Unique architectural design set to inspire new generations of Danish artisans

In October, the College of Crafts designed by Tenderstream member Dorte Mandrup opened its doors to students after two and a half years of construction. On 5th November, the architecturally significant and complex building was formally inaugurated by the Foundation for Craft Colleges. As a home to young apprentices from various trades, the dormitory is the second in a series of three ambitious buildings that will offer a completely new kind of social and professional framework for young people engaged in vocational programmes.

The college is next door to Herningsholm Vocational College, for which Tenderstream first published the tender here, in 2013, and is part of the vision to establish a "Skills City" campus area that brings together a wide range of education and social offers. Director of the Foundation for Craft Colleges, Anne Sophie Madsen, explains: "The College of Crafts is much more than just a roof over your head. For us, it's about creating a vibrant and inspiring youth environment where young craftsmen can reflect on each other, share experiences and have a community that strengthens both their professional skills and the entire social dimension during their apprenticeship.”

The building is designed to withstand use and change for many years to come. Attention is given to natural, robust, and reliable materials rooted in different crafts traditions – carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and paving. The overall design comprises of a timber construction with the wood left exposed, creating attractive, warm surfaces. Other materials include recycled bricks, along with slate, which has been used in Denmark since the 16th century.

Dorte Mandrup states: “Good craftsmanship nurtures good architecture. The crafts college is an opportunity to not only cultivate a common profession, but to strengthen the respect of the crafts traditions and create an inspiring environment where young people can form a strong community around their crafts, learn from each other, and develop their talent. It is important to us, that the building have its own unique identity and a resilient, flexible design that beautifully illustrates what different crafts traditions can create together.” 

Lucy Nordberg

Tenderstream Head of Research

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