Pier 4

Location: Århus, Denmark
Client: Municipality of Århus
Team: Stig L. Andersson, Thomas Kock, Salka Kudsk, Cecile Milsted Lind, Michelle Nielsen-Dharmaratne
Collaborators: Babcock & Brown, Wind Ejendomme, CSE Erhverv, Fosters + Partners, Dissing + Weitling, Årstidernes Arkitekter, ABT Consulting Engineers, Søren Jensen Consultant Engineers
Design phase: 2006
Area: 2,2 ha.

To live or work in, or to visit Pier 4 should be a special experience you can not get in other parts of Aarhus – an experience of life close to the coast where you meet nature and landscape elements that change from day to day and at different times of the day and night.

The simple and easily accessible urban landscape reflects the changing nature and robustness of the sea and encourages activity. The surfacing consists of triangular elements that form different levels and crystal-like edges that inspire play and urban sport or they can be used to sit on. By rocking the triangles in relation to each other you create a variety of spaces.

In the middle of the island the surface falls down towards the water surface like the rocks by the Swedish coast. You can come right down to the water and sun bathe, have a picnic, relax and follow the life on the quay. Here you can also experience the dramatic changes in the water level as the tide changes from flood to ebb.

Café life, urban sport and relaxing takes place directly on the crystalline concrete floor between the planted zones. Where there is a desire for sports areas or other urban activities a special surface is installed. In the shelter of the planting or under the crowns of the trees activities that require concentration can take place. There is space for a rest or for children who can draw with chalk in the warm afternoon sun.