The new building of the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX) in Copenhagen is an example of an environmentally conscious approach to the architecture of modern educational spaces. Designed by PLH Arkitekter, the 7,000 m² building combines a highly innovative sustainable design and combines it with user friendliness. While the 29-metre high atrium is visually striking, the building itself also provides ideal air quality and acoustics for the 800 students that will roam the building.
City: Ørestad, Copenhagen
Country: Denmark
Architect: PLH Arkitekter / Sub-Advisor: Dall & Lindhardtsen
Façade Constructor: Facaden A/S
Façade Manufacturer: Muncholm A/S
Material type: TECTURA Coated
Benefits of material: Lightweight, durable, visually appealing, 100% recyclable
Dimensions: 2.0 x 1250 mm and 2.0 x 1500 mm in various lengths
Quantity: 46 tons
The building, which is part of the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX), was a project designed by renowned architects of PLH Arkitekter and is located in the Ørestad district, a relatively young and still developing area in Copenhagen. Here, the building is envisioned to be a vibrant presence that stands out with its unique and playful façade, while still blending organically into its surroundings.
With an area of approximately 7,000 m², the building aims to offer a combination of thoughtful, sustainable architecture with user-centric design choices for the around 800 full-time students and 70 staff members who work and study here. To enhance the qualities of this new facility, the building aims to be a dynamic space not only for study, but also for innovation and environmental responsibility. In this way, the building meets the challenges and demands that new approaches bring with the ever-evolving digital and conceptual changes in education and learning.
"The distinctive wings on the facade serve as the building's sun shading, helping to regulate the temperature by utilizing light and shadow to the fullest throughout the day. Each wing is oriented differently depending on its position relative to the sun." – Anette Grønbæk, Senior Project Leader, PLH Arkitekter.
The architectural office's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions are part of the initiative to implement sustainable building practices in the industry, which is impressively demonstrated by the use of aluminium. The design of the aluminium façade supports the temperature regulation of the building and at the same time the material meets high requirements in terms of durability, sustainability and aesthetic appearance.
For the façade of the DMJX building, our TECTURA Coated aluminium, made from the recycling-friendly alloy 3005 with a 40% external scrap content, was used. The aluminium sheets were produced in our rolling mill in Holmestrand, Norway. Using a perfected coil coating process, the rolled aluminium sheets were coated with a weather and UV-resistant paint in “Spicy Red” during the manufacturing process. This allows the flexible, energy-saving, corrosion-resistant and durable material to have a unique look. As our sheets are easy to handle, low-maintenance and ideal for constructing buildings at height thanks to their low weight, they automatically contribute to the sustainable approach of any architectural project.
In addition to the functional and visual approach, which played a key role in the planning process, the focus was also on the overall quality of the building. The educational dynamic is supported by good air quality, optimal acoustics and an appealing visual environment.This way, an optimal usage of the building can be ensured. Through its innovative design, the new DMJX building will play a critical role in educating the next generation of media professionals by providing them with a space that inspires creativity, collaboration and a deep respect for the environment.
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