NORD Architects’ Brønshøj Parish Centre Fosters Community Gathering

The Brønshøj Parish Centre by NORD Architects provides a space for community congregation informed by the surrounding religious architecture. With warm materials, a multi-functional program, and a form that physically opens up to the city, the Parish Centre presents an inviting social and reverent space for Copenhagen.

A unifying modern structure, the Parish Centre follows the cues of its surroundings, but remains visible from the square to invite in passersby. Acting in tandem with the neighboring church and rectory center, the “trinity” creates a complex that physically reaches out to the community, welcoming them to visit.

To maximize the Centre’s use, its program is both multi-functional and adaptable. At its core, a flexible-use room provides an intimate meeting space, or can be opened up to accommodate a larger party. The room can be further diversified through the use of folding walls, dividing it into three smaller rooms when necessary. An inviting atmosphere within the space is reinforced by large windows overlooking two outdoor areas beyond.

Consisting of a garden and a square, these outdoor areas create a warm atmosphere inside through the infiltration of natural daylight and by solidifying the occupants’ connection to nature. Additional warmth emanates from the Centre’s exterior through the use of wood slats, which are animated by the interplay of light. In this way, the Parish Centre acts as a welcoming beacon to the community and dissolves the institutional atmosphere, instilling instead the inviting feeling of a home.

Currently under construction, the Parish Centre is slated for completion in 2016.

Architects: NORD Architects Copenhagen
Location: Brønshøj Kirkevej 6
Engineer: Wessberg
Client: Brønshøj Parish Council
Area: 934.0 sqm
Year: 2016
Photographs: Courtesy of NORD Architects Copenhagen