AIP Management HQ

Our architects and experts in transformation and interior design have focused on preserving significant details such as columns and the beautiful granite bands of the facade, alongside an emphasis on optimising the indoor climate, good acoustics, quality materials, and flexible work zones.

The five-storey building has undergone many transformations throughout its long life, featuring international style and red brick. Most recently, the facade on the ground floor has been renewed, the roof terrace and the first to fourth floors have been renovated, and the existing courtyard has been expanded. All of this is with the aim of creating modern and contemporary rental spaces behind the building’s familiar and well-preserved facade. The property operated as a department store until 1971 and has since been used for educational purposes, with associated group facilities for Copenhagen Business College, Niels Brock, alongside various retail operations on the ground floor.

Gentle transformation

Located in the heart of Copenhagen, the starting point for the transformation has been to preserve the building’s facade by retaining the original column motifs and details from the former department store. In contrast to the preservation of the outer facade, the offices on the first to fourth floors have undergone a complete renovation, which includes replacing the existing arched windows on the first floor with new wooden windows that create a connection between the ground and first floors. The existing windows facing the street have been preserved but painted in the same colour as the new facade sections on the ground and first floors, to create coherence between the courtyard and street-facing facades.

The main task for the property has been conducted with an idea of modernisation, while also respecting the building’s soul through its familiar facade and architectural style. Renovation of the existing roof terrace is also part of the project, from which employees and visitors can enjoy views over Copenhagen’s streets and historical attractions. The existing courtyard area has also been raised and expanded to create attractive retail space on the ground floor.

Behind the walls, Sweco’s Spatial Planning team is responsible for the design of the property’s four floors. The design concept is based partly on highlighting the building’s original details, which is reflected in the expression and atmosphere of the office. The colour palette and selected furnishings contribute to creating an inviting workplace where spaces and zones merge, and there is coherence between the property’s external and internal expressions. The office’s large curved corners and glass sections draw inspiration from the property’s distinctive tower, while the colours of the building, such as the red of the external brickwork and the iconic green copper on the roof, are manifested indoors. For instance, the original columns have been preserved and painted dark burgundy, and the flooring upon arrival and the textiles such as curtains and the furniture echo the roof’s green copper colour.

The brickwork is visible in several places, and Sweco has designed plastered walls that emphasise the building’s original construction, thereby continuing the history that the property is a part of.

The interior of AIP’s headquarters is characterised by a classic and muted expression and colour scheme that reflects and matches the AIP brand and the property itself. It has been possible to create an exclusive office environment through the use of carefully selected furniture and fittings, with up to 30% of the furnishings being reused. Sweco has also designed various tailormade fittings for the building.

The interior features both enclosed offices and open-plan areas. On the first floor, a meeting centre has been established with rooms for both internal and external use. There has been a focus on adjustable lighting that supports different moods and provides the right level of illumination for work and meeting rooms. In all offices, there are also wall or desk lamps that can be adjusted to create a mellow atmosphere.

In cooperation with JL Engineering, Jan P. Stokholm, Lintrup & Norgart A/S og RevCo Property Development

Ensuring sustainable development while respecting cultural heritage

Sweco offers expertise in transformation architecture by blending historical preservation with modern design.

With a multidisciplinary team, Sweco can provide tailored solutions that balance functional requirements with the unique characteristics of each site, fostering a respectful relationship between existing structures and new developments.

Read more about Sweco’s offer within transformation architecture.