EUmies Awards 2015

Located in the heart of vibrant neighbourhood, “De Gamles By” – literally “The city of the old” – used to be the end destination for senior citizens in Copenhagen. Today the area is a showcase of age-integrated diversity. People of all ages meet and share the green gardens, which feature goats, rabbits, chickens and vegetable gardens for local schoolchildren. Among the beautiful red-brick homes for the elderly, this lush green garden village is home to Forfatterhuset – a kindergarten organized around large mature trees like potted plants on a terrace. The green plot is divided into smaller and more intimate zones of gardens, lively play zones, roof terraces and quiet niches. Forfatterhuset is simultaneously a playground and a building, a park and an institution. This is a kids’ world to discover and explore.

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

Client: City of Copenhagen

Program: Day care center for 160 children, age 0-6

Size: 1,950 m²

Year: First prize in competition 2012, completed 2014

Collaborators: PK3, D.A.I. Arkitekter Ingeniører, Kjær & Lassen

Awards: Mies van der Rohe Award 2015 Shortlist, Architizer A+ Award 2015 Finalist

Team: Andy Minchev, Caroline Krogh Andersen, Chloé Blain, Christina Matos, Dan Stubbergaard, Eik Bjerregaard, Elin Parry, Gabrielle Ubareviciute, Greta Tiedje, Jens Kert Wagner, Kato Hiroshi, Magnus Meulengracht, Martin Jonsbak Nielsen, Martin Laustsen, Michal Kniaz, Tobias Mürsch.