The Citizen House in Odense

A participatory process actively involving citizens resulted in the creation of a dynamic and lively center. Thanks to a gold finish and the use of light, the building has become an attractive meeting point. 

The architecture of the Borgernes Hus is designed for its users – thanks to the use of gold, light and, most importantly, citizens’ involvement in defining the concept. During the day, the golden façade glows under natural light, and at night it is illuminated by LED recessed lights made with special eW Graze QLX Powercore luminaires. The drama of the golden exterior is matched internally by a large empty space whose main point of interest is a sculptural staircase known as the Harry Potter Staircase. It is a point of reference and orientation for anyone moving through the Citizen House. The architects had a clear idea that the building was not designed to be observed from outside, but to be used from inside.