schmidt hammer lassen architects: IBC innovation factory

‘IBC innovation factory’ by schmidt hammer lassen architects, denmarkall images courtesy of schmidt hammer lassen architects

an education building within the refurbished GORI paint factory in denmark, the ‘IBC innovation factory’ by schmidt hammer lassen architects has just been inaugurated. in collaboration with the international business college kolding, they acquired the structure which originally opened in 1978,and represents new standards set for the era. a training camp for future innovators, the indoor environment is evocative of an outdoor landscape. six elements including fire, water, greenery, light, sound and air stimulate the user’s senses. a wood structure of douglas pine floats above the poolsand channels, creating niches for an auditorium, places for group work, an amphitheater and closed podiums for quiet study.

breaking the expansive interior into smaller spaces, the plants and trees become the home for birds in avaries. natural daylight filters through large skylights and the sound of trickling water. original paint tanks were decorated by french artist jean dewasne to become art pieces within the workplace. badminton courts and ping pong tables for employees are on the production floor. 

unified interior with elements of fire, water, greenery, light, sound and air

wooden structure floats above the learning spaces and original paint tanks

islands surrounded with water

interior becomes evocative of an outdoor landscape

auditorium

exterior

project info:

architects: schmidt hammer lassen architectsclient: IBC international business college, koldingarea: 12,800 m2on commission: 2009status: construction gori (1978, 1984), construction ibc 2010 – 2012engineer: rambøll a/sother consultants: alectia (fire)main contractor: mt højgaard a/s, odense