National Bank of Denmark - Renovations

The relationship between Dissing+Weitling and Denmark’s National Bank dates back to 1961, when Arne Jacobsen won an invited competition to design the National Bank complex. The first phase of the project was inaugurated shortly before his death in 1971, after which Dissing+Weitling completed the following two phases.
 
The studio has designed and overseen the construction of many renovations and additions to the National Bank, including an extensive renovation and expansion of the bank's roof terrace, employee dining lounge, and kitchen. 
 
The challenge here was to create a strong identity for the space, while integrating the design harmoniously within the existing architecture.  Dissing+Weitling developed a scheme characterized by a high degree of refined detailing, emphasizing the project’s restrained architecture and clear functionality.
 
The glass staircase highlights this design strategy.  The stair, which functions as a floating transitional element between new and old, was developed in close collaboration with the engineers and fabricators.