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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Fed up with rectangular order and straight lines? Here are five suggestions to spectacular buildings, that have everything.....but squareness.

Teitgenkollegiet. The rotunda in Ørestad North is one of the most praized new buildings in Copenhagen. The spectacular shape is inspired by the traditional Tolou-buildings in Southeastern China, providing equal space for private and common life for its 360 studying residents. Through passages in the façade, check out the common facilities from the central yard in the middle of the building. See more.
Rued Langgaards Vej 10-18, Ørestad Nord

Bispebjerg Bakke. If you take a close look at this residential building, you´ll get struck by the amount of details and quality. It was originally modelled by the sculptor Bjørn Nørgaard and bears strong evidence of the point of departure: music. The roof is the rhythm. The walls are the bass, and the differently shaped windows are the treble. See more.
Bispebjerg Bakke 20, Copenhagen NV

The Lido of Kastrup. Like a conch, this Lido emerges from the water to occupy a central position along the beach looking over the Øresund Sound. The Lido's circular shape with an exterior screen has the distinct advantage of protecting bathers from the wind. Even if you´re not in for a winterdip the lidos beauty is definitely worth a visit the whole year through. See more.
Amager Strandvej 301, 2770 Kastrup

The VM-Buildings. Seen from above these two buildings are shaped like the letters V and M. This way they provide the greatest amount of light and the best view to the largest number of residents. Feel the futuristic drama move you when you pass the pointed, triangular balconies and the enormous windows, that may challenge any one with hidden voyeuristic tendencies. See more.
Ørestads Boulevard 57-59, Ørestad

Korsgade Sportscenter. Built into the hill, it´s literally springing up from the ground. What was formerly a flat plot has been transformed into a hilly landscape with new plantings and facilities for new kinds of activities. In the winter you may sled down the hill's gentler slopes. In the summer take a nap on the hilltop while the local youngsters in the multi-cultural Nørrebro play ball underneath you. See more.
Korsgade 29-31, Nørrebro

If you visit Copenhagen in bad weather (which is likely), here is a top 5 over new architecture to experience. Here you will find warmth:

1. Danish Jewish Museum. Twisted corridors in the shape of letters of the Hebraic word mitzvah. The American architect Daniel Liebeskind has designed the new museum with the twisted angels and demanding atmosphere. Enter the museum from the Royal Library´s garden See more  

2. The Playhouse. Warm and spectacular. Situated on Kvæsthusbroen the inner-harbour, the new Playhouse in Copenhagen provides a marvellous view over the waterfront. The Playhouse contains three stages and has already been announced as a masterpiece.Opens in February 2008 See more 

3. Holmbladsgade Sports- and Culture Centre. It feels like entering a comic-book. Covered by a gigantic, transparent canopy the new hallmark in Amager is providing scope for both organized and casual sports and athletics. Inside a green indoor landscape meanders over several levels. See more   

4. Hippopothamus House. At the Zoo the hippopothamus have recently moved into their new indoor basin – a warm and cosy place, where the audience can watch the large animals under the water through a large  - and thick – glasswall.

5. The Neighborhood Centre. Library, café and culture. In Jemtelandsgade an old factory building has been enlargened by a spectacular assembly hall. Like a grotto among the trees, the hall is located at first-floor height atop a ’forest’ of lopsided concrete columns and with walls of large panels of glass. See more