foster + partners breaks ground in copenhagen on ferring pharmaceuticals headquarters

foster + partners has begun construction work in denmark at the site of ferring pharamceuticals’ new country headquarters. the 39,000 square meter office building is located in kastrup, on the outskirts of copenhagen. with a completion date scheduled for 2019, the project occupies a pivotal waterfront position next to the city’s international airport. the site offers views towards malmö and the swedish coastline — where the company was founded.

all images courtesy of foster + partners

foster + partners’ design sits on a large stone plinth, which serves as the first line of defense against flooding, and integrates street furniture and landscape elements. above, the lightweight glass building appears to float in contrast to its heavy foundation. six stacked floorplates cantilever outwards, capturing views and creating self-shaded spaces at each level.

driven by the shape of the site, the building’s triangular form is surrounded by water on all sides. a generously proportioned internal atrium is situated at the heart of the building, containing an entrance lobby, a café and break-out space, as well as conference facilities and provision for events. a staircase provides access to the floors above, while glass elevators further animate the atrium.

the project is scheduled for completion in 2019

according to foster + partners, the layout of interior space was derived from studying ferring’s way of working. through observation and interviews, the design team gained insight into the processes involved in the development of pharmaceutics, creating workspaces that are tailored to the company’s specific requirements. offices and laboratories — for quiet, individual work — are situated at the edges, to take advantage of the views and natural light, while more collaborative meeting spaces are located towards the center, overlooking the top-lit atrium.

‘we wanted to create a very strong base that directly connects to and celebrates this unique waterside location and lifts the building above that level – so that there are uninterrupted views from the ground floor to the strait and the surrounding harbor,’ explains grant brooker, who led the building’s design. ‘for such a significant project it was vital that the building reflected the personality of the organization and that it would create a collaborative and flexible working environment to carry them through the next century.’

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