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/// DESIGN STORIES / Interview with Søren Øllgaard

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NATURE

SØREN ØLLGAARD
HENNING LARSEN ARCHITECTS
COPENHAGEN (DENMARK)

THE DANISH ARCHITECT WITH A SOFT SPOT
FOR FRANCE TELLS OF HIS DEEP LOVE OF
ARCHITECTURE AND THE INSPIRATION HE
DRAWS FROM THE NATURAL WORLD.

12 What is the philosophy behind your agency?
Søren Øllgaard: Henning Larsen has a very inclusive
approach, based on a thorough understanding of
the purpose of the project: who is it for, what is
it for… form is important, but our main priority is
how well we integrate our projects to optimize the
interior living space as well as the surrounding area.

Can you describe the creative process you go through
when starting a project?
S. Ø.: I am always inspired by nature. The way the
sun and the wind move. Climate change, and how
it affects the human environment. At the start
of each project, I want to make sure that what
we produce can perform and hold it’s own in the
real world. So, we have to think esthetically and
scientifically! Architecture brings the two together.

You were behind the project for the MEL (European
Metropolis of Lille) headquarters. What effect did this
project have on the surrounding area?
S. Ø.: The aim was to link Lille’s business district,
where all the iconic commercial buildings are, to the
rest of its urban surroundings. Once again, the main
challenge was creating a connection. The space was
created from, and influenced by, it’s surroundings.
These buildings will become natural connectors,
bringing strong, intuitive synergies to the people who
will be using them.