Work has begun on a mixed-use development in Copenhagen which will house the Danish Architecture Centre, dezeen.com reports.

Parts of the 27,000-square-metre Bryghusprojecktet will be used by the organisation to ‘spread knowledge about architecture and the built environment’. It will feature exhibition centres, conference rooms, a bookshop, café and auditorium.

Image source via OMA

Due to open in 2017, the building will be situated along Copenhagen’s waterfront on the site of an old brewery and additionally comprise residential units, offices, a playground and community spaces. The apartments and offices will have exclusive use of underground parking.

Designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), the building itself will stand six storeys tall, with light, open interior spaces and an exterior of glass panels, some of which are dissected with coated steel beams.

Unique structure will act as a welcoming entrance to the city

Rather than the floors being constructed neatly on top of each other, the different elements will be “stacked in a seemingly random order”, according to Ellen van Loon from OMA, who spoke to worldarchitecturenews.com.

Ms van Loon added that it was hoped the unique structure will serve not only as an attraction, but also as a “connector at the hinge of the waterfront and act as a welcoming entrance to the city”.

The waterfront already houses some of the city’s most prestigious and important buildings, including Christansborg Palace, the Copenhagen Opera House and the Royal Library’s ‘Black Diamond’.

Author: Elizabeth Smythe    Date Written: 8 July 2013