TEXTILES.ORG
Fabric architecture company, Base Structures, won the bid to design, manufacture and install Denmark’s most extensive tensile fabric project in the country, a multi-facetted fabric facade and walkway metro link for Copenhagen’s flagship shopping centre, Frederiksberg, working alongside FlexCover and main contractor, Hoffmann.
The edgy, geometric design by architect, KHR, comprises fabric slabs at varying angles and planes to form a unique textured fabric wrap. The wrap brings a cohesive visual look to the new shopping centre, which will see the existing building extended by two floors, linked to the metro and the addition of a roof top car park.
Base Structures’ role comprises the design of both the steel and fabric elements as well as the fabrication and installation of all the fabric and fittings.
“There is simply nothing of this scale in terms of designed fabric in Denmark,” said head of projects, Mark Smith. “It’s just not used to date as an architectural material. We hope this will constitute a watershed moment for tensile fabric architecture in Denmark, but either way it’ll be an arresting addition to the Copenhagen landscape.”
To ensure a smooth installation programme, Base has elected to prototype several panels to test and iron out any unforeseen technicalities. A non-working site manager will oversee the works and interfacing with the main contractor will ensure Base Structures complies with local health and safety regulations.
The Frederiksberg Shopping Centre is due to open in autumn 2014.
Founded in 2001, Base Structures is a specialist sub contractor offering a one-stop shop for the design, manufacture and installation of tensile fabric structures. Notable client projects include Up at The O2, Heathrow Terminal 5, London 2012 sporting venues, Eden Project and the Mound Stand at Lords Cricket Ground.