The CopenHill project, located in Copenhagen and designed by the architectural firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), was completed in 2017. Known also as Amager Bakke, this facility is not just a waste-to-energy plant but an innovative example of integrating industrial infrastructure with public space. The project’s concept was to combine the functionality of a waste incineration plant with recreational areas for the city.
CopenHill stands out for its green facade and sloping roof, which hosts a year-round ski slope. This aspect of the project reflects BIG’s approach to sustainability and creative use of urban spaces. The roof, covered with synthetic grass, is designed to offer citizens an unusual sporting experience, transforming a typically isolated infrastructure into a meeting and leisure point. Even for skiing!
Architecturally, the building is characterized by a simple yet powerful design, with a perforated aluminum facade that allows smoke to escape through a series of openings. This element, besides serving a practical function, adds a distinctive aesthetic touch to the structure, creating a play of light and shadow that changes with the sun’s angle.
CopenHill represents a bold example of how architecture can challenge conventions and propose new solutions for the use of urban spaces. BIG’s ability to combine aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in a single project demonstrates the ongoing evolution of architecture’s role in contemporary society.
