Waterfront Culture Center by Kengo Kuma - Paper Island, Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark – August 12, 2025 – Situated on Copenhagen's Paper Island, the Waterfront Culture Center, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and set to open in 2026, is a 5,000–5,700 m² cultural hub that bridges architecture, landscape, and water.

Redefining Boundaries with Form and Flow

The building’s distinctive profile comprises pyramid- and cone-shaped volumes clad in warm Danish brick. Rather than presenting a formal 'front,' the structure is intentionally multi-directional, welcoming visitors from both the waterfront and the cityscape.

Inside, skylit pools and outdoor thermal baths are nestled beneath these sculptural roofs, with an inverted central cone serving as both the structural and circulation core. This play of solid and void creates dynamic spatial experiences blending light, shadow, and water.

Brick as Sensory Material

Brick is the hero of the façade, its tactile texture and earthy hues evoke Danish craftsmanship and beautifully frame natural light and water reflections. At night, the perforated masonry softly glows, subtly signaling the building’s presence across the harbor.

Integrating Culture, Wellness, and Water

Functionally, the center combines cultural programming with wellness amenities, harbor baths, pools, and fitness spaces, designed to foster public engagement with water, both as environment and experience.

A New Icon for Copenhagen’s Waterfront

When completed, the Waterfront Culture Center will serve as both an architectural statement and a public gathering place, redefining Copenhagen’s relationship with its harbor. By seamlessly integrating cultural, wellness, and recreational functions, the project reinforces the city’s commitment to sustainable, people-focused urban space, ensuring its role as a vibrant landmark for years to come.