C.F. Møller Architects is a leading Danish architectural studio with 100 years of experience. Established by Christian Frederik Møller in 1924, C.F. Møller Architects has completed a century’s worth of projects across the Nordic region and worldwide. A sustainable and aesthetic approach to architecture integrates a range of fundamental elements, including environmental concerns, social responsibility, and good craftsmanship. The studio emphasizes the importance of the physical environment, creating spaces that are relevant and practical: “Spaces that offer varied movement patterns, convey nuanced sensory experiences, and create the best framework for well-being, cooperation, and support of needs.” This way of thinking is observed in C.F. Møller’s punctilious approach to atrium design across many of its projects.
An atrium is an architectural element that can positively impact the essence of a building and how it is utilized and experienced by people. The inclusion of an atrium is an ideal way in which to naturally brighten a building’s interior, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting and minimizing energy consumption. Further interventions, from the use of natural ventilation to greenery, will also help to minimize energy consumption and improve the comfort levels and well-being of the building’s users. An atrium also serves as a connector of people and spaces — a great atrium is a dynamic architectural hub and focal point, a place to enjoy a break, to socialize, and to work.
These key atrium designs by C.F. Møller Architects showcase the studio’s flair for crafting light and space.
C.F. Møller worked in collaboration with Danish architectural firm EFFEKT to complete a new maritime academy in Svendborg, Denmark. Svendborg International Maritime Academy (SIMAC) is Denmark’s largest maritime education institute — its new home sits on Svendborg’s harbor front. The building is designed to maximize a sense of community for SIMAC’s students and faculty members. The spacious and light-filled 20-meter-high (66-feet-high) atrium is the center’s beating heart, connecting each of the floors and offering areas for informal exchanges and study. The atrium serves as a unique gathering space and, at the same time, opens onto the the harbor. Its stairways and balconies foster casual connections, provide a platform for knowledge sharing, and contribute to the building’s vibrancy.
VIA University College Campus Horsens
VIA University College Campus Horsens on Denmark’s east coast consists of a 16-story tower and three atrium buildings, unified through a central inner shared atrium space. Each of the atrium buildings houses its own particular professions and study programs: there are 2,900 students across 27 different programs. A series of alcoves, atrium staircases, balcony hotspots, open spaces, and hubs provide opportunities for connection and learning. C.F. Møller collaborated with French artist Daniel Buren to create “building-integrated” art. In the central atrium’s glass ceiling, colored glass creates a pleasing kaleidoscope of color that unifies space and light. At Campus Horsens, a focus on sustainability includes an optimal indoor climate and optimized daylight conditions, improving all-round comfort for users.
The Carlsberg Group’s central office in Valby Bakke, Copenhagen (also referred to as the “Carlsberg City District”), includes a large open atrium “that binds the entire company together in one unified working community,” says C.F. Møller. The three wings of the building unite in the atrium — this large, bright space connects all floors and each floor has a communal area where employees can meet. A large staircase is furnished with seating pads that invite people to sit for breaks and informal meetings. The atrium opens onto Carl Jacobsen's Garden (son and “competitor” of Carlsberg's founder, J.C. Jacobsen).
The LEGO® Campus in Billund, Denmark, is a flexible and sustainable office complex that consists of eight building parts — these parts merge “to create a single continuous work and play space for 2,000 employees,” says C.F. Møller. The bright and flexible office spaces come together around a unique atrium with features and colors inspired by LEGO®: from the “circular bump” skylights (those bumps that connect LEGO® pieces together) to the vivid yellow staircase, a classic LEGO® color. The four-story atrium is surrounded by curved balconies that provide breakout areas and workspaces.
Biomedicum is a research laboratory building for the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. In the building’s design, C.F. Møller ensured the architectural concepts extended to social aspects as well as the attractive, world-class research facilities. The large eight-story atrium has a glass roof and dome-shaped lanterns that let in daylight; the design optimizes natural light and thermal climate, and includes greenery. The atrium provides flexible, accessible, and functional working environments; it also offers public access and includes a cafe and public exhibition spaces.
