Transforming modern industrial heritage into an innovative micro-society

Located in Copenhagen’s North Harbour, the Tunnel Factory is part of an ambitious urban development project, transforming the industrial harbour into a vibrant urban neighbourhood over the next 40 years. Built in the 1990s far out on the peninsula to house the former Øresund Tunnel fabrication yard, the large industrial hall sits in an area that remains unexplored by most. This will change during the next 10 years. Life will start flourishing and the Tunnel Factory will turn into a multifunctional space surrounded by urban nature.

“The shared vision to both preserve history and create an innovative micro-society is both challenging and inspiring. The existing building is an immense inspiration. It reflects the modern industrial history of the harbour which is as much a part of our cultural heritage as the renaissance castles and 15th century churches. Even for an architect, it is difficult to grasp the scale of the building and it challenges our senses. With the transformation of the Tunnel Factory, we can set an important example of how grand industrial structures can become part of everyday life – not just utilised for profit-based housing or office structures,” says Kasper Pilemand, Partner and Head of Projects. 

The 27-metre-high building will be divided into three floors and includes a concert hall, cultural centre, offices, restaurants, workshops, music studios, rehearsal rooms, and public housing. It will bring together a diverse community of culture, housing, and workspaces with the ambition to create an environment that promotes participation, sharing, social cohesion, and sustainable growth. 
 

The Tunnel Factory is developed in a partnership between CPH City and Port Development, Nrep and Unionkul and in a collaboration with Arcgency, Dorte Mandrup and SLA. 

Read more here (in Danish)


Photo: Astrid Maria Busse Rasmussen