Sixty-eight apartments a U-shaped haven. That’s Bellavista. A masterpiece by Arne Jacobsen. Built in 1934 it’s a prime example of Danish functionalism.
Imagine Jacobsen a young architect. He’d travelled to Germany. He was inspired by Bauhaus. He wanted to create a modern town. Bellavista was his dream realized. He designed 68 modern apartments. They overlook a central lawn. The name Bellavista means beautiful view. It’s a nod to a villa that once stood there.
The buildings are brick with a whitewashed finish. Iron girders are between the floors. The roofs are tar-papered. The window frames are teak. Balconies have reinforced concrete fencing. Jacobsen staggered the facades. Each apartment has sea views. The balconies are integrated. They aren’t protruding like usual. The south wing has a basement with garages. The largest apartments are in the west wing. A few shops are also included.
Jacobsen created interesting effects. He used floor displacements rounded corners and latticework. Shadows play on the white surfaces. The effect changes throughout the day. The buildings are exotic and elegant. They perfectly embody functionalism.
Bellavista is more than just apartments. It’s a testament to Jacobsen’s vision. It’s a beautiful example of Bauhaus architecture in Denmark. It has been listed since 1987 a protected treasure. Next time you’re in Copenhagen remember this place. Remember Bellavista a beautiful view and a beautiful piece of architectural history.