Copenhagen Plant Science Centre

Education

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Photo: Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter

It is obvious, down to the smallest detail, that this is a place for research in life and plants. Students, scientists and the general public move through a unique landscape to access the open foyer, where everyone is welcome.

Copenhagen Plant Science Centre adds a natural touch to the traditional Frederiksberg Campus of The University of Copenhagen.

As a round structure slightly separated from the adjacent buildings, its architecture is inspired by the organic shapes of plant cells. Its motif references the actual function of the building as a facility for advanced plant science research.

Before the arrival of Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, the university area mainly consisted of a monolithic concrete structure. The new organically shaped building opens the facility to the street and invites the city inside the campus area with a friendly gesture.

This open invitation continues as visitors approach the building, whose transparent glass façade, skylight and generous atrium draw plenty of light into all its floors internally.

Once inside, the open spaces invite informal meetings between researchers, teaching staff and students. The core has a terrazzo floor, with marble stones forming an organic landscape designed by artist Milena Bonifacini, again reminding the visitor what the building is for.

From its overall design to small-scale details, the architecture of Copenhagen Plant Science Centre shows that this place lives for exploring nature in its many shapes and forms.