The new home of Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S by Foster + Partners has officially opened in Copenhagen!

Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S has opened its new home in Copenhagen designed by Foster + Partners. The site occupies a pivotal waterfront position alongside the Øresund crossing, just north of Copenhagen International Airport. Bordered by predominantly low-rise development, the building provides incredible views towards Malmö and the Swedish coast – where the company was founded.

From the selection of this extraordinary site to the high aspirations for the building and the role it could play, this project was driven by the vision of our client, Frederik Paulsen. It was an honour to be trusted to design and deliver that vision, creating a new home for the people who are at the heart of this pioneering company. We have enjoyed unwavering support from the client team, the local authorities, and our collaborating designers, particularly our colleagues at Mikkelsen Architects, with whom we have worked hand in hand to realise this unique project.

- Grant Brooker, Head of Studio 

“The new headquarters embodies our company’s core values, reflecting the open and collaborative working style that we have fostered. Our employees are delighted to be working in such a dynamic and generous building - with a truly social heart.”

- Marianne Kock, General Manager, Ferring Pharmaceuticals

The building is designed to be resistant to flooding, with a large plinth acting as the first line of defense. The design also includes robust street furniture and resilient soft landscaping, which can withstand the harsh marine environment. The lightweight glass building 'floats' above the plinth, in contrast to the heavy lower floors. The six stacked floors and roof canopy cantilever out to further capture the surrounding views and generate self-shaded spaces on each floor. This also creates a dynamic atrium space inside the building. The triangular architectural form is a response to the shape of the site, which is surrounded by water on all sides. This unique shape allows for maximum exposure to natural light and stunning views of the water, creating a truly unique and memorable experience for residents and guests.

The internal atrium at the heart of the building is a generous space that includes a wall with views of Sweden, an entrance lobby, a restaurant, and a break-out space, as well as catered conference facilities and space for social events. The edges of the atrium have been designed to be used flexibly, so staff can easily and efficiently reconfigure these spaces by moving seating and tables into different locations. Access to the floors above is via a feature staircase or glass lifts that further animate the atrium space.

We worked with Ferring to develop an in-depth understanding of the way they work. Through observations and targeted interviews, we gained valuable insight into the processes involved in the development of their drugs. In turn, we have designed a building that responds to the company’s specific needs and brings the range of Ferring’s activities under one roof.

- David Kong, Partner, Foster + Partners 

The offices and laboratories are located on the edges of the building so that employees can take advantage of the views and natural light. The more collaborative meeting spaces are located towards the center of the building, overlooking the top-lit atrium and other social spaces. This creates a vibrant core of the building throughout each level.

The building's facade has a strong horizontal emphasis, which is in keeping with the low-rise urban fabric of the surrounding area. The technical plant and building cores are incorporated into the cantilevered roof form, giving it a sleek profile. The geometry of the atrium roof is a form-found, glazed gridshell dome, which reflects the forces acting upon it and allows for thin, lightweight structural members. Daylight streams into the interior spaces, creating an uplifting, light-filled workplace. Each triple-glazed panel has been cold bent to create the building's striking glass dome.