JAJA Architects

JAJA works both practically and theoretically with projects that contribute to the creation of a better future. We specialize in mobility, preservation, and biomaterials because we believe that it is within these strategic areas that we, as architects and planners, can create buildings and cities that make a difference.

Mobility is people and communities on the move; from the way we use our bodies to how we transport ourselves and create accessibility for everyone in our cities and buildings. One of our goals is to change our habits for how we move for the better. By rethinking the way we get from A to B, we can improve our health, the environment, and the cohesiveness of society.

In a sustainable future, we need to build smarter - in a way that uses and reuses our existing building stock in new ways. We aim to save resources by transforming what we already have and never create more square meters than necessary. Our approach defines that all materials should be recycled, while worn-out, overlooked spaces are refurbished and retrofitted with new functionality to avoid demolition. We believe that as we add these new layers to a building, we inspire new stories to unfold.

When we must build new, we design using sustainable materials. Our ambition is to replace energy-intensive and CO2-producing materials, such as concrete and steel, with natural building materials such as wood, grass, and composite fibers. We do this not only because biomaterials create a comfortable and healthy indoor climate with a unique ability to capture CO2, but because they are also more beautiful to look at and provide a richer architectural experience.

JAJA was founded in 2008 and today counts 15 talented and dedicated creative staff members led by partners Jakob S. Christensen, Kathrin S. Gimmel, and Jan Y. Tanaka.