Aarhus and Aalborg, Denmark
2021 - 2022
Salling Rooftop and Roofgarden
Comprising 2,000 m² of outdoor space on the roof of the iconic Salling Department Store in Aarhus, the Salling Rooftop Garden transforms the building’s ‘fifth-façade’ into an urban oasis above the city skyline, creating a public space for relaxation and togetherness while setting the standard for increasing biodiversity in our cities.
Project details
Utilizing existing urban space to bring nature closer to people living in cities is an essential aspect of urban design today. Access to green areas is not only proven to promote a sense of well-being for residents, but also improves air quality, increases biodiversity, and reduces noise pollution. Taking advantage of our cities’ most underutilized resource, their rooftops, to create accessible green spaces offers a great solution within urban development.
A new beloved destination
Salling Rooftop Garden sits atop one of Aarhus’ most popular shopping destinations, the Salling Department Store. Not only does this urban oasis provide visitors with fresh air and space to breathe, but it also presents an entirely new vantage point on the historic streets and buildings surrounding it, including the City Hall, university, cathedral, and Aarhus Bay. Free and open to the public, the rooftop has attracted more than 3.5 million people since its opening in 2017 – 10 times the number of residents in the city of Aarhus.
With lush vegetation throughout a range of pocket gardens, a biophilic wall draping down the façade, footbridges connecting different levels, glass walls and floors that look down into the department store, an outdoor restaurant, and a panoramic platform offering a breathtaking view of the entire city, Salling Rooftop Garden is growing into a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike.
A successful blueprint
The success of the Salling Rooftop in Aarhus motivated the creation of a similar space on the rooftop of the Salling Department Store in Aalborg, one year later. Encompassing 1,400 m² across three levels, the Aalborg rooftop includes numerous seating areas, an amphitheater, a café, and, not least, a panoramic view of Aalborg – city and fjord.
01/05
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Country Market Director, Partner
Per Damgaard-Sørensen
Design Director
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