Did you know that KB’s anlæg in Copenhagen boasts a rich history? It’s not just a sports complex. It’s a vibrant hub that has witnessed legendary moments. Think of the original KB Hallen. A stunning example of functionalist architecture. It was one of the first buildings in Denmark to showcase the organic sculptural modernist style. Think Le Corbusier or Arne Jacobsen. It opened in 1938. Europe’s largest private sports facility at the time. King Christian X himself inaugurated it.
The architect Hans Hansen led the project. Christen Ostenfeld a specialist in reinforced concrete was the engineer. Even Poul Henningsen the renowned designer and writer was deeply involved. He designed a special KB lamp for the building. Imagine the elegance. The Pejsesalen an adjacent hall featured a two-story organically shaped fireplace. Walls were adorned with murals by Sikker Hansen depicting athletes and construction workers. A small museum showcased the club’s and the hall’s history.
Tragedy struck in September 2011. Four months after the building was listed. A devastating fire gutted the main hall. The roof collapsed. The interior was completely destroyed. Firefighters managed to save the rear halls. The building’s heritage status initially meant reconstruction. However KB and Frederiksberg municipality preferred not to rebuild it in its original form. COWI the club’s consulting engineering firm deemed the damage too extensive. Reconstruction would need to adhere to modern regulations.
In 2013 the building’s protected status was revoked. The cost of rebuilding according to modern standards proved too high. In February 2015 demolition began. But this wasn’t the end. Reconstruction started in 2017. The new KB Hallen opened in December 2018. Kronprins Frederik performed the opening ceremony. The steel structure used in the reconstruction won the 2019 European Steel Prize. It’s a testament to innovative design.
Today KB’s anlæg stands as a modern multi-arena. It hosts concerts for 4500 people. It holds sporting events for 2500. It welcomes exhibitions trade shows and flea markets. It’s the center of a large complex. Think smaller halls five residential buildings an outdoor swimming pool tennis and football fields. FC København KB’s sister club trains here. KB’s tennis and cricket sections also use the facility. Volleyball and basketball matches were held here. Until 2003 it hosted the Copenhagen Open tennis tournament. Tennis greats like Martina Hingis John McEnroe and Boris Becker played here. KB’s anlæg is more than a building. It’s a legacy. A testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of sport and culture. A truly unforgettable place.