Reichstag, New German Parliament Berlin, Germany, 1992-1999
Foster + Partners has won an international competition to design the first Four Seasons Hotel in Scandinavia and interestingly one that will be set within Copenhagen’s historic Tivoli Gardens. The project is billed as a luxury, sustainable development of hotel accommodation and condominiums. Hopefully it will manage to achieve the delicate balance between celebrating the strengths and culture of Copenhagen’s existing distinctive skyline, whilst creating a new destination landmark.
The scheme comprises of a cluster of interconnecting cylinders that combine to form a podium corresponding to the heights of the surrounding rooflines. Rising from the podium, a slim sculptural tower will act as a centerpiece for the scheme and is carefully planned to match the height of the City Hall tower that’s directly opposite the park.
The landscaped roofs of the lower buildings are designed to extend the greenery of the Tivoli and reinforce the project’s sustainable profile. In addition to allowing for rainwater collection, the buildings are designed to maximize natural light and views. While reducing unwanted solar gain in the summer the roofs will capture the sun’s rays in the cooler winter months. The hotel, which will include a spa and fitness, is combined with 50 luxury apartments. The project is expected to be completed in 2010.
Lord Foster said: “The Tivoli Gardens Hotel project requires delicacy of scale and sensitivity to Copenhagen’s rich design heritage, combined with a bold vision for a new design that has integrity and presence. This is a challenge that we, as architects, welcome. I look forward to working with Tivoli and the city on the project’s successful realization."
Let's hope Foster + Partners prove to be sensitive enough to Copenhagen's existing skyline and architecture. The Tivoli is one of our favorite spots in Copenhagen and is so precisely because it has remained unchanged for so long. We're not opposed to progress, we're big fans of modern architecture and applaud the sustainable aspects of the project but let's hope they achieve the delicate balance that's required. If Foster can do for Copenhagen what Gehry did for Bilbao, we'll be the first to applaud.
Looks amazing. Nice spot
Posted by: Piers Fawkes | 11/12/2006 at 15:59