Lemvig, Denmark
“We have aimed to create a building that tells the story about climate,” states Jan Ammundsen, Senior Partner, Head of Design, 3XN.
“The building has a rectilinear, stringent expression but forms a wave shape that lends it a distinct and easily decoded identity. The wave tells the story of the site and also refers to the serious challenges we face as a result of climate change.”
Ammundsen and his team at 3XN have designed the new waterfront Klimatorium climate center in Lemvig as a forum for knowledge, education, innovation and development projects within utility services and climate change.
Commissioned by the town council to create this centerpiece, architects 3XN devised a two-storey building that makes a visual statement while keeping to a limited budget and environmental footprint.
The new building is going to support Denmark’s role as an exporter of climate solutions and help establish Lemvig and the Central Denmark Region as a center of climate change adaptation.
With its wooden wave that marks the entrance and creates inviting seating space sheltered from the elements, the new Klimatorium is already an iconic structure in Lemvig.
The motif draws inspiration from Lemvig’s characteristic fishing boats and celebrates the area’s cultural history and local building tradition.
It is a relatively simple two-story structure where the open glass facade of the ground floor makes the wood-clad upper floor appear to be floating in the air.
The glass facade makes the building transparent and inviting and lets passers-by follow the activities inside the building and be encouraged to come inside to explore.
The wavy organic pocket in light wood forms a striking landmark both outside the building and seen from within.
The wooden wave marks the entrance and creates an inviting seating space sheltered from the elements, the new Klimatorium is already an iconic structure in Lemvig.
The material selection is inspired by the nearby boat halls, bringing a raw, rustic expression in wood, concrete and steel that resonates with the local environment.
Klimatorium aims to attract both local residents and tourists as a place where they can visit exhibitions about climate change issues or enjoy a cup of coffee in the café.
The lower floor can be used for exhibitions, conferences, concerts and events of various kinds and has the potential to become a new local meeting place.
The landscape is structured along meteorological isobar lines representing prevailing wind conditions in Lemvig – which sometimes lead to flooding.
This motif interacts with the soft lines of the skater park and forms an intuitive route through the landscape.
The climate wedge is designed to create pleasant, sheltered spaces for recreational use.
The vegetation is based exclusively on local plants that thrive in the coastal environment and require a minimum of care. The climate wedge serves as an outdoor space where the staff of Klimatorium can conducts experiments and provides the city with a new urban space for visitors to the harbor front.
“We are hoping to create a small possibility for them to sit, enjoy the moment, and speak to each other,” continues Ammundsen.
‘It’s a way for the building to give a little bit back to the town.”
Project: Lemvig Klimatorium
Architects: 3XN
Client: Lemvig Town Council
