Description:
The idea of providing cheap and healthy homes for the poorest part of the city's work force originated among local politicians and medical doctors during the 1853 Copenhagen cholera outbreak which killed approximately 5,000 citizens. A major reason for the outbreak was the dismal conditions in the poorest parts of the city which suffered from overpopulation and lack of proper sanitary services. "Brumleby" was built for indigent workers by the Danish Medical Association from 1854 to 1872. The development was designed by M. G. Bindesbøll and Vilhelm Klein. In 1980 a rehabilitation plan for the entire housing area in cooperation with the residents was made. Before restoration, the houses were in a ruin-like condition and under threat of demolition. The original small, outdated apartments are reduced to 243 dwellings in different sizes to meet the residents' differing needs and rent budgets. The buildings have been restored with respect for the original architecture.