COBE Wins 2012 Nykredit Architecture Prize

Copenhagen-based firm COBE, represented by architect Dan Stubbergaard, is the 2012 winner of Scandinavia's prestigious architecture prize, Nykredit's Architecture Prize of DKK 500,000 (USD 86,000).

Dan Stubbergaard won Nykredit's Motivation Prize in 2007. At that time, the architectural practice had not completed any projects but has since then seen an impressive professional development, leading to a number of prize-winning national and international projects.

In its choice the jury emphasized the fact that COBE spans the full professional spectrum from minor construction and urban space design to strategic planning and research. Currently, COBE is most renowned for the design and realization of the new Nørreport Train Station and is currently detailing the development of the Nordhavn harbor area – one of Scandinavia's largest and most ambitious metropolitan development projects, says the chairman of the prize jury, Mette Kynne Frandsen, Architect and CEO.

The second part of this year's Architecture Prize, Nykredit's Motivation Prize of DKK 100,000 (USD 17,000), goes to Powerhouse Company – a global-Danish practice established in 2005 by Nanne de Ru and Charles Bessard in Rotterdam and Copenhagen, respectively.

The two partners are an example of one of the new global-Danish architectural practices starting to mark its presence on the Danish architectural scene. Powerhouse Company has published and exhibited work internationally, boasting an impressive research portfolio. Powerhouse Company distinguishes itself by paying great attention to every detail, viewing it from all possible aspects of the construction project. Among the most innovative players, these architects are absolutely among the most talented, explains Mette Kynne Frandsen.

In connection with this year's prizes, the Nykredit Foundation has decided to give a special merit award of DKK 50,000 (USD 8,500) to Kent Martinussen, Architect – a Danish architect who has succeeded in putting architecture on the political agenda and been of vital importance to the development of Nordic architectural traditions over the last decade. He has moreover given young architects an opportunity for exposure on the national and international stage.

Through his work as CEO of Danish Architecture Centre, Kent Martinussen has positioned Danish architects internationally, brought focus on architecture as an obvious growth potential for the economy in general and contributed solutions and answers to the multiple challenges of globalization, says Peter Engberg Jensen, Group Chief Executive.

The Danish Minister for Culture, Uffe Elbæk, will present the prizes at a ceremony to be held at Nykredit's headquarters on May 29, at 5 pm.

Previous recipients of Nykredit's Architecture Prize are Cubo Arkitekter (2011), Arkitektkontoret SLA (2010), Tegnestuen Entasis (2009), Arkitektfirmaet CEBRA (2008), and Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter (2007).