Bølgen ved Vejle fjord af Henning Larsen Architects

Filmen som i kan se ovenover, er lige en lille arpetiser til hvad, Bølgen ved Vejle fjord egentlig er for et projekt.

Jeg kontaktede i sidste uge en masse arkitekter. Men fik desværre ikke noget svar, fra nogen af dem.
Men pludselig i denne uge, fik jeg en mail fra arkitektfirmaet Henning Larsen Architects. Arkitekten besvarede at hun desværre ikke havde kapacitet til at svare på mine spørgsmål, men istedet vedhæftede en interview med designeren bag Bølgen i Vejle. Så jeg tænkte jeg lige ville vise jer, interviewet. Det er ret interessant, men dog på engelsk.

Bølgen i Vejle 

1. Tell us a few words about “The Wave”. How did you come up with the idea of this project?
The conceptual idea of The Wave is based on the wish to create a strong and recognizable figure that playfully challenges the beautiful location of Vejle City and Fjord.
The shape of the wave constitutes a metaphor for the rolling Danish countryside and the rapidly passing clouds reflected in sea. A kind of stylised image of nature’s eternal beauty.

2. Did you encounter any difficulties constructing “The Wave”? If so, how did you manage them?
The building’s untraditional, triangular geometry presented some challenges with regard to the position of the lift shafts. We wanted to provide access to the apartments without breaking the transversal lines and thus, the unique views to each side of the building. We decided to provide each crest with two lift shafts and thereby solved the problem.

3. “The Wave” has won many awards. Can you tell us a few words about them?
Last year, the Wave won the international LEAF Award 2010 in the category of Residential Building. The award was given for the innovative design and for creating ‘more than just a building’. Apart from that the Wave has won a couple of local prizes and this year also the Civic Trust Award.

4. “The Wave” has won the Civic Trust Award. When you came up with the idea of the project, did you imagine that it would become internationally recognized as a building-icon?
We did not see the international potential to begin with, but after winning the Leaf Award we were less surprised. It seems that the configurations of The Wave have an appealing character for most viewers, maybe because the shape carries a kind of childish, optimistic undertone. Looking at the building simply makes you happy!

5. When do you expect the completion of all of the 5 waves?
We expect the 3 missing waves to be built within the coming 5 years.

6. Besides the extraordinary design, what do you consider as an extra plus for those who are interested in finding a new home in a wave?
The quality of the apartments lies in the fantastic views to the fjord on the eastside and in the silhouette of the city of Vejle to the west. Apart from that the transparency and the quality of the materials create a genuine modern Nordic ambience.

7. Let’s talk a bit about yourself. How did you decide to become an architect?
As a kid I have always been drawing machines and buildings, roads and infrastructure. For me, it was obvious to do something creative and innovative - to create a new consensus of the way we live.

8. Which architectural project do you consider to be the most impressive in the last decade?
The High Line Park NYC shows an including way of transforming the city’s old railroad tracks into an amazing citypark. I am always excited when architecture goes beyond self-contained relations and stretches out for new meaning and extends quality for urban possibilities.

9. Which are your consultations for the young architects starting their career now?
I would advise them to travel out in the world to study and to experience the diversity in culture and human behavior. Combined with an intense study of the history of architecture and art travelling will be the ideal basis for creating a visionary new architect.

Thank you for your time. It is an honor for COZYHOME to include “The Wave” in our magazine.