Fredrik Gyllenhoff

advisor

https://kadk.dk/en/school-architecture

Denmark

Urban planner and architect from Copenhagen, Denmark. more

It is a very well designed proposal for a mixed use building. I am not sure that it would be more "pandemic safe" than many other commercial and residential buildings of its kind. Neither am I sure than it promotes mental health and well-being in particular.

It is designed in a quite tradition way, with some sustainability measures highlighted. Good use of natural lighting and ventilation. I would have liked to see more shading as the huge glass facades would generate lots of heat and reflections.
You write that your philosophy is to bring nature inside the building. I am not sure that you are quite there yet. For example, shading in form of trees and organic structures instead of a huge glass and steel roof. Sky gardens in highrises proposes a lot of problems, when it comes to maintaining them and it looks good on paper but doesn't really work that good. Its usually where you cut your costs first. Adding nature inside a building needs more innovation than traditional square and round planter boxes and some splashing water.

When designing for mental well being, you should consider privacy, enclosed green spaces, nice smells, atmosphere, quiet, a place for meditation and peace. Not a showcase area for cars and general shopping. I miss communal spaces, outdoor cooking, playgrounds that promotes play, interaction and socializing and movement among the people that actually lives there. The "mesmerizing" and "breathtaking" views, in my humble opinion, are very mall-like. I also think the 3 towers should be more integrated into each other, to break the traditional highrise structure and accessibility.

All in all, a well made project, but I feel that your initial ideas have not come through. Very good layout and presentation.