The new seven-storey headquarters of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) rises in Copenhagen's Nordhavn harbour area, creating a modern working environment for around 300 employees. The new site is BIG's first example of a fully integrated LEAPP design - a cross-functional collaboration between the internal landscape architecture, engineering, architecture and product design teams. From the door handle to the concrete columns, from the exterior design to the glass facades, the BIG LEAPP team designed the building with the aim of achieving the Danish DGNB Gold sustainability certificate.
The lighting has been carefully incorporated as an integral part of the architecture, creating a continuous visual flow that aligns with the building’s design language. The raw aluminum material used for the fixtures plays a significant role in maintaining the building’s authentic industrial feel, avoiding unnecessary surface treatments while blending effortlessly with its surroundings. This approach enhances the overall coherence of the design, ensuring a refined yet understated lighting presence.
One of the project’s key challenges was accommodating the varying ceiling heights throughout the space. Precision in lighting calculations was essential to ensure a balanced illumination that remains visually unobtrusive. By strategically placing the fixtures, the lighting subtly adapts to the different spatial conditions, maintaining a harmonious and well-lit environment without disrupting the architectural clarity.
The lighting design follows a simple yet highly effective continuous concept, reinforcing the architectural lines set by BIG. Linear lighting elements establish a strong sense of direction and structure, guiding movement through the space while preserving a clean and minimalistic aesthetic. This approach not only enhances the overall experience but also offers an efficient and economically sustainable solution.
Michael Anker, founder and CEO of Anker & Co
Good lighting solutions creates happy and motivated people. I like the fact that our choice of lighting brands makes a difference and makes people more inspired. Inspiration I get from my family, my friends, nature and not least the four seasons. My ambition is to mirror the shift in the seasonal daylight into the light solutions we provide.
Details
Photographer: Laurian Ghinitoiu
Architect: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
Lighting Designer: Anker & Co
