3XN’s Semicircular High Rise Will Bring High Quality Affordable Housing to Denmark

Many universities around the world grapple with shortages in affordable student housing, but few are so lucky as to have award-winning architecture firms, such as Danish office <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/3xn" target="_blank">3XN</a>, design striking architectural landmarks to alleviate the issue. Commissioned by real estate developer Jens Richard Pedersen, 3XN designed La Tour, a semicircular terraced tower that will provide high quality and low-cost housing for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/aarhus" target="_blank">Aarhus</a>' expanding student population.

Shaped as a semicircle, La Tour gradually terraces upwards to reach a height of over 300 feet.

"The gradual elevation helps to convey the transition from the large flat volumes in the local area to the urban high rise typology," says Kim Herforth Nielsen, Founder and Creative Director of 3XN.

La Tour will comprise 31 floors and more than 300 units, the majority of which will be three-bedroom apartments designed for two people.

A sound barrier will be erected to muffle the noise of the adjacent road.

Since La Tour will be located at the highest elevation in Aarhus, residents will be able to enjoy spectacular views from the tower.

To avoid blocking views of Aarhus' historic water tower, the architects strategically placed La Tour's lowest volumes in front of the historic landmark.