Working in a living artwork

Svanemølleholmen is a modern and inspiring workplace, which promotes flexibility and interdisciplinary knowledge sharing through open office spaces, transparent connections, and a layout that supports various ways of working. The architecture and interior design of Svanemølleholmen were created by PLH.

The two headquarters for AP Pension and Nykredit Bank are located next to each other, and the two buildings are connected and share facilities such as a service center on the ground floor and a meeting center on the 2nd floor. In addition to sharing facilities, they also share a unified design approach.

Gesamtkunstwerk

Besides providing the ideal framework for a modern and adaptable workplace that inspires and supports employees in their daily activities, Svanemølleholmen also stands as a prime example of a gesamtkunstwerk.

The headquarters have been created with a holistic approach, where architecture, interior design, and art play together in a unified vision – known as a Gesamtkunstwerk.

Gesamtkunstwerk is a concept that was popularized by the German composer Richard Wagner, who envisioned his operas as gesamtkunstwerk, where music, staging, acting, and design were all integrated to create an immersive experience. Since then, the concept has been used to describe works that blend different art forms into one unified piece. This concept has been a beacon in the design of Svanemølleholmen.

PLH had a strong focus on integrating art into the building’s architecture, ensuring it serves as an aesthetic and inspiring backdrop to the daily activities at the headquarters. The buildings are designed to provide the best environment for collaboration, meetings, and focused work, while also strengthening community and culture. Design and functionality are prioritized. The buildings offer good acoustics, excellent lighting, and a variety of workspaces that are important for daily activities. The headquarters is filled with art, and no matter where you walk, you will see the building and its surrounding area from new angles.

Artwork and building design in a holistic experience

The artwork at AP Pension headquarters has been carefully chosen. The artists and their works are rich in content, materiality, and contrasts – they all have something to say.

The atrium in AP Pension headquarters features an impressive floor mosaic made of natural stone and terrazzo, created by Danish artist Michael Kvium. The Palladiana Terrazzo floor mosaic is visible from all levels.

The other materials in the atrium are mainly wood, metal in a warm bronze color, and glass. The combination of natural stone, wood, leather, and natural light creates an atmosphere of authenticity, elegance, and timeless beauty. The materials have been carefully selected for their durability and aesthetics.

A spiral staircase leads from the atrium to the other five floors. On the 1st-5th floors, there are cafés and kitchenettes on the walkways. The walkways serve as the primary traffic routes when employees move around the building between different work areas and meeting rooms. On these floors, art has also been integrated into the building design. In addition to Michael Kvium’s floor mosaic, other artworks of his can be found on the walls of the 1st floor. On the 2nd floor, there are Maria Rubinke’s bronze reliefs, as well as Peter Martensen’s colorful paintings on the third floor. Trine Søndergård’s photographs adorn the walls of the 4th floor, and Jacob Rantzaus’ paintings decorate the 5th floor.

A symphony of materials and art

Nykredit's headquarters are designed with inspiration from the surrounding environment. The colors and materials are inspired by life by the water, in the city, and in the nature of the neighboring park. Materials have been chosen based on durability and aesthetic goals and are treated according to their natural properties so that they age beautifully.

Inside, oak-veneered panels make up the core wall cladding, and throughout the atrium, the building is adorned with several integrated artworks, selected as winners after an open competition.

Examples of these works include a continuous track of recycled bricks in the atrium floor, a slated relief wall in the atrium, and relief doors on the floors. Other integrated artworks come from Nykredit's extensive art collection, such as a piece by Bjørn Nørgaard in one of the salons and sculptures by Per Kirkeby along the quay. The balcony fronts are white-rendered, and the atrium floor is covered with Jura limestone.