The Danes are among the least religiously observant people in the world, with just 2.4 per cent of the population attending church on a weekly basis. Across the country, rural churches are empty, making a recent church-building boom seem all the more improbable. More churches have been built in the past 10 years than have been deconsecrated and two more are under construction in Copenhagen.

One of them is in Ørestad, on the island of Amager, which is adjacent to the city centre. “We are building new churches because the demographics are always changing,” says Eva Ravnborg, a partner at Henning Larsen architects. The firm designed the new DKK78m (€10.45m) building, which broke ground in October, as well as other churches, including Højvangen in Skanderborg, in southern Jutland.

Previously, community events took place in a separate hall or basement but if a church is to be used for yoga classes and jazz concerts, the main space must be as flexible enough to allow for improvisation. “There will be no fixed furniture in Ørestad – not even the pulpit,” says Ravnborg. “The priest can preach from any corner and they will do it at eye level, not raised above the congregation.” The hope is that this approach will enable churches to remain full. “They need to be relevant for another 50 years,” she says.

Ørestad is among the most culturally diverse districts in Copenhagen so, while churches used to be designed to inspire awe, this one, built from timber, has a different remit. “Traditionally, churches had a very closed exterior. If you want to keep churches alive, you need to open the doors wider. You still have that sense of being connected to something bigger than you; the changing light during the day keeps you in contact with the natural world.” 

Churches may not be the biggest earners for architecture studios but in terms of job satisfaction they offer a fulfilling project. “Churches have a complexity and purpose. It’s very rewarding to work on a space that touches people,” says Ravnborg. “It’s a building that shows how much atmosphere and emotion a space can evoke.”