INCUBA Next,
design: ADEPT, AART Architects
For more than 30 years, the INCUBA research park in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, has served as an important collaboration center for companies. With strong ties to the local university and a focus on supporting small business development, INCUBA brings together the scientific, educational and industrial communities. The recently completed INCUBA Next complex, with nearly 20,000 m² and 18 floors, provides an optimal environment for startups and emerging technology companies, supporting their further development. The project was developed in collaboration between ADEPT and AART Architects.
INCUBA Next skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark.
Photo by Morten Aagaard Krogh © ADEPT
vertical expansion as a response
to spatial needs
With the presence of numerous multinational corporations, IT institutes and a developed community of entrepreneurs and startups, Aarhus has become a key innovation center in Denmark, especially in the IT and technology area. The city offers unique business opportunities for organizations in the technology sector, which also makes it attractive for large multinational corporations to choose the INCUBA research park as a location for their R&D departments.
INCUBA Next skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark - a longitudinal cross-section of the building
© ADEPT
Instead of relocating its headquarters to acquire more office space, INCUBA decided to expand the existing building vertically. This solution allowed INCUBA to maintain strong ties to the local context and provide convenient access to the nearby university. The new building uses a division of the massing into smaller segments, allowing its scale to be better adapted to the surrounding buildings and space. The glazed facade is covered with an openwork structure of light-colored brick, and some side of the skyscraper's massing has a stepped structure.
INCUBA Next skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark - interior with panoramic views of the city
Photo by Morten Aagaard Krogh © ADEPT
public space and ecology in the design
In the first floor design, special attention was paid to creating an open space that harmoniously connects the new development with the existing park areas. Some of these areas have been renovated and transformed to better serve the community. At the front of the building is a common plaza that provides residents and users with a space for relaxation. In addition, the plaza has been equipped with a rainwater management system, which promotes sustainability and improves environmental quality.
INCUBA Next skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark - project model.
© ADEPT
INCUBA Next was designed with both people and the city in mind. Our goal was to create flexible and forward-thinking office spaces where architecture plays a key role in building synergy and community
- explains Martin Krogh,
partner at ADEPT studio
INCUBA Next skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark - longitudinal cross-section of the building
© ADEPT
green space on the roof
The building's upper floors feature rooftop terraces that have been fitted with vegetation. These semi-private areas provide a place for tenants to relax and also offer panoramic views of Aarhus.
INCUBA Next skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark.
Photo by Morten Aagaard Krogh © ADEPT
We aimed to design a building that offers a creative and inspiring environment conducive to growth and innovation. These goals were woven into the architectural concept itself, so that the entire structure reflects the vision of the project.
- Anders Tyrrestrup adds,
partner at the AART office
INCUBA Next skyscraper in Aarhus, Denmark - a plaza has been designed in front of the building
Photo by Morten Aagaard Krogh © ADEPT
flexible space
conducive to collaboration and integration
The building's design focuses on flexibility, allowing the space to easily adapt to the changing needs of today's work environment. INCUBA Next promotes collaboration and interaction between companies and industries by offering not only offices, but also spaces that support integration. The facility includes a restaurant, café, coworking spaces, meeting rooms and event spaces that foster the exchange of ideas and relationship building among users.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of ADEPT studio.