Envision a factory transformed. This is Sjakket. It stands as a testament to community and renewal in Copenhagen’s Nordvest neighborhood.
Sjakket began as a factory building. For eight years, it served as a hub for social work. Vulnerable young people from Nørrebro and Nordvest found support here. The project has transformed Sjakket into a local recreational facility. Sjakket continues its vital work in the area.
This rebuilding project is unique. It merges leisure activities and social work. Sjakket’s location is key. It’s in an urban area lacking facilities for children and young people. Several foundations collaborated to enhance the project. They shared their expertise from the beginning.
Eight years prior, Sjakkets Aktivitetscenter acquired the factory. The Egmont Foundation provided assistance. The building needed repair. Sjakket sought funding for renovation.
In 2003, several foundations joined forces. The Health Foundation, Realdania, the Egmont Foundation, and the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities worked together. Their goal was to create facilities extending beyond Sjakket’s everyday use. The foundations contributed their expertise.
Realdania and the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities became sparring partners. They advised the builder. The Danish Foundation influenced the functional layout. They aimed to create a facility for active locals.
The converted factory now hosts sports and recreational activities. These range from workouts and tournaments to music events. Sjakket continues its social work. It provides sports and music activities. Young people gain positive relationships and success experiences. A Thai boxing club remains on the premises. They now have better facilities.
Kvarterløft Nord-Vest plays a vital role. This urban renewal project collaborates with Sjakket. They are developing new activities. A consultant helped launch successful sports projects. This consultant is now involved in the urban renewal of Nordvest.
The factory building spans approximately 1,000 square meters. It features two rounded arches of connected twin buildings. The ground floor includes a 360 square meter activities hall. It boasts high ceilings in the western wing. Six large gates connect the yard to the activities space. This allows for indoor-outdoor activities.
The east wing has a 300 square meter activities room. It’s suitable for martial arts and gymnastics. The ceiling height is lower here. Storage units link the two activity rooms. They can be used for special occasions. The ground floor also has restrooms, changing rooms, and club meeting rooms.
Sjakket’s teaching and social activities are on the first floor of the eastern wing. Classrooms, open spaces, and offices occupy around 270 square meters. The western wing features a 30 square meter club meeting room. A large rooftop terrace serves as a lounge area. A container-like addition on top houses a music studio and rehearsal room. It covers around 65 square meters.
Architecturally, Sjakket is considered high quality. Realdania views the building as preservation-worthy. It is a typical example of 1930s Danish factory buildings. The architectural concepts add new life. They highlight the building’s special qualities.
PLOT Arkitekter renovated the factory. They respected the building’s industrial heritage. The renovation supports Sjakket’s work. It benefits the entire local area.
The building consists of two arched halls. Raw concrete surfaces, columns, beams, brick walls, and steel arches remain. A new music studio sits like a beam between the arches.
The building is divided into two parts. One houses Sjakket’s administration, school, kitchen, Thai boxing hall, and the music studio. The other is a flexible multi-hall. Sjakket, institutions, and local youth use it. The exterior retains its industrial look. The interiors are modern and bright. Original windows have been replaced with laminated glass. The glass wall looks like a giant stained-glass window.
A property foundation will own and operate the building. The board includes representatives of the users.
Sjakket stands as a raw oasis. It is a haven for Copenhagen’s children and youth. Dedicated adults provide support. They offer understanding. Sjakket provides opportunities for young people. It gives them structure for schooling and social life.
Sjakket offers sports and music activities. In collaboration with Copenhagen Municipality, Sjakket has a school project. Young people can complete their 9th and 10th grade exams here. Sjakket also runs Klub 36 in Mjølnerparken. Around 300 children and young people attend each week. Some of the club’s sports activities take place in Sjakket’s new building.