IBC Innovationsfabrikken

From Production to Innovation
In 1976, the wood preservation manufacturer GORI opened its new factory. With inspiration from Japanese culture in particular, everything was brought together under one roof without the traditional boundaries to separate production, cafeteria and administration. A bold and novel move for its time and an innovation in the Scandinavian countries.

The world‐renowned French artist Jean Dewasne decorated the 18 large production tanks in the production facility that formed the heart of the building and the enterprise. In the surrounding areas, badminton courts and ping pong tables were put up for all the employees to use. GORI’s management was convinced that an open and creative environment promotes efficiency.

After 30 years serving as the headquarters of GORI, the building was acquired by IBC International Business College in 2010. The architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen was given the assignment of converting the former factory to an educational centre. True to the original concept, innovation and creativity were key considerations in the conversion of the former headquarters, which IBC named the Innovation Factory.

In the centre of the building, the architects created a new two‐storey element that breaks free from the existing architecture and creates a new framework. An elegant combination of Dinesen Oak Natural and Dinesen Douglas serves to define the individual functions. In areas that encourage physical activity, such as the large recreational space and the walking areas, the flooring is made of Dinesen Oak Natural – and here, the badminton court has been re‐established. Dinesen Douglas is used in lounges and auditoriums and for cladding and planters. The architects’ playful use of different types of wood, levels, water ponds and streams creates spaces within spaces and encourages a spirit of free‐flowing knowledge sharing.

Today, IBC Innovation Factory is abuzz with activity in the form of conversations, education, seminars and conferences. Jean Dewasne’s decorated production tanks have been preserved and appear as a colourful note of exuberance and eye‐catching testimony to the factory’s innovative past.

Architektur: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects