Curious about Aarhus’ skyline? Look up. See those five imposing concrete structures? These are De Fem Søstre. They stand as silent witnesses to Aarhus’ industrial past.
De Fem Søstre translates to The Five Sisters. This silo complex is an industrial heritage site. It is located on Mellemarmen in Aarhus harbor. The silos marked a shift from manual labor to mechanized work. This happened during the second industrial revolution in the early 20th century. They show the connection between agriculture, industry, and transport in the city.
Back in the 1800s grain storage was hard work. Grain was kept loose or in sacks. This was in warehouses or attics. It was labor-intensive and physically demanding. There was a high risk of products rotting or catching fire. With increasing cargo, a modern solution was needed.
In 1898, the farmer’s cooperative Jysk Andelsfoderstofforretning or JAF was founded. Its headquarters were in Aarhus. It managed and sold agricultural products. The company grew to be one of the largest. It opened trade hubs across the country.
In 1927, the silo complex was built in the south harbor. Architect Hjalmar Kjær designed it. The new structure changed labor. Electrical engines and elevators replaced physical labor. Initially, the silos held 12,000 cubic meters of oilseed. They also held 13,800 cubic meters of grain. The lifting systems moved 120 metric tons per hour.
Building the silos as one structure helped aerate the grain. It could be moved between silos using electric elevators and vacuums. Elevators loaded and unloaded cargo ships. Coal unloading was also mechanized. This system greatly reduced the port’s workforce.
Productivity benefits became clear fast. Ships grew in size. They could handle more cargo. De Fem Søstre came first. Other complexes soon followed. In 1969, JAF merged with other companies. This formed Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab or DLG. DLG still owned the silo complex in the 2010s.
Initially, De Fem Søstre wasn’t popular. People disliked its size and industrial look. Since the 1500s, the cathedral had dominated the skyline. The tall silos were seen as an eyesore. However, some architects saw them as inspiration. They inspired later industrial and functionalist architecture.
De Fem Søstre was designed by Hjalmar Kjær and engineer Jørgen Christensen. It was the largest silo complex in the Nordic countries when finished. It replaced old storehouses with advanced technology. The complex has five silos and a two-story warehouse. They are made of white painted reinforced concrete. The facades are smooth and lack decoration.
De Fem Søstre marks the start of industrial functionalist architecture in Denmark. It also has neoclassical elements. The name “De Fem Søstre” comes from dividing the silos into five parts. This was inspired by Amsterdam’s gabled canal houses. It combines modern engineering with historical architectural touches. It stands as a unique structure from the 1920s functionalist era.
So, next time you see De Fem Søstre remember their story. They are more than just silos. They are a symbol of Aarhus’ industrial evolution. They show how the city embraced progress. They also echo the architectural styles of the past.