A new building in the shape of an opal will rise at the Kalvebod Brygge waterfront and light up Copenhagen Harbour in two years’ time.
Star architect Dorte Mandrup has won the competition to design an extension of the headquarters of the Danish Society of Engineers (IDA).
Mandrup‘s design was inspired by an opal jewellery stone, hence its Danish name ‘Opalen’.
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Simple yet distinctive
Just like the gemstone that absorbs and reflects every colour of the spectrum, the glass walls of the new building will reflect light at the water in Copenhagen Harbour.
“The design is beautiful and simple in its architectural expression and promises great potential to be both a distinctive and beautiful landmark for IDA,” wrote the jury.
The oval-shaped extension will be squeezed between the two brick buildings of IDA’s headquarters and will house a conference hall and a restaurant.
And, of course, it won’t be that far away from another jewel overlooking the waters, the city library The Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant).
