AART Architecture’s Elsinore Culture Center Encloses a Historic Shipyard With a Crystalline Facade

Elsinore is a little town in Denmark where Shakespeare's <em>Hamlet</em> was set. Building from this incredible history,<a href="http://www.aart.dk/" target="_blank"> AART Architects</a> have transformed a historic shipyard in the city into a beautiful and sustainable learning center called <a href="http://www.aart.dk/projects/?cat=1&amp;id=32" target="_blank">The Culture Yard</a>. The modern design renovates the entire original building, enabling the public to enjoy Elsinore's history and culture while studying and learning new things. Situated on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_(geography)" target="_blank">sound</a> that separates Denmark and Sweden, the 55,000 square foot space includes a number of concert halls, conference rooms, cafes, and a public library for all ages.

The minimalist renovation preserves elements from the original warehouse like iron rod staircases and exposed concrete and brick.

This combination creates an open interior space that encourages exploration. The rustic interior evokes nostalgia while contributing to the project's green credentials by recycling old materials.

The glass and steel facade encapsulates the old shipyard's brickwork and juts out into the sky over the waterfront.

The structure's crisscrossed pattern projects shadows throughout the building, enlivening the space and reminding visitors of the town's industrial past.

Natural light is drawn in through the glass facade, which also serves as a climate shield that decreases the energy use of the building while keeping it cool and ventilated.

The center balances the history and culture of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsing%C3%B8r" target="_blank">Elsinore</a> with the architectural design of the future.