Sjakket Youth Club is situated in Copenhagen’s Nordvest neighborhood, densely populated with old industrial buildings and contemporary housing. In 2004, when BIG and JDS were hired to convert the building, the area was mainly populated by lower income households and immigrant families. BIG decided to refurbish the factory without gentrifying its raw beauty and alienating its original occupants.

Today, Sjakket Youth Club still plays a significant role in the area, giving the neighborhood’s youth a safe space for recreation, education and enjoyment.

The buildings are renovated to incorporate as much of the existing elements as possible with a futuristic and bright overlay. Instead of removing the graffiti, it became a source of inspiration for BIG’s color scheme. Through color, a bridge was built between the generation of graffiti and the generation that is guiding the kids through Sjakket’s activities.

The exterior gables and structural walls of the existing building had to be preserved. Our starting point was to build upon the qualities of the existing factory – the natural light, full interior height, and materiality serving as a backdrop to the various activities.

The main purpose of the refurbishment was to create a place that serves many different functions and age groups, but most importantly could make a positive, bright statement that would serve the area. By listening to the center’s users and leadership as well as surrounding neighbors the focus was set on integration rather than alienation which many immigrant youth feel in their new home.

One of the vaulted spaces is gutted to make room for a vast sports hall, whereas the other accommodates a more intimate program. The vault to the south opens up entirely to the courtyard through three large industrial sized garage doors extending the interior into the urban realm.

A half pipe sun deck is wedged between the two vaults. This raised terrace is in many ways a secret oasis for the kids. Accessed from the
raised terrace is the ‘Ghetto Noise’ sound studio which bridges over the two vaults, like one of many containers which are so ubiquitous in the surrounding harbor landscape of Copenhagen. The studio is the
only architectural addition, as well as a recognizable feature announcing the center’s
presence on the industrial skyline of the neighborhood.