Idea Development

The exceptional idea

At Henning Larsen Architects, idea development stretches over all project phases - from the main idea and concept are conceived to the choice of materials is determined, the masterplan is decided and the building is completed. As early in a process as possible, it is essential to identify the ideas out of many, which have the potential to make a difference. 

The process of trying out and assessing ideas in a qualitative frame of reference is just as important as developing the ideas themselves.

Our ideas are influenced by our views on the world, including inherent values regarding building design - the idea of 'the democratic building', the human scale, the importance of daylight and the significance of spaces fostering experiences and community.  

We do not regard the idea as an independent, isolated conception but as a value that should contribute to the world that it is part of.

We do not get one but several ideas and therefore, idea development at Henning Larsen Architects is also about the ability to be open and flexible and about having the courage to leave some options open a long way into the process. We draw on ideas and experience from previous projects and often see projects developing and innovating each other.

In the first project stages, ideas are therefore subject to a 'compression test'. We emphasise the importance of discussing and testing the different - also offbeat - ideas and making them qualified and suited for the project by means of a close dialogue.

User Involvement

Our projects are based on human perspective. By means of focus groups, workshops, in-depth interviews and observations, we get an insight into the users' needs and the reality that the project will provide the framework for early on in the process. Our dialogue with the users helps to qualify ideas and layout and means that everyone contributes to the common process of visualising and outlining the programme.

We put a lot of effort into user involvement and have good experience with supplementing the dialogue with qualitative user surveys, participant observations and "shadowing", which signifies that a consultant from the company moves into the existing workplace or institution for a short period of time to identify particular, more implicit dynamics and needs. The results of these surveys are applied in the programming of the project, which is transformed into practice in the subsequent design process.

In order to see a project through, we also offer the client advice on the transition process of adapting to a new building and workplace. The company employs consultants who take a professional approach to the entire process - from user surveys to occupation and subsequent evaluation.

Spatial value creation

The design process is about selecting which path to take. We do sketching manually, in 3D and by means of physical mock-ups to put the idea into a spatial context where values such as atmosphere, inflow of light, dynamics and spatial variations are more easily tested and decided.