Key Development in Copenhagen, Denmark

Culture House + Library Copenhagen NV CULTURE HOUSE + LIBRARY IN COPENHAGEN BY COBE AND TRANSFORM 12 Nov The Culture House has just started on site this month Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Type: Competition 1st prize Client: Copenhagen Municipality Program: Culture house + Library Total floor area: 1800 m2 Status: Just started construction - To be done in 2010 Architects: COBE + Transform The Northwest area of Copenhagen is located in the diverse and lively transition zone between the dense urban Nørrebro area and the villa neighbourhoods at the edge of the city. Even though many people live and work in the multi-ethnic Northwest Copenhagen, the area is by many Copenhageners mainly passed through going in and out of the city by car. The reason for this is the area's vicinity to numerous entry roads as well as the lack of cultural facilities and recreational areas. The new Culture House + Library is composed of several elements: Rethinking and modernisation of an existing culture house, a merger of two newer libraries, and the addition of a new culture hall, together forming an enormous potential as a new Culture House for the whole area. This can make up the significant and attractive cultural institution which the neighbourhood lacks today, creating a strong sense of community. The new Culture House + Library can be the missing link for the Northwest area, and will be placed centrally in the neighbourhood's and the people's awareness. The building has two entrances. One from the north and one from the south, making the foyer act as an urban passage for the neighbourhood. For everyone it is possible and legitimate to walk through the building without any errands, and more people will feel inspired to spending time in the building. The passage is a simple gesture of how open the Culture house will be towards the city and its citizens. The building is fundamentally based on democratic principles: open, accessible and transparent. The building is designed to include and welcome all, and act as a platform for dialogue. The complex has an intricate program. It is a dynamic figure of open and closed areas, which is occupied by the library and at the same time used for both fixed functions and flexible areas. This gives a varied coherence between open and closed spaces. Open spaces marked by the immediate context and the closed areas as completely choreographed library spaces for, amongst others, children and youths. As a main gesture, the culture and concert hall is placed at the top of the building. A powerful object that seems to defy the laws of gravity, the position of the hall encourages people to move across the building towards the magnificent view over Copenhagen. The placement of the hall will leave a strong, dynamic impression on those passing by. The experience of a new initiative, opening up for a dialogue between the new and the old, the young and the elderly. A much needed institution for arts and culture. Culture House + Library Copenhagen images / information from COBE