Six Months in Copenhagen

When I arrived in Copenhagen, the days seemed to last forever, and my six-month stay sounded like it would last an eternity. However, I filled those days with interesting work projects, travel around Europe, adventures in Denmark and other new activities. 

The main purpose of my ‘externship' was to gain an international perspective on structural engineering and act as an ambassador for my American company. From the start, every new engineering task introduced me to another construction technique or analysis method. I had never heard of elemental walls or SWT beams even though they are extremely common in European construction. It was humbling to realize that I would have to retrain myself to use the Danish building codes and design methods. However, my teammates were especially helpful and patient, as I delved deep into design theories like the Stringer method and modeling programs like Robot.

After gaining confidence with the Danish building code, I had the opportunity to work on a schematic design of the new Parken Arena - a new multipurpose arena adjacent to the national soccer stadium. The radical designs proposed by the architects really stretched my understanding of Danish construction. However, I felt that I was able to contribute some American ingenuity to the process. I was similarly challenged by my last project, the Ørestaden Overdækning, in which we designed a platform for a new hospital above a busy six-lane highway and railroad. I enjoyed working with my Danish team to find structural, and sometimes architectural, solutions to the complex problems.

The biggest challenges that I faced this past year came outside of the office. My wife and I eagerly committed ourselves to the difficult task of learning Danish. After several months of lessons, we were able to use some basic language skills in everyday situations.  Other experiences, like orienteering, a 5k run, fishing in Helsingør, and a go cart grand prix, presented different kinds of challenges but were equally rewarding. These events reinforced the importance of growing a personal bond with my coworkers who always encouraged me to try new things.

In between accepting new challenges from my colleagues, I used free weekends to see as much of Europe as possible. These short adventures took me to Ireland, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, England and, of course, Denmark. From Billund to Møns Klint, we found Danes eager to share the history and hospitality of their country. I feel that these travels have given me a much broader understanding of the world and will help me become a better citizen of the world.

I am writing this final chapter from my office back in Chicago. Already, my Danish experiences are fading into memory, but I know that I made the most of my opportunity.  I would like to thank everyone who helped make my stay a memorable one, especially my colleagues in the Ballerup Konstruktion Gruppe. Det var fantastisk! 

Many thanks also to those of you who have read this blog and left comments over the past months. This concludes the "Six Months in Copenhagen" blog.  However, I am planning to continue writing for ASCE. In about a month, I will pick the pen back up and continue sharing my experiences as a Younger Engineer.