schmidt hammer lassen wins the vendsyssel theater and experience center

‘vendsyssel theater and experience center’ by schmidt hammer lassen, hjørring, denmark
image © schmidt hammer lassen

It has just been announced that schmidt hammer lassen has won the competition to design the new 4,200 m2 vendsyssel theater and experience center in hjørring, denmark, slated for completion in 2016. the complex of structures that make up the cultural hub provide venues for various activities and performances with an emphasis on transparency with the public. the forms themselves, clad in earth-toned corten steel panels open to the outdoors, becoming backdrops for auxiliary performances to include larger audiences.

founding partner john foldbjerg lassen describes the concepts in the design:

‘we have designed a project where the architectural and functional concept has five main themes: integration in the city, openness, functionality, flexibility and materiality. we have designed a significant building which relates to its function in a pragmatic way. it invites both active use and quiet breaks. it is a building which radiates its cultural meaning – it dares to be different, without stealing the focus from the existing qualities in the city.’

image © schmidt hammer lassen

image © schmidt hammer lassen

image © schmidt hammer lassen

image © schmidt hammer lassen

image © schmidt hammer lassen

image © schmidt hammer lassen

image © schmidt hammer lassen

project info:

architect team: schmidt hammer lassen architects, arkitektfirmaet finn østergaard a/s
client: municipality of hjørring, realdania
area: 4,200m²
construction sum: €16.5 million excl. vat
competition: 2013, 1st prize in restricted competition
full-service consultant: schmidt hammer lassen architects
engineer: brix & kamp a/s, alectia a/s
landscape architect: liw planning aps
other consultants: gade & mortensen akustik a/s, aix arkitekter ab, filippa berglund, scenograf, arkitekt maa