Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects have won approval for their proposal to design the new DGI complex and overall master plan for Holbæk Harbour in Denmark.
The proposal included a lyrical, contemporary interpretation of a more locally anchored, traditional building culture. It was inspired by the vision of an area where new and old merge to create a spatial interplay between the new townscape and the DGI complex.
The proposal’s strikingly sculptural roof profile intentionally refers to the heritage and the scale of Holbæk’s old harbour – the site of the shipyard, fishing boats and the scent of wood chips, tar and seaweed.
The overall master plan and the DGI complex are part of the transformation of the town’s old commercial and transportation port into attractive urban areas close to the inlet, ensuring better integration with the water and making the harbour accessible to all.
Associate partner of Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects, Kasper Frandsen said the team wanted to create a concentrated urban atmosphere.
“The buildings are tightly arranged in blocks with narrow alleyways between them. This is a reinterpretation of an old town with narrow alleyways, which opens up to create a meeting point – a place for passing time,” said Fransden.
The DGI complex functions will be designed in the same spirit, with an inner quadrangle resembling one of these town squares, with the building’s varied functions arranged around it.
The DGI project will include a water culture centre, a flexible multi-purpose hall and smaller activity rooms, a health centre, fitness centre, hotel, cafe and restaurant as well as a four-screen cinema and sports kindergarten.
In addition to proximity to the inlet and the harbour basins, two new channels will also be added to the area. The approximate area of the project is 40,000m², of which the DGI complex occupies 20,000m².
The engineer for the project is Moe & Brødsgaard A/S.
By Daniel Garrun.
