Discover Why BIG's Amager Bakke is the Ultimate Architectural Marvel of 2018

Introduction

We continue our 21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings series with BIG's ski-jump-topped power plant, Amager Bakke, a remarkable fusion of sustainability and leisure.

Unique Design

The Amager Bakke power station stands as a one-of-a-kind architectural feat, a blend of industry and recreation that embodies the sustainable hedonism philosophy of BIG and its founder, Bjarke Ingels. As noted by Rowan Moore in the Guardian, it is likely "the best power-station-cum-ski-slope in the world."

Photo by Laurian Ghinitoiu

Functionality and Urban Integration

Amager Bakke, also known as CopenHill, is designed to convert 440,000 tons of waste into clean energy each year while providing an outdoor leisure facility. This ambitious project won a competition to replace the 50-year-old Amagerforbraending facility in 2011, aiming to create a functional and usable part of the city.

Architectural Features

The wedge-shaped building rises 85 meters, making it one of the tallest structures in Copenhagen, and it serves as a landmark promoting the city’s sustainability goals. Ingels emphasizes that CopenHill showcases the cleanest waste-to-energy plant in the world.

Photo by Hufton + Crow

Daily Operations

Daily operations involve 250-300 trucks delivering compostable waste, which is incinerated to generate heat for approximately 150,000 homes in the city. The plant's smoke purification system is among the best in the world, ensuring environmental safety.

Ski Slope and Recreation

In December 2018, the ski slope on the roof was opened, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing in an urban environment. The 400-meter-long slope, designed with SLA architects, features hiking trails and cafes, enhancing the building's role as a community hub.

Photo by Hufton + Crow

Awards and Recognition

Amager Bakke has gained significant acclaim, being named the best building at the World Architecture Festival in 2021 and nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2022. Despite some criticism regarding its size, this architectural marvel continues to draw attention as a symbol of innovative, sustainable design.

Photo by Hufton + Crow