The assignment was to design an Idea store in the outskirts of Langenæs, Denmark. An Idea store is a building consisting of a library, auditoriums, labs, cafes and other functions benefitting from each other (term developed by David Adjaye, Adjaye Associates).
The building is placed in a slope. This slope acts as border between two neighborhoods, and the building becomes a passage between the areas.
By placing a large part of the building underground you also gain geothermal advances, making the project more sustainable.
The building design is generated through the means of human circulation and the openings, which utilize daylight by lighting up the interior also making it possible to enjoy the view of the recreational surroundings.
The main characteristic of the building is it’s relationship between the shell and it’s core. The shell is a self-carrying structure and functions as a membrane to the outside. The core consists of rooms that house the private functions such as toilet, kitchen, work-labs, lecture rooms and other practical functions. Structurally the floor plates are primarily supported by the core and partly by the surrounding shell. The open decks house public functions such as the library, computer facilities and the café.
The decks also have openings, creating a visual connection between the floor levels generating a coherent space.