Sustainable transformation of a design school with a focus on reuse, flexibility, and a stronger connection between teaching and workshops
- Address
- Ågade 10, Kolding
Info
- Client
- Kolding Design School
- Area
- 8,500
- Architect
- Cubo Architects
- Project Period
- 2022–2025
- Contractor
- Hansson & Knudsen
- Total Construction Cost
- 80 million DKK
Nature of the Project
Kolding Design School has undergone a comprehensive transformation and modernization with the ambition of becoming Denmark’s leading design university.
The project has focused on strengthening the physical environment for learning, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that the school’s students have the best possible conditions to develop and express their professional skills. At the same time, the building’s original identity and industrial architecture have been preserved and further developed with respect for the site’s history and character.
A key goal of the transformation has been to create a more cohesive flow between the school’s 16 specialized workshops, which form the heart of the design program. The workshops were previously spread across several floors with limited visual and functional connectivity.
Through a reorganization of the building and the creation of a striking, sculptural spiral staircase, the vertical connection has been strengthened, so that workshops, study spaces, and common areas now appear more open, visible, and accessible. This supports both interdisciplinary collaboration and the day-to-day use of the building.
Sustainability and circular thinking have been guiding principles throughout the project. Existing building components and materials were assessed for reuse and recycling, and several elements have been given new life in the renovated school.
Among other things, parts of the existing facade have been reused, and glass sections have been integrated into new functions to create greater transparency, improved daylight conditions, and a more open architectural design.
At the same time, the building’s technical systems, indoor climate, and energy performance have been upgraded so that the school meets contemporary requirements and expectations. The transformation also includes extensive structural modifications, such as the addition of new intermediate floors and a new steel staircase in the building’s open atrium.
The project was carried out with great respect for the existing structure and with a focus on preserving as many resources as possible. The result is a modern and flexible educational institution that supports the teaching methods of the future and serves as an attractive, world-class environment for research and talent development.
The project posed specific challenges regarding the assessment of existing structures, the reuse of building components, and the documentation of necessary reinforcements.
ABC provided engineering consulting services regarding the load-bearing structures throughout all phases of the project and served as the structural engineer and certified structural engineer. In addition, ABC was responsible for certified fire safety consulting and conducted technical supervision during construction.
Among other things, ABC contributed to the design of new inserted floors, the striking spiral staircase, and the structural solutions that made the extensive renovation work in the existing building possible. MEP engineering services for this project were provided by Spangenberg & Madsen.
