The second most important city in Denmark is already habitually becoming one of the important newsmakers in the field of modern architecture. Following the embankment with its library, office complex and residential buildings, the port itself is changing. The new administrative center of this complex "organism" has arisen in a rather remote and unattractive part of the region. Nevertheless, the location is advantageous due to the spectacular sea views, the proximity of the main terminals and the absence of serious restrictions.
The task of the architects was to unite in one volume all the port services, previously dispersed over an impressive territory. To do this, we had to look for a kind of universal “language” that would be understandable and comfortable both for all kinds of office workers and for dockers or truck drivers. A lot of visitors are also expected here - from junior schoolchildren to representative international delegations. It is not surprising that the architects cite a rather obvious and well-understood image as a source of their inspiration - ice crystals. They seem to grow from the central triangular atrium. In addition, such a composition allows for further expansion of the building with new wings.
In general, the five-storey building with an area of 13,000 m2 resembles, rather, angular massive ice floes neatly stacked in a "stack". They hang over glazed rooms to form sheltered terraces and balconies that are accessible from virtually any area. In addition to the port administration, there is a visitor center, security office, workshops, warehouses, a public cafeteria, as well as a canteen and social services for employees. Office blocks are provided separately, they can be rented by private companies, whose business is somehow connected with the port.
The architects chose the materials for interior decoration, again, rather simple and ideologically similar, but effective: concrete, metal, stained oak (or rather, the trimmings left over from the production of floorboards). Orange was used as the main accent color, in which, for example, stairs and their lattice fences are painted. And of course, it was impossible to do without a complete set of sustainable construction technologies: a green roof, solar panels, maximum use of solar heat and daylight, energy-efficient LEDs, ventilation with a heat recovery system, increased sound insulation, safe materials and much more.
