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Water towers ^[5], TV antennas, parking garages ^[6] and other structures tend to be ignored within the ubiquitous context of their surroundings, however these oft-overlooked structures can offer amazing opportunities for renovations ^[7]. Take this water tower turned student housing complex in Jaegersberg, Denmark. This once practical structure was left unused until Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter ApS ^[8] won a competition to renovate ^[9] it into a multi-purpose building for student housing and a youth center.

Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter ApS ^[8] completed this 10-storey youth center in 2006. The top 5 floors are reserved for student housing and feature roomy and bright apartments with multi-faceted protrusions that extend the living space as well as draw more light into the apartments. Daylighting ^[10] through the extensions brightens the interiors significantly, providing a warm and sunny space with a view of the surrounding lanscape.

The bottom floors are used for a youth center that features several large multipurpose rooms. The youth center utilizes tall windows and colored panels to make the space more playful and alive. Large garage-style doors ^[11] on the very bottom floor can be raised to open the room to the outdoor playground.

This interesting and practical renovation of a previously unused space shows that renovations ^[7] can be conducted on virtually any structure with gorgeous results. The tower’s multi-faceted crystal-like protrusions add character to the facade and at the same time open the interior living space with views and light.

+ Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter ApS ^[8]

Via ArchiCentral ^[12]