bjarke ingels group plans hidden recycling center for copenhagen

bjarke ingels group plans hidden recycling center for copenhagen
all images courtesy of bjarke ingels group / BIG

conceived as a public space, rather than a piece of utilitarian infrastructure, this proposed recycling center in copenhagen is concealed within a manmade hill. designed by bjarke ingels group (BIG), the ongoing scheme seeks to transform the existing concrete box typology of waste management, through the creation of a lively and attractive urban space.

the proposed recycling center is concealed within a manmade hill

in denmark, 42% of the waste is recycled, while only 6% ends in a landfill. at the core of the effort to enhance the resource extraction from household waste are the recycling stations, where people and professionals can drop off their recyclable waste for free and scavenge the leftovers of their fellow citizens.

the scheme seeks to transform the existing typologies associated with waste management

the figure of eight-shaped complex is set below ground level, where from the ridge of the basin, members of the public can look into the recycling square and learn about the journey of recycled materials graphically illustrated on the inside of the crater wall. the surrounding landscape provides facilities for fitness, running tracks, and picnic areas.

the surrounding landscape provides facilities for fitness, running tracks, and picnic areas

the sloping roof can be used for a variety of sports

the complex would be in constant operation throughout the day

an aerial view of the site in copenhagen

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project info:

name: sydhavns recycling center
program: commercial
status: in progress
size: 1,500 sqm / 16,146 sqf
project type: commission
client: amagerforbrænding
location: copenhagen, denmark

project team
partners in charge: bjarke ingels, david zahle
project leader: nanna gyldholm møller
team: julian salazar, jesper henriksen, karol borkowski, paolo venturella, tiago sa, rasmus pedersen, romain pequin, tobias hjortdal