Photo: OMA

Bryghusgrunden - new build in Copenhagen, Denmark 

Realea is developing a new impressive building project on the site of a former brewery. The building site is located between the Royal Library and Langebro on the harbour front in central Copenhagen, Denmark.

International acclaimed players have established a partnership to develop the building project on the former brewery site. The project is to be an architectural gem in the new metropolitan zone, and it also offers a view to the future.

A multifunctional building

The building will be a multifunctional building, in which The Danish Architecture Centre and Realdania will have their new head offices. The idea is to gather a number of activities, such as residential units, cafés, workplaces, exhibition facility and playground, in one building. The ambition is to create a building of exceptional urban and architectural quality. At the same time, the building is intended to strengthen the connection between the city and the harbour.

Engineering challenges

The world renowned architect Rem Koolhaas and his Dutch company OMA have designed the building.

"Koolhaas/OMA are well-known for designs that challenge the creativity and ingenuity of the engineer. So we are looking forward to a lot of exciting challenges and experiences", says Senior Project Manager Kim Bundgaard and continue:

"We are going to build an underground car park right next to the harbour, and we will also build above, below and around one of Copenhagen's circular roads without bothering the traffic flow significantly. This is a huge technical challenge".

Photo: OMA

International collaborationKoolhaas/OMA have appointed ARUP as engineers on the project, and ARUP has appointed COWI as their local partner.
Likewise, PLH Architects are consulting architects to OMA throughout the process and will therefore also collaborate closely with COWI.

COWI has been working with OMA and ARUP since November 2006 to establish a building programme. The planned completion of the building is scheduled for the end 2013.