Parking House + Konditaget Lüders by JAJA Architects

Photographer: Rasmus Hjortshøj / Coast Studio

Parking houses should be an integral part of the city. But how can we challenge the monofunctional use of the conventional parking house? How do we create a functional parking structure, which is also an attractive public space? And how do we create a large parking house that respects the scale, history and future urban culture of the new development area Nordhavn in Copenhagen? The starting point for the competition project was a conventional parking house structure. The task was to create an attractive green façade and a concept that would encourage people to use the rooftop.

Instead of concealing the parking structure, we proposed a concept that enhances the beauty of the structural grid while breaking up the scale of the massive façade. A system of plant boxes is placed in a rhythm relating to the grid, which introduces a new scale while also distributing the greenery across the entire façade. The grid of plant boxes on the facade is then penetrated by two large public stairs, which have a continuous railing that becomes a fantastic playground on the rooftop. From being a mere railing it transforms to becoming swings, ball cages, jungle gyms and more. From street level, the railing literally takes the visitors by the hand; invite them on a trip to the rooftop landscape and amazing view of the Copenhagen Harbour.

Design Team:

JAJA Architects
Collaboration Design Team: Søren Jensen Ingeniør, RAMA Studio, LOA, DGI
Collaboration Contractor Team: 5e byg, Aarstiderne Arkitekter, Ingeniør’ne

Photographer: Rasmus Hjortshøj / Coast Studio