BIG architects studio visit

BIG architects studio, copenhagen, denmark image © designboom

designboom recently visited the head studio of BIG architects in copenhagen, denmark to witness the design process of the internationally renowned firm led by bjarke ingels. the office is currently comprised of 80 staff while the new york location introduces an additional 20 people to the international practice. structured as a flat hierarchy, individuals are placed into teams assigned to different projects. team members are selected based on a combination of cultural origins and the competition’s location and remain with the project until its conclusion. model making is regularly used to explore building ideas from initial conceptual stages throughout the design process, ensuring the development is transparent and understood across the board. upon completion, models are displayed throughout the office or stored in the in-house archive room.

studio entrance image © designboom

computer stations are placed in rows in an open area encouraging continuous communication during project development. glass enclosed breakout spaces are used for team brainstorm sessions and a ‘skype window’ to the new york office provides opportunities for international discussions. collaborative study trips with other firms and visiting lecturers for the ‘BIG picture’ monthly internal event provides educational opportunities. another initiative, ‘BIG lecture’ encourages resident architects to teach personal strengths to fellow employees for contribution to future projects.

reception image © designboom

completed models are featured throughout the office image © designboom

computer stations image © designboom

prototype for puma mopion bike see our previous coverage of this project here. image © designboom

model of west 57th residential building see our previous coverage of this project here. image © designboom

street view of west 57th residential building in new york city image courtesy of bjarke ingels group

model of lego tower for the ‘yes is more exhibition’ see our earlier coverage of the exhibition here. image © designboom

model is constructed with 200,000 legos images © designboom

model of new national library in astana, kazakhstan see our earlier coverage of this project here. image © designboom

model detail image © designboom

scale figures image © designboom

model making area with shelves for supply storage image © designboom

model of new town hall of tallin, estonia see designboom’s original coverage of this project here. image © designboom

breakout space image © designboom

archive room image © designboom

model storage in archive image © designboom

break out space image © designboom

team meeting image © designboom

conference room image © designboom

model image © designboom

lunch of the day image © designboom

kitchen image © designboom

studio building and plaza image © designboom

plaza image © designboom