An Expression of Subtle Strength for KPMG’s Danish HQ

An Expression of Subtle Strength for KPMG’s Danish HQ A balance between a thoughtful blending into the surrounding scale and an elegant, yet significant expression has been the driving thought behind Danish practice 3XN’s design of the new Copenhagen Headquarters for accountancy and consultancy firm, KPMG. The company is certain that their new building gives them the right settings and environment to achieve future growth. Local Considerations The KPMG Headquarters located in Copenhagen’s upscale district of Frederiksberg, has been designed with the goal of fitting into the local setting as a good neighbor. The architects therefore, approached the challenge by designing a building that in spite of its significant size, elegantly adjusts to the surrounding scale. The cloverleaf shape and the light natural stone façade blend in smoothly with the adjacent residential and office buildings.


A good urban environment is created through a mix of housing, business and institutions – and then through considerate architecture that pays attention to the surrounding buildings and environment. Thus, we decided to design a building which had characteristics of subtle strength, yet not overly showy or ostentatious, explains architect and CEO of 3XN, Bo Boje Larsen. Return on Design Inside, the cloverleaf shaped design results in three light atriums, each one being the focal point for the surrounding open office spaces. The atriums are stylistically similar, but not identical, making orientation logical and easy. Footbridges across the atriums are not only aesthetically playful, but also are the quickest route through the building. The logistics have been thoroughly planned to achieve KPMG’s goals for greater collaboration between the different departments. We have been very aware of the added value that great architecture creates for a business. Therefore the building has been designed in close collaboration with 3XN Architects. The result is a building that frames the corporate culture of KPMG and gives us a better foundation for accomplishing our business goals, explains Director, and Project Manager from KPMG, Søren Sønderholm. Inviting, yet Discrete Confidentiality is important for the clients of KPMG and that requires architecture which builds in discretion and security, while still retaining an atmosphere which is inviting. At the ground level this challenge has been met by a metallic green installation dispersing itself like an inner landscape. These installations are in fact cleverly concealed meeting rooms offering the utmost in discretion, while the exterior landscape is used for the reception and café. Specially commissioned artwork has been etched on the glass walls as a translucent shield to the meeting rooms, and other custom pieces of artwork are evident throughout the rest of the building. Indeed, even in basement parking, colourful photo art gives guests and employees a cheerful welcome as a pre-cursor to the special ambience and architecture of the building.

Brand description
Architecture is creative futurology. That is why we always try to understand the context in which we build – the physical surroundings as well as the social, cultural and historical context in general. It is a process that is ultimately about the people who will live in the buildings for many years to come. This dialogue often continues long after construction is complete. Architecture is story-telling. We listen to the story the site is telling us, and that story becomes part of the concept we develop. We investigate the site and we ask people questions in order to find the story the building should tell. This is the process we have summoned with the words ‘investigate, ask, tell, draw, build’. Architecture shapes the world. We constantly seek to develop designs that encompass in a single expression the spatial needs, the spirit of the location, the constructive solution and the main theme of the project. This is a process equally divided between craftsmanship and deliberations. And it is driven by a love of good design. Architecture shapes behaviour. That is why we try to create places where people can interact and communicate and where synergy can grow. We believe that buildings, like people, are more than just the sum of their many parts. We believe that it is possible to achieve a synthesis of design, function and context. That is why a holistic approach is our guiding principle, and why we are forever exploring the possibilities of building better, cleverer, more beautifully.
Products applied in Commercial , Cultural , Educational , +3
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