Inspired by a company’s DNA
The Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk wanted their new corporate headquarters in Bagsværd, north of Copenhagen, to be a bright and open office environment while clearly reflecting the company’s DNA. Henning Larsen Architects won the project with their stylish bid for a circular building with an organic design inspired by the structure and round spiral shape of the insulin molecules, which are the foundation of the Novo Nordisk product range. Henning Larsen Architects also incorporated clear architectural references to the Scandinavian design tradition and to the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen who – aside from his well-known Egg and Swan chairs – also designed for Novo Nordisk.
The curved building design called for flexible building materials to complement its circular shape, and Henning Larsen Architects chose to install Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic on both vertical and horizontal surfaces in the large atrium. According to architect Søren Øllgaard “ Rockfon Mono Acoustic made it possible to create a stunning design with continuous surfaces that tie the room together. On top of that, it was a bonus to be able to make these flexible ceilings and walls, which still maintain their good acoustic properties.”
Aside from the design flexibility and acoustic benefits, the Rockfon Mono Acoustic system also allowed the architects to emphasise the stunning flow of natural light in the building. “With its continuous surfaces, Rockfon Mono Acoustic creates a unity, draws light in an exciting way and provides a more interesting look with its rustic surfaces,” says Søren Øllgaard, and concludes “It is refreshing that the ceiling has a texture.”
Novo Nordisk
Bagsværdvej
2880 Bagsværd
Denmark
