Sorø Culture Scene

Local forestry and paving producers became part of the projects funding together with The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities and so the project grew from initial thoughts about a playground into a sensory and inviting new cultural courtyard for all ages, genders and beliefs.

The project shows how to think of playgrounds and urban spaces in a new way, creating a design that integrates play, cultural heritage, storytelling, world view, science and outlook on life and the playful elements The curiosities, which are placed around the courtyard, invite curious souls of all ages to experiment and experience the world in new ways. We worked to create unique references to Sorø as a place. Sorø's cultural heritage with Sorø Academy as the center contains clear references to science and discovery, and we were inspired to work with these themes. How could we create a space that aroused visitors' curiosity and wonder?

The Curiosities include e.g. a mirror wall, a story well and an observatory vault, where you can experience the starry sky in daylight. In addition, there is also a camera obscura, with references back to Aristotle creates optical effects that reflect the surroundings onto a drawing board. With these elements, the square is lifted from a living space to an activity space that gives the opportunity to interact and challenge all of our senses. The curiosities are specially created for this space - on the border between play and science and art. They mime both instruments from science and play, and that is new thinking. We believe that a play should not be one predefined thing, it's about being interactive with the space you're in. It also has to be cool for adults to join, it must also surprise everyone who joins. The curiosities create wonder and opens questions about perceptions of things and places, and just as literature and art do, the curiosities must help to challenge visitors' perception of the world and expand their horizons.

All elements that make up Sorø's cultural square are natural materials. Oak is the thing throughout choice of materials that is inspired by the classic half-timbered buildings in Sorø's historic town centre, and thus contains clear references to Sorø's architectural heritage. Oak is a Danish wood and local material that we know. The Curosities are made from copper shaped by local Danish blacksmiths. Copper is 100% resuable and has a long lasting effect that makes the choice sustainable.

The natural materials also have the advantage that they age beautifully. Both copper, brass and oak are all materials, that will change over time and become an integral part of Sorø. And they tie past, present and future together.