Dutch designer Gerard de Hoop recently has created FRAMES book shelf.

Almost every book has a different format, but are usually on the same shelf. This book gives each book its own space.The bookcase consists of five layers of plywood. The frames have different sizes and different depths.
On request, a collection of books for each unique composition are determined.
Dimensions: 180 x 100cm, different sizes and different veneers are possible.

Gerard de Hoop‘s work is characterized by simplicity and a taut interplay of lines with a great deal of attention to functionality.

FRAMES Book Shelf, image courtesy Gerard de Hoop

FRAMES Book Shelf, image courtesy Gerard de Hoop

FRAMES Book Shelf (wall version), image courtesy Gerard de Hoop

FRAMES Book Shelf (wall version), image courtesy Gerard de Hoop

The Metropol Parasol was designed by Architect, J. MAYER H., with engineering consulting from Arup.

The Metropol Parasol is one of the largest wooden structures in the world and was completed in April 2011. It has become a new centre for Seville.

Arup‘s positive influence on the world is explored in a film about Metropol Parasol that shows the impact of Arup’s projects on the communities in which they exist.

The Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain, is an impressive and magnificent structure that sits dominantly in the Plaza De La Encarnacion. What had always been a simple market square has now been transformed into ‘A New Centre of Seville‘.

KPMG, image courtesy 3XN Architects | Photo by Adam M¢rk

An Expression of Subtle Strength for KPMG's Danish HQ

A balance between a thoughtful blending into the surrounding scale and an elegant, yet significant expression has been the driving thought behind Danish practice 3XN's design of the new Copenhagen Headquarters for accountancy and consultancy firm, KPMG. The company is certain that their new building gives them the right settings and environment to achieve future growth.

KPMG, image courtesy 3XN Architects | Photo by Adam M¢rk

Local Considerations
The KPMG Headquarters located in Copenhagen's upscale district of Frederiksberg, has been designed with the goal of fitting into the local setting as a good neighbor. The architects therefore, approached the challenge by designing a building that in spite of its significant size, elegantly adjusts to the surrounding scale. The cloverleaf shape and the light natural stone façade blend in smoothly with the adjacent residential and office buildings.

KPMG, image courtesy 3XN Architects | Photo by Adam M¢rk

A good urban environment is created through a mix of housing, business and institutions – and then through considerate architecture that pays attention to the surrounding buildings and environment. Thus, we decided to design a building which had characteristics of subtle strength, yet not overly showy or ostentatious, explains architect and CEO of 3XN, Bo Boje Larsen.

KPMG, image courtesy 3XN Architects | Photo by Adam M¢rk

Return on Design
Inside, the cloverleaf shaped design results in three light atriums, each one being the focal point for the surrounding open office spaces. The atriums are stylistically similar, but not identical, making orientation logical and easy. Footbridges across the atriums are not only aesthetically playful, but also are the quickest route through the building. The logistics have been thoroughly planned to achieve KPMG's goals for greater collaboration between the different departments.

We have been very aware of the added value that great architecture creates for a business. Therefore the building has been designed in close collaboration with 3XN Architects. The result is a building that frames the corporate culture of KPMG and gives us a better foundation for accomplishing our business goals, explains Director, and Project Manager from KPMG, Søren Sønderholm.

KPMG, image courtesy 3XN Architects | Photo by Adam M¢rk

Inviting, yet Discrete
Confidentiality is important for the clients of KPMG and that requires architecture which builds in discretion and security, while still retaining an atmosphere which is inviting. At the ground level this challenge has been met by a metallic green installation dispersing itself like an inner landscape. These installations are in fact cleverly concealed meeting rooms offering the utmost in discretion, while the exterior landscape is used for the reception and café. Specially commissioned artwork has been etched on the glass walls as a translucent shield to the meeting rooms, and other custom pieces of artwork are evident throughout the rest of the building. Indeed, even in basement parking, colourful photo art gives guests and employees a cheerful welcome as a pre-cursor to the special ambience and architecture of the building.

KPMG, image courtesy 3XN Architects | Photo by Adam M¢rk

+ Project Facts

Architect: 3XN Architects | http://www.3xn.dk
Client: KPMG
Type: Office and commercial
KPMG takes over 2/3 of the building, while the remaining 1/3 is rented. The ground floor has commercial spaces.
Size: 35.000m2 (33.500 m2 office, 1.300 m2 commercial space, 22.000 m2 parking)
Floors: 6
Interior Design: 3XN Architects
Landscape Design: Henrik Jørgensen
Engineer: MT Højgaard
Art Consultants: In Situ
Photographer: Adam M¢rk

KPMG - Site plan, drawing courtesy 3XN Architects

KPMG - Section, drawing courtesy 3XN Architects

+ Sustainability in KPMG

Energy: The annual energy consumption is max 68 kWh pr. m2, which is way below the regulations in the Danish building code of an energy consumption of max 90 kWh pr. m2. The building is registered for the European GreenBuilding program, which works to promote energy efficiency in corporate buildings. KPMG has also made a five year agreement with energy supplier Dong about purchase of "green" electricity.

Lighting: The luminous intensity changes according to daylight and movement. The use of different coulrs of lighting ensures comfort and safety.

Heat and Ventilation: Glass and angles in the façade, automatic façade curtains, and a larger window façade towards the North than towards the south ensure that heat is let out and light is let in. The level of co2 in the air controls the ventilation.
Transport: Roofed bicycle parking with room for 700 bicycles. New bicycle path with bridge over the metro tracks. There are chargers for electric cars in the basement.

Rain water: is recycled for watering the park, which is constructed to contain the water and not lead it directly to the sewer.

+ All images and drawings courtesy 3XN Architects | Photo by Adam M¢rk