Client:
The University of Copenhagen
Location:
Copenhagen
Photographer:
Rasmus Kongsgaard
Category:
Products used:
Supersonic Wall Panel
Services:
The University of Copenhagen, a cornerstone of Danish academia, embarked on a project to transform two distinct areas within its historic buildings on Nørregade. The first included faculty offices and a teachers’ lounge designed for activity-based working, while the second was housed within the old Zoological Museum, a site rich in cultural and architectural heritage. The challenge was to create a modern workplace with improved acoustic comfort while preserving the unique identity of each setting. Akuart met the challenge with its Supersonic Wall Panel range, seamlessly combining flexibility, thoughtful design, and a deep respect for the building’s history.
The goal was to create a versatile environment that catered to a variety of workstyles and needs. This included offering spaces where individuals could choose how and where to work, whether collaborating in dynamic group settings, unwinding during moments of respite, or concentrating on individual tasks in quiet, focused zones. The design aimed to foster both creativity and productivity by allowing flexibility in how the space could be used throughout the day. To support this diverse functionality, Akuart’s Supersonic Wall Panels were strategically installed to deliver outstanding acoustic performance and cultivate a calm yet dynamic atmosphere, where the acoustics enhanced the overall work experience without compromising the visual or spatial appeal of the surroundings.
“Our goal was to create spaces that balance practicality with a deep respect for the university’s rich history. We wanted to merge modern acoustic solutions with meaningful design elements, crafting an environment where the past and present come together in harmony, each enhancing the other.”
– Margit Schmidt Pedersen, Acoustic Design Advisor at AKUART
Canvases with customised motifs were carefully selected for the wall panels in the hallways. These canvases featured historical illustrations sourced from the university’s extensive archives, offering a visual connection to the institution’s rich heritage.
In addition, detailed maps of Copenhagen were included, highlighting the university’s various buildings scattered across the city and reinforcing the sense of place, as well as the deep-rooted connection between the campus and the urban landscape.
The second area focused on the historic Zoological Museum, built between 1864 and 1870 by Christian Hansen. Initially home to zoological collections and later used for teaching, the building became the administrative offices for the rector and senior management in 2022. In this setting, Akuart needed to improve acoustics without altering the building’s architectural integrity. Supersonic Wall Panels were custom-designed with canvas prints inspired by the museum’s zoological heritage, featuring detailed animal illustrations from old books once housed there.
This project showcases the Supersonic Wall Panel’s ability to create bespoke acoustic solutions that effortlessly combine functionality with a respect for history. Every detail was carefully designed to enhance both purpose and aesthetics, resulting in sound-friendly spaces at The University of Copenhagen that foster creativity and focus, while honoring the university’s rich legacy and dynamic present.
