Gigantium urban space in Aalborg

Location Aalborg, Denmark

Client / operator Aalborg Municipality

Landscape architects JAJA Architects ApS DK – 2200 Copenhagen www.jaja.archi

Author Jens Christiansen Photos Rasmus Hjortshøj / Coast Studio Official opening 2021

THE RED CARPET

GIGANTIUM URBAN SPACE IN AALBORG

Assigned to transform a former loading area into a new plaza, the vision has been to create an urban space where sports and cultural life inside Gigantium – Aalborg’s biggest sports and culture centre – are carried further out to the outdoor space. Shades of red and white playful streaks lead people from the street into the square and give identity to the concrete elements.

Located in front of a green field with grazing sheep and a local bicycle route, the new red plaza makes a great contrast to the surrounding area. The “red carpet” guides visitors to the urban plaza, inviting them to stop by, hang out, or play. Many shapes of rouge divide the forecourt into different sections along with playful white lines. When following the lines, people are met by different rails, plateaus, steps, graphics, and greenery inviting them to sports, games, and accommodation. The different expressions are all tied together, creating an exciting entrance that establish Gigantium as a place for sports and entertainment.

Three-dimensional graphics Designed for different types of creative games, the dynamic graphics created by Danish design studio Rama Studio give life to the concrete space. Sketched with a simple white line, the circles, stripes, letters, and smileys all serve as training elements, wayfinding, and vibrant decorations. The graphics cover the different pavements and facades ending in three-dimensional shapes to form the fitness bars and rails and the plateau landscape. PlusBus Stop The new urban space is a part of the new “PlusBus” program in Aalborg Municipality. Plusbus is a bus rapid transit which is a high-class bus connection. This new, environmentally friendly bus connection creates greater coherence between transport and urban development. A part of the assignment was to emphasize Gigantium as a “PlusBus” stop destination by creating an exciting stop that invites passengers to the sports centre.