Location?

Copenhagen.

When did the practice start?

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects was founded in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1986 - we founded the Copenhagen office in 2000...around the time I joined the company.

How many staff?

The office in general has grown substantially and employs 160 staff in three main locations: Aarhus, Copenhagen and Shanghai. Today, in our Copenhagen studio we are 70.

Company ethos? 

At Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, we believe that architecture creates change. We want to make buildings that meet the challenges of our modern society and that make people come together in new ways. 

I personally believe that one of the most important things to us is to have a strong team spirit. Teamwork is essential, it is part of the SHL culture and it always reflects in our work, our collaboration with clients and our communication with the people we work with.  

And not to forget we are Scandinavian! We are deeply committed to the Nordic architectural traditions based on democracy, welfare, aesthetics, light, sustainability and social responsibility.

Current projects?

We currently have more than 20 projects on site! This is very exciting for us as our work varies from large-scale masterplans, mixed-use buildings, adaptive reuse spaces to small stimulating local projects.

At the moment, we are very happy to finally be able to share the design of our first US project - the Monroe Blocks, a major mixed-use development in the heart of downtown Detroit (construction will start spring 2018). We are also working on other very exciting projects in North America, which will hopefully be revealed soon.

On the other side of the globe in Australia and New Zealand we have projects on site such as the redevelopment of the Victoria State Library in Melbourne and the New Central Library in Christchurch. The City of Christchurch in New Zealand has suffered the damaging earthquakes back in 2010 and 2011 and it is an honour for us to have one of the anchor projects in the City’s Recovery Plan.

Teamwork is essential, it is part of the SHL culture and it always reflects in our work, our collaboration with clients and our communication with the people we work with.

We also have numerous projects we are working on in Scandinavia such as the office building VIA in the heart of Oslo, Hästen 21 in the city centre of Stockholm, a 87,000 m² masterplan in the area of Skøyen in central Oslo, Breiavatnet Lanterna high-rise tower in the Norwegian city of Stavanger's, several hospitals schemes here in Denmark, and the Correctional Facility in Nuuk (Greenland).

In addition, we are doing a lot of work in China. We recently broke ground for the 115,000 m² Shanghai East Library, located in Pudong District - the area of the city known for its iconic skyline, which will sit immediately next to Century Park –the largest park in the city spread over 140 hectares. Also, our Shenzhen Waste to Energy power plant,the biggest in the world, is currently under construction. And not to forget the 104,000m² mixed-use development Ningbo Home of Staff, Ningbo Daily Newspaper Headquarters office building and the city of Ningbo new Library are nearing completion.

Have you always been at this studio?

No, I have not. I have worked in a few other studios before joining Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. I even founded my own little practice with two friends while still in architecture school. However, the vast majority of my professional career has been with SHL. Within the office I had the chance to play many parts – including starting up the Copenhagen and the Shanghai office. Right now, we are at the brink of setting up an office in the US. Apparently, it has become my destiny – to engage in the start-up of new offices!

Favourite part of the studio?

...I was very determined to get an office with a direct connection to the outside. To create an almost storefront feeling that potential could create synergy between bypasses and us.

I would definitely say the small courtyard we made outside our office. When we created our new studio in Copenhagen three years ago, I was very determined to get an office with a direct connection to the outside. To create an almost storefront feeling that potentially could create synergy between bypasses and us. We found a place in Copenhagen with some historical warehouses. Tall, dense and with almost no tenants but with a fantastic close proximity to the harbour and the potential to become a new creative neighbourhood in Copenhagen. The old structures are all listed, except for a two-storey building – an old abandoned sound studio – that was wedged in between two of the warehouses. We convinced the property owner to demolish it, and with very simple means – and a low budget, we created a new elevated urban plaza. We planted a big tree in the old elevator shaft, and rather than restoring the new exposed walls, we created elements of weathered steel with plants that now climb the walls. Today the plaza has a couple of cool established cafes and has become the lunch and Friday night hangout for the whole community that now fills the area. 

Favorite nearby coffee shop? 

Alimentari. A rustic and welcoming coffee shop right next to our studio, the best place to watch the morning sun with a coffee ... A little piece of Italy in Copenhagen.

Do you eat lunch together? 

Yes, we do! We have a common lunch scheme, which all our colleagues seem to be enjoying. Lunch is served at 12pm and everyone gathers more or less at that time to have a break and catch up.

Pets allowed? 

No, I don’t think so. Although we have a colleague, who brings his dog from time to time and it’s good fun.

Most played song/artist/musician?  

As we are an extremely diverse bunch of architects, coming from more than 15 countries, the soundtrack of our office is also very diverse. It actually provides a useful introduction to new bands, genres etc. After the recent project win in Detroit, the music theme was obviously all about Motown! If I am in control of the playlist it is all golden age hip-hop from 86’-93’.

Favourite architect? 

This is a tough one. I would hate to limit myself to a single name. Like choosing your favourite colour, song or artists. I know I am avoiding the question, but I do believe it cannot be answered with a single name. However – I do find myself returning to Scandinavian icons like Alvar Aalto, Sverre Fehn and even the more pragmatic Danish Functionalist Kay Fisker. Looking a bit more abroad, I would have to mention Oscar Niemeyer and Siza… These days I am - still – amazed by the work of people like Herzog De Meuron, Chipperfield and Sejima, to name a few.

Favourite building?

Again – there is not a single one. Like music, you can be touched by different buildings at different times of your life. It is never a constant. However, I will try to narrow the field down a bit by choosing a local building here in Copenhagen. I actually pass it every day on my bike or run to the office, the church Grundtvigskirken in the outskirts of the city. In a sense, it is a hybrid between the tradition small-scale Danish gothic style village church and a European Cathedral. At the same time, it lifts you up and makes you feel small. It’s definitely a monumental structure but also has an amazing feeling of cosiness. It’s constructed with only one material - brick. A homage to simple Danish building tradition. Each stone is hand sanded which gives an astounding soft light in this grand space.