Pulsen Community Center / Competition Entry by HAO

HAO / Holm Architecture Office has shared with us their competition entry for the Pulsen Community Center in Balling, Denmark (recently on Bustler). The concept was designed by HAO in collaboration with Niklas Thormark, Will Kempler and Tobias Lindqvist-Ottosson. HAO is directed by Jens Holm, a Danish-born architect based in New York. Holm has led projects at the Office of Metropolitan Architecture and Rockwell Group, and collaborated with the artist Lars Arrhenius on installations in Europe.

Project Description from the Architects:

The Pulsen Community Center unites an array of health and sports-oriented facilities under one roof. A combination of baths, fitness areas, doctors’ offices and community gathering spaces, the design creates a unique new building type that aims to promote interaction and creativity among the citizens of Balling.    

The Pulsen is designed around a central space that allows for entry from two main access points, connecting the existing pedestrian routes in the area. This new hub serves as an informal living room for the city and connects directly to all the building facilities.    

An outdoor park surrounds and interacts with the complex, offering fields and venues for both winter and summer sports. Inside, a multi-purpose hall serves as a site for performances and classes, making the Pulsen a new pivot point for engagement in the city of Balling.    

“With Pulsen we propose a building whose components mimic the idea of the traditional town square. A central gathering space connects all aspects of the building, maximizing interaction of people and ideas.” Jens Holm, Founder, HAO/Holm Architecture Office

Project Details:

Name: Pulsen Community Center    
Location:  Balling, Denmark    
Program: Community, health and sports facilities    
Project Type: Competition    
Size: 3500 square meters building, 20,000 square meters  landscape and sports park    
Client: City of Balling    
Team: Jens Holm, HAO / Holm Architecture Office;  Niklas Thormark; Will Kemper; Tobias Lindqvist-Ottosson.

Check also the image gallery below for concept diagrams.