for people of humble means were never realised. From the outset, the more well-to-do middle classes moved in. "

Partly a public place

Selected entry

A facade for paupers

Story written by Thomas Roland

Time / Periode 1816

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Beauty in each new public building, of whatever type, rests on observance of the general lines of its exterior while envisaging the functions served by its interior". This statement by C.F. Hansen certainly applied to Trøstens Bolig. The building was kept simple in the extreme to reflect that its function was as a dwelling for paupers. The facade was almost devoid of decoration and is reminiscent of latter-day housing projects. Inside there are flats along plain corridors stretching the length of the building. But the mighty entrance door, the fine details and the solid proportions of the building signal that these humble dwellings were created by an architect of the highest standing. "