The soldiers of the future should be the focal point in the upcoming modernisation of barracks
There must be a focus on both structural engineering and psychology when Danish barracks are modernised over the coming years. This is the view held by the Confederation of Danish Industry, which has taken the lead in connecting industries and sectors to improve conditions for Danish soldiers.
Danish barracks will be high on the list when the DKK 195 billion defence settlement is allocated. The money will be used, among other things, to modernise and optimise conditions for Danish soldiers throughout the country, which is precisely why the soldiers and their needs must be the focal point of the design process.
According to Lise Thomsen, Head Consultant with DI Defence & Security Industries, it is crucial to build bridges between the construction industry, the armed forces and humanistic experts in order for the armed forces to achieve durable solutions that benefit employees.
"There are many interests at stake when it comes to the barrack modernisations. Our membership organisations have a great deal of knowledge, as do the armed forces. What all parties have in common is the desire to improve conditions at the barracks. This is why we have made ourselves available to help facilitate collaboration so that the funding is used in the most appropriate manner," she explains.
The first step in this work has been taken together with the Danish Ministry of Defence Estate Agency. The format consists of several workshops on the barracks of the future and relevant stakeholders in the area are encouraged to provide input on everything from architecture and acoustics to digitalisation and diversity.
"Even though we are at an early stage of the process, we can already see some patterns emerging. These relate in particular to digitalisation and collaboration across disciplines," Thomsen says.
Improved flow and less waste
Architecture is one of the disciplines with a key role in fulfilling the requests for barrack modernisation and the Danish Association of Architectural Firms is ready to assume its share of the responsibility. This is what Deputy Director Lars Emil Kragh has to say:
"Architects have a crucial role to play in ensuring that we utilise the square footage of the barracks in the best possible manner. When we talk about the barrack buildings, there are several different aspects to consider. We are working with warehousing, buildings, workshops, teaching and training facilities and – not least – accommodation and living quarters for conscripts and other employees. The role of the architects will be to look at the interaction between the different parts of the armed forces and the people who use the facilities," he says, before adding:
"Today, there is a lot of wasted space at barracks and the different functions are situated a long way from one another. The architects can help us to improve flow and optimise existing spaces."
Although the initial work is already fully under way and the first recommendations are slowly but surely taking shape, Lars Emil Kragh does question the absence of what is – according to him – a key parameter: the users.
"It is important to remember that the soldier of the future may have different expectations to the soldiers of today. The mere fact that the national service period is being extended places requirements on the physical framework for soldiers – they need to be prepared. So it's about creating the right environments for the people who will spend time at the barracks going forward. In my opinion, this is a crucial factor in creating the best possible defence."
Help from alternative experts
In the defence settlement from 2023, the government not only paved the way for extensive barrack modernisation. They are also planning to nearly triple the national service period, from 4 to 11 months. According to Lars Emil Kragh, the extended national service period should be a decisive factor in how the modernisation is implemented, especially if the desire is to retain recruits after national service.
"With a prospect of smaller cohorts and longer national service periods, it is essential that we create an environment in which conscripts want to remain in order to have a strong defence in the future. Here, I believe that architects can contribute by incorporating more user participation and focus groups," the Deputy Director says and adds:
"The most talented design bureaus have already started thinking outside the box and have involved sociologists, psychologists and anthropologists to ensure that there is a focus on wellbeing in the buildings. It is not enough to optimise energy consumption and digitalise, we also need to consider a good indoor climate, as well as improving opportunities for relaxation and alone time. Additionally, the proportion of women in the armed forces is increasing and diversity is therefore also an important topic to address.
DI agrees. They also see the need for a holistic approach.
"The purpose of our workshops is to get as many perspectives as possible and establish collaboration between different stakeholders that complement one another. We believe that there are numerous advantages of such collaboration – across large and small private companies and the Ministry of Defence Estate Agency," says Thomsen and adds:
"We are not the only country in the world to experience these challenges of old facilities that do not meet current standards. However, we are undoubtedly the only country right now that is coming together to develop new, carefully considered solutions. This should ensure some benefits – including in the long term.
The initial exercises are ongoing and there is still time for the parties to get to know one another, clarify needs, prioritise and ensure cohesion.
There is still time to become part of the collaboration if you are keen to provide your views. DI's facilitation of workshops continues and the meetings are open to anyone who wishes to participate and share knowledge. Read more and sign up here.
