Student Work

Course Description

HJEM

Students: Eleanor Lewis and Madeline Wettstein
Studio: ARCH 506 — Peter Cohan — Autumn 2024
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

Project Description

Hjem explores how office architecture can move beyond efficiency to cultivate human connection and comfort. After two weeks of site analysis in Copenhagen, students returned to Seattle to design an office extension for Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter that responds to both place and people. At its heart is a central courtyard, envisioned as a gathering space where natural light, fresh air, and social exchange intersect.

Hjem Model and Figure Ground Map.

The design emphasizes the sensory qualities of materials and space. Warm wood tones, textured surfaces, and daylight-filled interiors create an environment that feels both welcoming and restorative. Offices and work areas are arranged around the courtyard, ensuring that every space maintains a visual and physical link to the outdoors. The layout encourages collaboration while also offering quiet corners for reflection and focus.

Hjem Structure Diagram.

By blending material warmth with thoughtful spatial organization, Hjem shows how an office can nurture well-being as much as productivity. In a city known for its design culture, this project demonstrates how architecture can honor tradition while pushing toward a more human-centered workplace.

Hjem Courtyard Render.

 

Images from HJEM.