Innovative Design in Architecture: 8 House, Copenhagen

A view of 8 house from above.

8 House in Copenhagen is an incredibly intriguing concept of sustainably mixing suburban and urban life, a concept which I believe will become increasingly attractive.  This building complex creates a full neighbourhood in one city block with an innovative design in the shape of a number 8.  Starting at ground level, the building height rises as it twists forming the number 8 before lowering back to ground level at the southwest corner.  This height variation creates amazing views over the Copenhagen Canal. 

A view from the center shows the different uses incorporated in the building design.

While the design is definitely visually stimulating, the idea behind the design to create a neighbourhood incorporating the best of the suburban and urban lifestyles is even more inspiring.   8 House is a mixed-use building, with offices, parks, retail and three types of residences providing nearly 500 homes.  Rather than zoning into sections, these uses are spread out horizontally throughout the building to create a thoroughly mixed environment.   But what I love most is the continuous pedestrian and bicycle zone that extends from ground level to the top of the building.

Habitat 67, designed by architect Moshe Safdie. 

Canada has its own sustainable, urban-inspired building complex: Habitat 67 in Montreal.  Habitat was designed by Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, creating nearly 150 residences with concrete blocks stacked in what looks like a haphazard pattern to a height of twelve stories.  The idea behind the design was to provide every residence with green space, fresh air and privacy within realistic limits of an urban space – a combination of suburban and urban environments.  In 1967, when sustainable building and living weren’t household concepts, this was a building beyond its time.  8 House reminds me of a new version of Habitat, with the design adjusted to the new century.