COBE architects to design new FLSmidth headquarters

Since 1956, the home of FLSmidth’s global business has been Vigerslev Allé 77 in Valby, Copenhagen, Denmark. The preservation-worthy buildings, designed by architect Palle Suenson, are iconic in the area for their clean lines. However, the company has stated that they do not meet modern standards for collaboration for a global company like FLSmidth.

In 2018, FLSmidth and ATP Real Estate entered an agreement to develop a new state-of-the-art campus in Valby and ran an architecture competition during spring 2019. The jury, which consisted of representatives from FLSmidth and ATP Real Estate, as well as specialist judges Lars Autrup, CEO of the Danish Association of Architects, and Charlie C. Steenberg, Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design, and Conservation, has selected the architecture firm COBE as the winner of the competition.

While a few of the existing buildings will be torn down, the biggest buildings remain and will be joined by a new underground carpark and two new buildings. Local residents will also benefit from the reconstruction as the part facing Vigerslev Allé – designed by landscape architect C. Th. Sørensen – will be opened to the public, something which was an important criterion for the competition.

The project also entails the construction of housing on the part of the company’s grounds that faces Ramsingsvej. Last year, FLSmidth and ATP Real Estate entered an agreement in which ATP Real Estate will be investors, builders, and owners of the headquarters, as well as assuming responsibility for the development of a new local housing development plan.

“COBE’s winning proposal strikes the perfect balance between respecting the original architecture, while also incorporating our values and our need for a collaborative working environment that nurtures innovation,” said Lars Vestergaard, Chief Financial Officer at FLSmidth. “In addition, our new campus will give us an advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining the global talents of tomorrow, while also reinforcing our bond with Valby and Denmark.”

“Opening the FLSmidth park to the public and building new housing is a way to improve the city,” said Martin Vang Hansen, CEO of ATP Real Estate. “With the renovation of the existing buildings we respect the uniqueness of the neighbourhood and move it in a sustainable direction as we will DGNB-certify both the housing and headquarters. To us, the long-term rental agreement with FLSmidth means that it is both a good investment and a positive mark on Copenhagen.”

The construction of the new campus is expected to begin in 2021 with completion in 2023, while the housing will be done in phases and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/03092019/cobe-architects-to-design-new-flsmidth-headquarters/