Gigantium Urban Space

Assigned totransform a former loading area into a new plaza, our vision has been to createan urban space where sports and cultural life inside Gigantium – Aalborg’sbiggest sports- and culture center – are carried further out to the outdoorspace. Shades of red and white playful streaks lead people from the street intothe square and give identity to the concrete elements. Located infront of a green field with grazing sheep and a local bicycle route, the newred plaza makes a great contrast to the surrounding area. The redcarpetguidesvisitors to the urban plaza, inviting them to stop by, hang out, or play. Manyshapes of rouge divide the forecourt into different sections along with playfulwhite lines. Whenfollowing the lines, people are met by different rails, plateaus, steps, graphics,and greenery inviting them to sports, games, or just taking a break. Thedifferent expressions are all tied together, creating an exciting entrance thatestablish Gigantium as a place for sports and entertainment. Designedfor different types of creative games,thedynamicgraphicscreated by Danishdesign studio Rama Studio gives life to the concrete space. Sketchedwith a simple white line, the circles, stripes, letters, and smileys all serveas training elements, wayfinding, and vibrant decorations. The graphics cover the differentpavements and facades ending in three-dimensional shapes to form the fitnessbars and rails and the plateau landscape. The new urbanspace is a part of the new‘Plusbus’ program in Aalborg Municipality, a new,environmentally friendly bus connection that creates greater coherence betweentransport and urban development. A part of the assignment was to emphasize Gigantiumas a ‘PlusBus’ stopdestination by creating anexcitingstop that invitespassengers to the sports center. Plusbus is a BRT – Bus Rapid Transit – whichis a high-class bus connection. FACTS Architects:JAJA Architects Program: Urban Space Size: +3500 m2 Location: Aalborg, Denmark Client: Aalborg Municipality Type: Invited competition, 1. Place Graphics: Rama Studio Role: Main architectural and landscape advisor Status: Built 2021 Team JAJA: Kathrin Gimmel, Jakob Christensen, Jan Tanaka, Thilde Bjørkskov, Aliciade Nobrega PHOTOCREDITS: Rasmus Hjortshøj/Coast Studio