Sometimes, placemaking can be based on just a building’s functionality or its architectural aesthetic. AART Architects’ planned Nicolinehus, mixed-use development, however, will not only attract people with both residential and commercial offerings, but with an exciting staggered design that will be awash with greenery.
The development’s waterside location will be part of Aarhus Ø, a new district in the Danish city of Aarhus. AART says Nicolinehus is aimed at "creating a benchmark for the further development of Aarhus Ø" and at “injecting life and authenticity into the new port district," both strong statements of placemaking intent.
The 40,000 sq m (430,600-sq ft) building will be divided into residential and commercial sections, with its entire ground floor given over to cafes, restaurants, lifestyle shops and grocery stores. This variety will help to make the development a great placemaking example and help the new district become a destination in itself, Orientating the development towards the nearby marina will help too, by taking advantage of the views afforded.
Residents will be able to enjoy the views from balconies and from roof-top gardens on top of the terraced steps of the building. Planting will cascade over the edges of its balconies like running water and small trees will provide shade and additional character. In addition to apartments being arranged in a staircase-like configuration, they will encircle courtyards in which for people to relax.
AART explains that inspiration for the building was taken from the old residential blocks of Aarhus city centre. It is described as a “hybrid of classic residential block and terraced landscape.”
"With Nicolinehus we are taking the city centre's various qualities and re-interpreting them and adapting them to life by the water,” says AART partner Anders Strange in an article on the firm’s website. “Everything with a focus on creating a close interaction with the rest of the city and drawing the life of the city right up to the water's edge - space to stay and experiences, which Aarhus Ø lacks today.”
AART was named project architect after winning a design competition at the end of last year. Work is due to begin this year.
Source & images: AART Architects
As an expert in placemaking communications, Active Profile seeks out inspiring projects from around the world for insight and commentary. There's more detailed info about placemaking in our ebook Effective Placemaking Communications For Your Mixed-Use Development, Volume 1: Explore, which you can download for free.