In the recently released Netflix series Abstract, Danish architect Bjarke Ingels is the focus of the design series’ ‘architecture’ episode. Ingles, known for designing and building some of today’s most inspired buildings, has become a prominent and somewhat controversial figure in the architecture world due to his unorthodox vision and relatively early success. His firm, the Bjarke Ingels Group, or BIG, has become internationally renowned, completing projects in Europe, The Middle East, Asia, and North America.
The episode is an insightful look into the life of Ingles, following his life from childhood to present day, Ingles speaks openly about his inspirations, his struggles, and his triumphs. While the young architect is a polarizing figure in the architecture world, there is no doubt that he is marching along to the beat of his own drum, and doing so quite successfully. While the whole Abstract series and Ingles’ episode will be inspirational to creatives everywhere, the series becomes relevant to outdoor and mountain enthusiasts when Ingles reveals that he is in the process of building a ski slope, on top of a power plant.
The project, which started construction in 2013, aims to be a year-round ski resort built on top of a waste-to-energy power plant (a power facility that uses a process of generating energy into electricity and/or heat from the primary treatment of waste). If this wasn’t enough of a dystopian-esque concept, the power plant, which will be part of Copenhagen’s efforts to be the world’s first zero-carbon city by 2025, will also blow smoke rings out of its chimney.
For most energy and sustainability conscious people, building a year-round ski resort sounds like enough of an energy waste, but building one on top of an energy plant seems downright oxymoronic. However, Ingles aspirations have never been considered traditional, especially in his home city of Copenhagen, where the young architect’s vision has come with a fair amount of criticism as it breaks aways from the traditional norms of the city. This has never subdued Bjarke in the past, so while his ski resort plans might come as a surprise to those that are new to his work, it is business as usual for those that are familiar with his bravado.
The power plant ski resort will feature three lines that offer different levels of difficulty from beginner to advanced. The slope measures in at 440 meters and the runs will be accessed by both magic carpet conveyors and an elevator that runs through the inside of the plant. While the quality of the snow and terrain is still anyone’s guess, there is no doubt that Amager Bakke Power Plant will be a new experience for those willing to travel to Denmark to get some turns in.
Ingles has always focused on sustainable solutions when creating new buildings and public spaces, and this new waste-to-energy power plant is no different. While many parts of Europe are light years ahead of the United States in terms of sustainability policy and efforts, it will be interesting to see if America grasps onto dual purpose energy in the near future. For now, check out Abstract and start planning that ski trip to Copenhagen.
