Ferring Pharmaceuticals Headquarters by Foster + Partners – Copenhagen, Denmark

Prime Waterfront Location

Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ headquarters in Copenhagen occupies a pivotal waterfront site along the Øresund crossing, just north of Copenhagen International Airport. Surrounded by predominantly low-rise development, the building offers panoramic views toward Malmö and the Swedish coast, reflecting the company’s origins in Sweden. The triangular form of the building responds directly to the site, which is surrounded by water on all sides.

Resilient and Sustainable Base Design

The building rests on a large plinth, designed as a first line of defense against potential floods. Surrounding the structure, resilient soft landscaping and robust street furniture respond to the harsh marine environment. Above the heavy base, a lightweight glass structure appears to float, creating a striking contrast that emphasizes both strength and transparency.

Cantilevered Floors and Roof Canopy

The headquarters features six stacked floors, with a cantilevered roof canopy designed to capture uninterrupted waterfront views while providing self-shaded spaces on each level. These terraces enhance natural daylighting, improve energy efficiency, and create a healthy, uplifting work environment.

Atrium: The Heart of Collaboration

At the center of the building lies a generous top-lit atrium, housing:

• A welcoming entrance lobby
• Restaurant and break-out spaces
• Flexible conference and social event areas

The atrium promotes adaptability, with movable furniture allowing staff to reconfigure the space for collaborative work or events. Access to upper levels is provided via a feature staircase and glass lifts, animating the atrium and enhancing connectivity.

Offices and Collaborative Spaces

• Offices and laboratories are located along the edges to maximize views and natural light, supporting quiet, focused work.
• Collaborative meeting zones are positioned toward the atrium, creating a vibrant central core that encourages interaction and team engagement.

This design balances individual productivity with collaborative efficiency, fostering a dynamic workplace culture.

Striking Façade and Glazed Roof

The façade features a strong horizontal emphasis, harmonizing with the surrounding low-rise fabric. The cantilevered roof accommodates technical plants and cores, giving the building a sleek profile.

The atrium roof is a form-found glazed gridshell dome, reflecting structural forces and allowing thin, lightweight structural members. Each triple-glazed panel is cold-bent, creating a visually stunning glass dome that floods interior spaces with natural daylight.

Architectural Significance

Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ headquarters exemplifies innovative corporate architecture that merges functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsiveness. The building embodies sustainable design principles, waterfront resilience, and human-centric workplace planning, making it a landmark example of modern Scandinavian office architecture.

All Photographs are works of Nigel Young