Unveiling Transformative Urban Dynamics: The Symbiosis of Squatting Movement and Urban Renewal in Copenhagen's Architectural Landscape

Abstract

This study explores the dynamic interplay between Copenhagen’s squatting movement and urban renewal, with particular emphasis on public spaces. Drawing on architectural ethnography and historical analysis— anchored by Henri Lefebvre’s concept of the right to the city—it traces the movement’s evolution from addressing the 1960s housing crisis to confronting contemporary challenges. The research highlights the movement’s adaptability, strategic engagement, and significant contributions to urban spatial distribution. The squatter movement emerges as both a force of resistance and a political actor, illustrating how squatters evolved from disruptors to influential participants. A historical comparison underscores urban renewal’s critical impact on the squatting movement, while an in-depth case study of Folkets Hus demonstrates a tangible symbiosis between grassroots activism and municipal development. Navigating tensions around gentrification, legal frameworks, and socioeconomic shifts, the paper identifies opportunities for resilience and collaboration—ultimately envisioning a more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable urban future for Copenhagen.