Danish Social Housing 🏡

When we returned to Copenhagen this afternoon, we learned more about the Danish Social Housing program.  We were introduced to this concept with a presentation about how 20% of the Danish population use social housing, with tenant democracy being a main feature...the tenants decide on programs and improvements for their housing complex. Then, we visited one of the social housing sites.  Two of the tenants gave us a tour, and were very proud to point out improvements that they had helped to make happen.

The area in front of this complex had just been a green space, but no one used the area, so they added features, like walkways and playground equipment, to encourage people to get outside and connect with each other.

Our students enjoyed some of the playground features, too...

This building was specifically built as a "zero energy" building, and was featured on tours when the Global Summit was in town a few years ago.

One of our tour guides was emphatic about keeping trees when the buildings were designed, so she showed us how this building was actually constructed around the trees...

This positive perspective on social housing was interesting to realize, to help us understand the Danish social system better.