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
