By Michael Booth

December 15, 2023

In this episode of Let’s Talk Architecture Søren Pihlmann shows us his ambitious project, Thoravej 29 in Copenhagen’s Nordvest neighborhood, and explains his hardcore approach to the reuse of on-site materials in the adaptation of buildings.

Thoravej 29 once housed offices of a Danish fur company. By next year, Søren Pihlmann and his partners will have transformed it into a diverse cultural center aimed at supporting local young people on the fringes of society or who face various social challenges.

For the transformation, funded by The Bikuben Foundation, Pihlmann Architects are reusing much of the existing building, its components, and materials, from the plumbing to the concrete beams, adapting them for the exciting new purpose the building is going to fulfil.

Interestingly, though this is obviously a low-impact approach in terms of carbon emissions, that is not the priority, as Søren Pihlmann explains to our host, Michael Booth.

Listen to the episode in the player above. You can also find the podcast Let’s Talk Architecture on Google Podcasts, Spotify or most other podcast players.

About Søren Pihlmann

He is one of the most promising names in Danish architecture. In 2023, Søren Pihlmann was selected to curate the official Danish contribution to the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2025.

Pihlmann has been repeatedly recognized for his work, which emphasizes sensory and authentic architectural experiences. His projects range from transforming old industrial sites for new purposes to designing temporary pavilions and single-family homes.

Søren Pihlmann studied architecture at The Royal Danish Academy and established his first office, Lenschow & Pihlmann, together with Kim Lenschow Andersen in 2014. In 2021, he launched his own firm, Pihlmann Architects.