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CONTEMPORARY
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
Proposal by
Dorte Mandrup
Finalist, PHI Contemporary International Architecture Competition
→ See their Strategic Proposal for Stage 1
→ See their Architectural Proposal for Stage 2
Watch their video presentation
Watch their video presentation
"'On the observational side, by far the most important development has been the measurement of fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation by COBE (the Cosmic Background Explorer satellite) and other collaborations. These fluctuations are the fingerprints of creation, tiny initial irregularities in the otherwise smooth and uniform early universe that later grew into galaxies, stars, and all the structures we see around us. Their form agrees with the predictions of the proposal that the universe has no boundaries or edges in the imaginary time direction; but further observations will be necessary to distinguish this proposal from other possible explanations for the fluctuations in the background. However, within a few years we should know whether we can believe that we live in a universe that is completely self-contained and without beginning or end.'
—Steven Hawking / From revised foreword, "A brief history of time"
As you cannot stabilize or freeze, space or objects in time, we propose to create a fluid and changeable connectedness, between spaces, interior and exterior, institution and public, and between the specificity of place to the Global context."
—Dorte Mandrup, an excerpt from their Proposal for PHI Contemporary
ABOUT THE FIRM
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark
Dorte Mandrup is a Danish architecture studio specialised in working with irreplaceable places. It is an exhilarating struggle - a negotiation between place, history, culture, and local identity where the architect is brought in to create new meaning. With an artistic footing and a scientific toolbox, the studio works to highlight what is there and create new relevance, both challenging the place and underlining its inherent qualities. This is innate in every project, whether a transformation, educational space, or cultural centre.
Established in 1999 by Dorte Mandrup, the studio has grown into an internationally renowned firm with a hands-on approach based on deep, contextual analysis and experimental prototyping. The studio employs 75 people from 12 different nationalities. All are driven by a devout belief in the possibilities of contemporary architecture and explorative curiosity insisting on outstanding craftmanship.
Dorte Mandrup designs with a unique sense of place and materiality that creates emotional impact. With a Scandinavian heritage, the studio considers all human scale aspects in their approach. Through significant projects such as the Whale in Norway, the Wadden Sea Centre on the west coast of Denmark, the Icefjord Centre in the Greelandic wilderness and the future Exile Museum at Anhalter Bahnhof in Berlin, the studio demonstrates a unique ability to evoke the identity of fragile places and actively involve the context.
Dorte Mandrup’s work has received wide acclaim – most recently the ICONICS Architect of the Year award, the AZ Award for Environmental Leadership, and the Meyvaert Museum Prize for Sustainability.