This is a classical challenging task. How to establish innovative architecture in an age-old quarter of the city and still respect the old environment? The collaboration between the Danish architecture firm POLYFORM architects and the Dutch architecture firm KARRES EN BRANDS Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning led to the idea of build underground instead of build on surface. In this way it is possible to build new spaces for offices and staff for the public cleaning facilities – even in the heart of the dense medieval city.
In order to receive the most daylight possible in the new offices and staff facilities, all primary functions are located around an open underground courtyard. Atrium soft shapes maximize natural light into construction and simultaneously help to define the unique and attractive spaces both inside and outside. The building provide a softly naturally enlighten working environment for approximately 100 daily users. Facilities include showers, changing rooms, a canteen and parking spaces. The garden is an extension of the workspace. Various types of planting change their colour and texture throughout the seasons, and the flagstone paving area creates places for rest breaks whilst serving as an outdoor workplace.
The location in the very heart of Copenhagen contributes to large savings time wise and in relating to resources which makes the project profitable and sustainable. By combining the new building program with the lush playground at Hauser Plads and exploit the former parking garage underneath, creates an entirely new type of buildings. A scenic office building without air turbulence, shade noise from outside.
Text provided by KBP.EU.
