Chrystals, Copenhagen
On 16 September 2003 the result of the international urban development competition for the Kroyers Plad quarter in Copenhagen was announced.
The Dutchman Erick van Egeraat came out of the procedings in first place. The jury gave Egeraat the first and only prize for his "masterplan" for the area. The design recommends the quarter be built with variously shaped construction volumes whose basic form brings to mind a traditional house with a gabled roof. The bodies within the building – so-called "chrystals" – are to house the residents of the site. According to the architect they will have marvellous views in all directions. The materials used refer to earthy raw materials: red copper, terracotta, natural stone and rustproof stainless steel give the buildings a reddish colouring. The buildings are intended to stand on a raised platform which lifts them into an exposed position from the lakeside. Commercial space is on, or in, this plate with a connection to the street and an atrium. A café-restaurant on the lakeside rounds off the ensemble. The building is highly reminiscent of the visions of Wenzel Hablik, who always set his crystal castles near to the sea.
