The Mærsk tower

In 2017, the University of Copenhagen saw its available infrastructure expand thanks to the construction of a new building, the 75-metre high Maersk Tower, officially inaugurated by Queen Margaret II.

The tower is located in the centre of Copenhagen’s Science City which also houses Panum, the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences of the University of Copenhagen. Architectural firms CF Møller and SLA architects designed and built the tower whose distinctive feature is the external copper grid that houses the structure’s mobile shutters. The grid acts as a sort of climate shield as the shutters open or close automatically according to the weather conditions, thereby guaranteeing permanent comfort inside. These mobile elements also create a sense of movement and depth on the façades.

The redesign concept is linked to the principle of connecting and sharing, which is why the paths and connecting routes are so important both indoors and outdoors. The clear and effective functional lighting also helps build an environment that is conducive to exchanges and insights.

Outdoors, pole-mounted Maxiwoody floodlights illuminate the green spaces, whereas different-size Laser Blade luminaires illuminate the interiors. In the auditorium, the 15-cell frameless version with Wide Flood optics (48°) is installed between the wooden soundproofing panels. The foyer features both 10- and 5-cell versions with Wide Flood optics. A colour temperature of 3000 K was selected as it blends in with the shades of red used for the seating in the auditorium as well as with the wood which is used extensively throughout.