Culinary Redesign: Noma 2.0 by BIG

Noma 2.0 stands amid the natural surroundings of Freetown Christiania. This place, located in the middle of the capital of Denmark, is unique thanks to free thinkers with an alternative lifestyle who inhabit the old barracks of the Danish army. Noma, a four-time winner of the Best Restaurant in the World title, has chosen this hippie community as neighbours and has integrated with its choice of building site.

A former warehouse of the Royal Danish Navy serves as the base for the redesign project, which fits well with Christiania’s traditionally additive building culture. The military building, which is protected as an historical monument, was allowed to undergo only a few changes: additions were permitted only where the structure was already damaged.

The architects from BIG concentrated on a spot at the edge of the grounds, where they added seven connected structures which work together to produce a single unit. Glass passageways form the links between the buildings. Along with extensive glazing in the façades, these openings enable a direct experience of the outdoors, the weather, daylight and the seasons.

The interior is divided into eleven different areas, each of which is adapted to its functional requirements. A suitable architectural style rounds out the overall image. For example, the lounge was conceived as a cosy fireside nook featuring bricks in various colour nuances as the material both inside and out. Stacked wooden beams form the walls of the dining rooms and create the feel of a lumberyard with finely, neatly coated boards. Three outdoor greenhouses serve as an interactive test kitchen and bakery. The many different materials will bring guests closer to traditional Nordic building components.

The chefs coordinate all the work from a central position. This offers diners the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of this swanky place.