'mermaid ' model by julien de smedt architects
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects

we are continuning covering the work of JDS architects. 'mermaid' is another one of
their recent projects.

'mermaid' is a private development-project which aims to establish a large dolphinarium
and wellness-center, together with hotel and holiday-apartments. the close relation between
these facilities, combined with a unique location, makes mermaid the frame in which sea,
air and light converge to stimulate the experience of health and wellness. with dolphins
as the primary attraction, 'mermaid' will offer a unique experience for the new 'health tourists'
with focus on life quality, time, personal development and plenty of space for the individual.

'mermaid has four main functions; dolphinarium in the caves beneath the hills, wellness-center
within the smallest hill, holiday-apartments in the medium hill and hotel in the largest hill;
a unique combination of program, combined in the mermaid island. by using the previously
mentioned method to shape the island, the optimal combination of views and internal relations
between the main programs is achieved: from outside the hills there are views to both the horizon
and to the other hills, while the caves offer views to the horizon, through the façade, and to the
indoor saltwater basins.


'mermaid ' model
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid ' model
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid ' model
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid ' model
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid' in various landscapes
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid' in various landscapes
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid' in various landscapes
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid' in various landscapes
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid' in various landscapes
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid' in various landscapes
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'mermaid' in various landscapes
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


internal view of 'mermaid'
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'radical circle diagram'
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects

for the islands footprint JDS chose the circle, since its radiating shape has no singular
direction. on the contrary it points in all directions, therefore relating to its context,
no matter where it is located. they tried to imagine the island as a programmed, soft disc,
so by lifting the edges a hilly landscape emerges, with views and grandiose caves beneath.


'radical circle diagram'
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects


'radical circle diagram'
image courtesy jds / julien de smedt architects

general info:
project: mermaid wellness center
location: under investigation
size: 50,000 m2
type: commission
site: on-going
client: tækker
collaborator: tækker rådgivende ingeniører a/s, plot, BIG

projects team:
julien de smedt
bjarke ingels
david benitez
leon rost
karla spennrath
karsten hammer hansen
kathrin gimmel
joão vieira costa
julie schmidt-nielsen
simon herup
yooju no