sports news: 3XN / Alsion / Science Park South & Concert Hal

Alsion

Danish University South,

Science Park South & Concert Hall

Sønderborg, Denmark

Synergy between education, research and commercial activities inspired the choreography of life in the complex.

Photo courtesy 3XN

Because of the small scale of Sonderborg the architects decided on dividing the large complex into a series of buildings with short gable ends, alternating with atrium buildings.

This concept provides transparency and daylight, and corresponds in scale with the neighbouring harbor typology.

Photo courtesy 3XN

The concept also made it possible to follow the bending coastline, and adhere to the change of level on the site parallel to the coast line. The tube-like buildings protrude above a parterre floor, mainly fitted with common facilities like library, canteen and student's club, and also open-up to the public on the harbor promenade.

Photo courtesy 3XN

Most offices, laboratories and work places have an unobstructed view towards the water.

All common facilities are situated at the parterre level making it necessary for students as well as scientists, to “step down” to the restaurant, library, and other shared facilities.

Photo courtesy 3XN

Art Wall by Olafur Eliasson

The atrium buildings, not included in the competition brief, were designed by moving the glass wall forward adding tall lightfilled spaces to the traditional comb-structure.

Photo courtesy 3XN

The Concert Hall, added later, was perfect for adapting yet another element.

Because of the adjacent railway station the acoustics were a major concern but the “box-in-box” solved the problem and adhered to the overall concept.

Photo courtesy 3XN

Security is established as a horizontal division with ascent to higher levels requiring key cards. This way the building can be open in the evenings, integrating the concert hall as part of the total building concept.