Blox Cultural Centre in Copenhagen
- Jakob Schoof
Steel for large spans and structural flexibility, concrete for sound insulation between quite different uses: with this combination of materials, OMA, the architects of the present scheme, and Arup, the structural engineers, have created a building that might seem like built shock therapy for Copenhagen's inner city. The Blox mixed-use centre was located on the edge of the harbour in the middle of an area of wasteland that had remained undeveloped since 1960, when what was left of the former Royal Brewery burnt down. The principal user is the Danish Architectural Centre (DAC), and there is co-working space with offices for companies and research institutes in the field of urban development. In addition, there is a fitness centre, a restaurant and cafe, 22 rented penthouse dwellings with private roof terraces, and a three-storey basement garage with space for 350 vehicles. Mediating between this singular abstract structure and its historic neighbours is a broad play area that rises to the Blox in a series of steps on the south-west side. Protected from the weather below this is further play space for kindergartens.
