Former industrial buildings have been hip for ages all over Western cities. But they contain even more potential than arousing romantic dreams. Here are five great examples of how to use the old bricks and concrete as skeletons for something entirely different.
Torpedohallen
The concrete hall from 1952 was used to build motor torpedo boats. Now it has been converted into exclusive condos, placed around the original basin for the launching of boats in the centre of the 160 m. long building. It is redesigned by the Danish architect company Vandkunsten, and is the first interesting stop when entering the area for the Opera and the schools of film, acting and architecture in the old military area at Holmen.
Torpedohallen; Galionsvej 1-11, Frederiksholm
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The Porcelain Garden
The Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory moved out after 100 years of activity on this spot in the green and neat Frederiksberg. Now the rough, yet majestic area has turned into a new neighbourhood with rather expensive apartments, studenthousing, schools and commercial premises for Georg Jensen and Royal Scandinavia. When visiting, check out the trees too! Many of them were donations by prominent foreign guests who visited the factory .
The Porcelain Garden, Smallegade / Søndre Fasanvej, Frederiksberg
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Sjakket
Sjakket is an example of a deserted factory complex, which did not turn into exclusive New York inspired flats for the wealthy people. The raw surroundings are now used as a raw oase for young people with problems and special needs. The successful and spectacular architect company PLOT created the architectonical transformation, where colours and containerlike formations were added to the original factory complex in order to support the spirit of the work, taking place in Sjakket.
Sjakket; Skaffervej 4-6, København NV
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Gemini Residence
In only a few years the Gemini Residence along the harbourfront has become a new landmark for modern Copenhagen. The original shape was to raw, naked concrete cylinders, used as silos for the soybean-cake factory, which actually exploded in the 90´ies. Dutch MVRDV and Danish JJW has now turned the silos into two spectacular circular lobbies in black and white. The apartments have been placed outside the old building complex to add maximum light to each flat. The view from the top is spectacular.
Gemini Residence, Islands Brygge 32, 2300 København S
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Jemtelandsgade
Every sqm may be visited in this old factory building, that was recently supplied with a brand new annex, located on a “forest” of tilting concrete. The entire complex is now being used for library facilities, café, events and local activities. The rebuilding of this place marks a change for the entire area around Holmbladsgade which is right now turning still more lively and attractive for others than its inhabitants due to new connections to the beach and an upcoming shoppingdistrict.
Jemtelandsgade 3, 2300 København S
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