Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture & Design Special – Denmark
Building on trust Designing an innovative modern church, restructuring a listed ministerial building, and integrating a maritime museum into the Norwegian coastline – despite the broad scope of projects, the building blocks most valued by Rørbæk og Møller Arkitekter are always the same: trust and collaboration.
many private developers who we have worked with for many years – and in the public sector, too. To enable us to make the most of the available resources with regards to both architecture and functionality, trust is a crucial factor in these partnerships.”
Among the many diverse projects currently in the hands of Rørbæk og Møller Arkitekter is the new Trekroner Church. As a part of a new neighbourhood outside Roskilde, the preparation for the church had been under way for almost a decade and many expectations and aspirations were put forward. The client, Himmelev Parish Council, did not just want a sacred space exclusively for religious services and ceremonies, but an organic structure adaptable for a wide range of community activities.
An example of one of the firm’s extensive partnerships is its participation in the strategic partnership with the Municipality of Copenhagen, including collaboration on all new constructions, expansions and renewals within the municipality, with the exception of schools, nurseries and roads.
“In many ways, this project was very different to other projects, because the client was a parish council that had a very ambitious vision of creating a church for the future,” says Overgaard. “Hence, the main task at hand was to create an organic, multifunctional church, which on top of serving as a sacred place for church
By Signe Hansen | Photos: Rørbæk Møller Arkitekter
Founded in 1950, Rørbæk og Møller Arkitekter boasts a portfolio of numerous long-term partnerships. Today, the architect practice works for and with a broad selection of private and public developers on everything from churches and museums, to offices and high-tech research facilities. Partner Anders Wesley Hansen explains: “It’s about building trust. In a collaboration built on trust, you get very far very quickly.” Hansen heads up the firm alongside partners Nicolai Overgaard and Bente Rørbæk Jørgensen. “The focus on trust is part of our DNA,” Overgaard adds. “We have 38 | Issue 105 | October 2017
The church of the future