Topping-out at CIS Nordhavn - C.F. Møller
3.11.2015

Topping-out at CIS Nordhavn

Partners, craftsmen and local stakeholders were all present at the construction site in Copenhagen's Nordhavn quarter when the Property Fund for Copenhagen International School celebrated a key milestone in the construction of this innovative new school.
Topping-out at CIS Nordhavn - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller
Topping-out at CIS Nordhavn - C.F. Møller
The construction of the coming new international school in Copenhagen is in full swing. This was celebrated on Monday when the traditional party for all the craftsmen, the topping-out ceremony, was held. "We've had a good dialogue with C.F. Møller on how to approach this project. We're very proud and satisfied with the solution we've achieved," said John Bo Jacobsen, Chairman of the client, the Property Fund for Copenhagen International School, at the topping-out ceremony. "Overall, we'll gain a school that we can be very proud of. Now that we can see the building taking shape – and get a sense of the scale of the school – we can also get an idea of how the building will look. There's no doubt that the façade design is incredibly important for the overall impression," John Bo Jacobsen emphasised. Pieces falling into place Copenhagen International School (CIS) is one of the largest school projects in Denmark and the large school building is divided into four smaller sub-schools that match the children's age groups. This means, for example, that the classrooms for the youngest pupils are larger than usual, since all functions are gathered in and around the premises, with their own outdoor areas, drama/theatre areas, gymnastics area, etc. "On reaching this important milestone, we can first and foremost gain a sense of the great scale of the project. We can also begin to sense the spatial relations and dimensions, the places' character, of what will be a fantastic building at a unique location," said the project's architect and responsible partner, Mads Mandrup Hansen, in his speech at the topping-out ceremony. "As a craftsman, you can view this as a complicated task to solve. You can also take up the challenge and contribute to a high standard of exquisite craftsmanship in the building structures. This is exactly how we see things here at Copenhagen International School," he said. Attracting profiles to a whole new quarter of Copenhagen The new school in Nordhavn will be a defining project in the establishment of the new quarter in Copenhagen. The school is situated on a prominent site and the architectural idea is to give CIS an open appearance that connects the school premises with the public sphere in the urban environment. The promenade outside the school will become an urban portside space providing opportunities for recreation and various activities. "It's very important to Danish business and industry that we as a country can offer an international school of such high quality. It's vital to our competitiveness that people who come from other countries to work here can send their children to school in an international environment that is matched to their specific requirements," said John Bo Jacobsen. "Copenhagen has previously been rejected because there was insufficient provision for international business people's children. This has a negative effect in the business community. CIS will therefore be a clear asset when the knowledge workers of the future are to choose where they wish to live and work." Close cooperation strengthened the process For a project on this scale, it is vital that the cooperation runs smoothly between advisers, contractors, craftsmen and, not least, the client. One reason for the strong cooperation on the construction of CIS is that the many parties work at close quarters to each other at a project office located at the construction site. "This cooperation has been constructive for everyone. Things run more smoothly when we sit side by side, so that the project is created with due account of buildability, aesthetics and the financial aspects," said Bo Jacobsen, Chairman of the Property Fund for Copenhagen International School. "There is a bigger desire for compromises to be made when you can see and interact with each other on a daily basis. This has been a very fine process that we are very satisfied with," said John Bo Jacobsen. Copenhagen International School has facilities for children right from preschool age and is distinguished in particular by how the 25,000-m² façade will be covered with 12,000 solar cell panels, which will cover at least half of the school's annual electricity consumption. The Property Fund for Copenhagen International School is the client for the construction project. C.F. Møller is the turnkey adviser, while Niras is the consulting engineer. The brand-new school will be completed in 2016.

More news

 
Show more news