schmidt hammer lassen architects/
Introducing schmidt hammer lassen architects
With more than 20 years of experience, schmidt hammer lassen architects is one of Scandinavia’s most recognised, award-winning architectural practices committed to innovative and sustainable design. The practice has offices located in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Shanghai.
schmidt hammer lassen architects has established an international reputation for projects that interact with their urban context. The practice places particular emphasis on the use of natural light as an integral part of the design process. The functionality – meeting the specific needs of the users – is also key, as are all aspects of sustainability. Where possible, the practice will explore the vital relationship between art, design and architecture.
Democratic architecture
Common to all the practice’s work is a democratic approach to architecture which creates modern, open and multi-functional spaces that are consistent with schmidt hammer lassen architects’ ethical considerations – a building revolves around people and is not merely an architectonic shape. Architecture should be closely integrated with its surroundings, with close consideration of its functions and social context. schmidt hammer lassen architects designs buildings that are essentially open to the outside world.
The practice has a distinguished track record as designers of high-profile cultural buildings, such as art galleries, educational complexes and libraries. Recent projects include the Amazon Court office building in Prague, the City of Westminster College in London, the Thor Heyerdahl School in Norway, Aberdeen University New Library in Scotland and a number of construction projects and master plans in China and Eastern Europe, with a total of approximately two million square metres currently under development.
In Scandinavia, schmidt hammer lassen architects is best known for the prestigious extension to the Royal Library – The Black Diamond, the ARoS Aarhus Museum of Art and the Cultural Centre of Greenland in Nuuk.
Scandinavian heritage
The practice is deeply rooted in the Scandinavian architectural traditions based on democracy, welfare, aesthetics, light, sustainability and social responsibility.
History
schmidt hammer lassen architects was founded in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1986 by architects Morten Schmidt, Bjarne Hammer and John F. Lassen. Today, the practice has grown substantially and employs 140 staff. The group of partners has also grown and now includes Kim Holst Jensen and Stephen D. Willacy along with three associate partners. Day-to-day management of the practice is the responsibility of CEO Bente Damgaard.
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