Henning Larson is an honored name in the Architectural profession. The Danish born architect is recognized as ‘Master of Light’ for his knack for playing with daylight and shadows and creating mesmerizing designs that finally connect the user a little closer to nature. His modernistic design philosophies, mixed with traditional and sustainable aspects is now carried out by ‘Henning Larsen Architects’: a firm established by the Architect himself in 1959. With multiple projects under their name, the firm aims to create spaces that enhance human aura. They were bestowed with the European Prize for Architecture in 2019, and have just won an International Competition for a landmark tower in Sydney!
1. Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Riyadh
This ‘traditional-looking modern building’ is actually a personification of the architecture and culture of Saudi Arabia. The extroverted, thick-walled structure projects strength while the lavish, spacious interiors are marked with traditional Islamic elements, which add a local touch. White marble flooring, fountains and skylights together create a welcoming indoor atmosphere. Completed in 1984, this building was awarded the Ada Khan Award in 1989.
2. Hangzhou Yuhang Opera, China
Currently under construction, The Opera would be the cultural focal point of the city. Sitting with a backdrop of a Lake, this 1400-seater structure will mark a clear distinction in the skyline with it’s unique elevation and placement. Truly ‘Floating on water’, the building acts as the perfect recreational center for the busy Chinese lifestyle.
3. Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre, Iceland
Conceptualized as a fusion of the northern lights and vibrant Icelandic-scenery, The Harpa Center seems to emerge out of the water like a rock. The crystallized façade, made of the special quasi-glass-brick delicately lets natural light form patterns inside the foyer space- where relaxed human interactions happen. This ‘sparkling in the sun’ building was awarded the Mies van der Rohe in 2011.
4. Eystur Townhall, Faroe Islands
Literally ‘Bridging the Gap’, the Town-hall not only acts as the Municipal Center for two adjoining cities, but also acts a medium to commute across the river. Owing to it’s placement, the building offers views to the scenarios on either sides, and even to the water flowing below it. The green roof is a public space that eliminates the line between built and unbuilt.
5. Mosegaard Museum, Denmark
Completed in 2014, the imposing Mosegaard Museum building seems to erupt out of the ground. The large glass windows and green sloping roof soften the monolithic façade. On the inside, the building beautifully transforms from bright lobby to dark-sunken museum spaces that match the theme of historic displays of the space.
6. Frankfurt School Of Finance & Management, Germany
Breaking away from conventional approaches, HLA have designed the Frankfurt Campus as a ‘student-city’ in an urban landscape. By creating an axis that fuses classrooms, workspaces, libraries and cafeteria together, the design spawns a healthy and progressive environment for the students and professional alike.
7. Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen
Defined by it’s Floating Roof balanced over a circular multi-story maple clad hall, inter-linking balconies and suspended staircases- all enclosed within a transparent outer-layer, the Royal Opera House is the epitome of Danish culture. Erected in 2001, the Opera enjoys generous views of the surrounding waterscape, and spacious theater halls and foyers inside.
8. The Wave, Denamrk
Perfectly named, the Wave Housing has received numerous architectural awards since it’s commencement in 2006. With an effort to break the monotonous horizontal massing of surrounding buildings, HLA envisioned this project to be a synthesis of water and land. And thus, a Wave was generated!
9. Nordea Bank Heaqarters, Denmark
The ‘Transparent façade’ represents the bank’s open working concept and dismissing boundaries between the client and the employees. The two masses of the bank are accessed by ‘inner streets’ with meeting rooms, offices, cafes and balconies spread around the space. This LEED Platinum rated building maximizes daylight integration through the special ‘3D Angled-Glass cassettes’ used as election blocks.
10. Siemens’ Global Headquarters, Germany
Integrating fresh concepts with the new Headquarter building, The Siemens Office has it’s ground floor with alleys and plazas accessible to the common public. The upper floors are bridges around a common interactive zone, all illuminated by natural light. Munich is the home-base of the company since 1949, and thus traditional values has been considered while developing this modern office.
11. Ferring International Centre, Copenhagen
Named as the ‘Building of the Year’ in 2002, this commercial building marks it’s distinctive place in Copenhagen skyline. The building construction evoked a revolution in Copenhagen Architecture, where now a shift was made from customary to stylish and a state-of-art style.
12. Enghoej Church, Denmark
Contrary to the typical Denmark churches, this 1994 religious structure is easily recognized by it’s white exteriors and inverted roof. The eccentric ceiling is an ode to local-maritime culture, while the vertically stacked widows are a modern touch. Abolishing the stereotypes, this Church is a specimen of tradition visualized through a new lens.
13. It University, Copenhagen
Enclosed inside a streel-framed glass building is the relaxed learning ambience of the University. With spaces arranged around a central atrium, the ground floor comprises of recreational area while the ‘extruded boxes’ characterize the upper levels on the campus building. The elevated terrain and the water body add to the beauty of the structure.
14. Egedal Town Hall & Health Center, Denmark
A competition entry winner, the town hall is a multi-purpose building filled with spaces for work, leisure and culture- catering to the simple city life. Derived out of a concept to bring health and community under one roof, the municipal building is recognized by it’s strong, yet soft exteriors.
15. Videbaek Art Pavilion, Denmark
Built as a walkway connecting a gallery and a garden, the Videbaek Art Pavilion traces its design origins to ‘Japanese Teahouse’s settings’. Jutting out into the water, the monochromatic building features sloped exteriors ‘rafter’ columns that filter sunlight into the interior exhibition space, making it a perfect artistic hangout!
