A modern research environment for world-leading scientists
NNF Center for Protein Design
The project for the University of Copenhagen’s Nørre Campus, NNF Center for Protein Design, comprises the refurbishment of laboratory, training, and office facilities. The objective has been to create world-class laboratory facilities and an attractive workplace capable of attracting the world's leading researchers in the field of protein design.
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Gallery
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Introduction

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Summary
Transforming facilities into a contemporary research and learning environment
The project aimed to create an open and welcoming research environment that reflects the demands of modern laboratories and training spaces. At the heart of the project is the development of a contemporary and functional design tailored to the University of Copenhagen’s research teams and daily workflows. The refurbishment includes office areas, laboratories, and training facilities distributed across two floors. In addition, the project incorporates the renovation of a rooftop greenhouse to create an attractive social and recreational space, as well as the establishment of a new, distinctive main entrance.
Opening up traditionally closed-off spaces
Traditional laboratory and research environments are often designed as closed-off units. This renovation adopts a more contemporary approach, opening up the spaces to allow daylight to flow freely throughout the floor and across circulation areas. At the same time, natural connections and movement between rooms have been enhanced, improving flow, transparency, and accessibility. The ambition has been to create an open and cohesive research environment for closer collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a more dynamic day-to-day experience across the research community.
Modern laboratories tailored to their users
The project transforms the existing laboratory facilities into modern, future-ready environments that reflect the highest standards in research and education. Through a limited number of carefully considered design interventions, a clean, functional, and aesthetically refined environment has been created to meet the demands of contemporary laboratory facilities. The laboratories are certified for GMO Class 1 activities, with selected areas approved for GMO Class 2. A distinctive blue colour serves as a recurring design element throughout the project, creating a strong identity and visual cohesion across the various spaces. Furniture and materials have been selected in warm tones to support a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the laboratory and office facilities, the project includes a new kitchen and a teaching space. The development is being delivered in several phases, with future stages including the third floor, the main entrance, and the rooftop greenhouse.
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In their words
Prof. Dek Woolfson, Director, NNF Center for Protein Design, University of CopenhagenWe are delighted to take possession of our labs, offices, and social spaces for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Design (CPD) at the University of Copenhagen.Our shared vision with PLH, the University and the Foundation was to create open and welcoming spaces to promote the best possible interactions between scientists from the centre and our collaborators to deliver world-leading research at the interface between science and health. Now that we are in situ, I can already see this vision turning into reality.We are extremely excited about what we will be able to do in the new space and with its state-of-the-art facilities – it should be truly transformative.
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Before and after


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Quote
Claus Johannessen, Senior Project Leader, PLHIt is a pleasure to collaborate with the University of Copenhagen and its future users. With respect for the buildings’ architecture, we have created a contemporary and functional design that provides the framework for high-end research in a positive and inspiring working environment.
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