From Ashes to Icon: The Revival of Denmark’s K.B. Hall

Once a cultural beacon for Copenhagen, the legendary K.B. Hall was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2011. Eight years later, in 2019, Christensen & Co. Architects brought the venue back to life with a striking reinterpretation that honors its history while embracing the future.

The new design is anchored by three architectural principles: the Gable, the Disk, and the Arch. A glazed gable opens the hall to the city, creating a fluid connection between street life and performance space. The Disk, clad in more than 500 handmade white tiles, reflects light in playful, shifting patterns, while glimpses through its small square windows connect the interior lounges with the urban landscape. Above it all, the great Arch restores the iconic silhouette of the original hall, updated with modern acoustics and technical infrastructure to support concerts and cultural events.

Inside, raw concrete, bamboo paneling, and luminous light installations create a tactile and atmospheric environment, where past and present meet. More than just a venue, the hall has reestablished itself as a social hub for Frederiksberg, with its plaza serving as a lively gathering space and its main arena once again hosting the performances and events.

Images: Mads Frederik, Niels Nygaard, Adam Mørk, Wicona, Christensen & Co.

More architecture inspiration via ArchDaily