
Two people inside a modified shipping container, part of an exhibition setup, with visible interior lighting and display elements.
Story
Reimagining History through Material and Craft The Børsen restoration in Copenhagen offers a unique glimpse into the meticulous process of reviving a historic landmark. The exhibition, crafted by JAC Studios, is housed in a series of 15 interconnected containers elevated to provide panoramic views of the active construction site. This innovative setup allows visitors to engage directly with the ongoing restoration, where the building itself becomes a central exhibit. Materiality is at the heart of the exhibition, with each container cut and adapted to create integrated spaces for models, objects, and interpretive content. Steel from the containers forms displays for architectural models, while bespoke furniture incorporates fragments salvaged from the fire, offering a tactile connection to the building's past. The exhibition showcases the original material palette of brick, sandstone, copper, and timber, each requiring specialized restoration techniques. Visitors encounter the building's material history through elements like the 1:70 scale model of Børsen, displayed on corrugated steel plates, and salvaged objects such as the ear from a spiraling dragon sculpture. The exhibition also features a 130-meter hand-drawn site cover, a layered collage that narrates Børsen's rich history through textures and frottages taken from the original façade.
## Design Highlights
Elevated containers provide panoramic views of the construction site. Integrated spaces for models and interpretive content within the containers. Exposed steel displays and bespoke furniture using salvaged materials. Reuse of 40% of original bricks and restoration of sandstone sculptures. Hand-drawn site cover illustrating Børsen's historical narrative.
## Key Facts
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Architect | JAC Studios |
| Client | Dansk Erhverv |
| Materials | Brick, Sandstone, Copper, Timber |
| Exhibition | 15 Interconnected Containers |
Technical Summary
Finishes
- Interior: Exposed steel from shipping containers forms displays for architectural models and drawings.
- Furniture: Bespoke furniture incorporates fragments recovered from the fire, combined with solid oak elements.
Materials
- Brick — Reused in the reconstruction of the Børsen building.
- Sandstone — Used for sculptures and furniture elements.
- Copper — Part of the original material palette for restoration.
- Timber — Used in seating elements and furniture.
Construction / Systems
- Facade: Restoration of original sandstone sculptures and brickwork.
- Structural: Use of shipping containers as exhibition spaces and structural elements.
Products
- Not specified
Palette / Lighting
- Colors: Not specified
- Lighting: Interior lighting within the exhibition spaces is visible, providing an industrial and informative mood.
Similar projects
Home Wilhelminalaan
Studio Modijefsky
A historic early 20th-century home on the Rijn is reimagined by Studio Modijefsky with warm materials and new social and wellness programs while preserving char…
Collège des Parcs Extension
STOA
The Collège des Parcs in Neuchâtel seamlessly integrates contemporary design with historical architecture, featuring a symmetrical plan and innovative outdoor s…
Framing the Alps: A Modern Chalet Transformation
Chevallier Architectes
A striking renovation in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc where expansive glazing and modern materials redefine a historic alpine chalet, connecting two generations of archi…
A Contemporary Ode to Historical Geometry
COSA
The Cher CCI Campus in Bourges is a masterful blend of historical homage and modern bioclimatic architecture, designed by COSA.
Home Wilhelminalaan
Studio Modijefsky
Home Wilhelminalaan, a historic Dutch residence, is reimagined by Studio Modijefsky, blending early 20th-century charm with modern luxury along the Rijn.
A Seamless Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
Lucy Clemenger Architects
A Federation house in St Kilda West undergoes a transformative renovation, blending heritage charm with contemporary coastal aesthetics.
Projects by the architect
View JAC StudiosNo other projects found for this architect yet.





