Sweco Transform Award

Victor Carlsen & Karlie Tsang 
Det Kongelige Akademi – Arkitektur
Energy Landscapes – Beyond the Operational

The project ‘Energy Landscapes – Beyond the Operational’ presents an innovative approach to the planning and design of renewable energy parks in Denmark, with a special focus on the government’s designation of 32 large onshore energy parks. Based on a planned energy park in Hillerød Municipality, the project challenges the one-sided prioritisation of technical optimisation in large and monotonous facilities and instead proposes an alternative planning that takes rural life more into account. Through a new planning strategy, they propose a comprehensive redistribution of energy units that simultaneously integrates with other landscape interests such as wetland restoration, afforestation, and agriculture. This approach explores new spatial configurations and aesthetic perspectives that favour the coexistence of renewable energy production and the rural landscape.

Anna-Lena Mueller
Arkitektskolen Aarhus
Lignite Intimacies: Gardening Industrial Remnants

The project explores the intertwining of lignite mining and allotments in East Germany as cultural practices that shape local landscapes and cities. Through an in-depth analysis of the Peres Mine, where mining continues until 2035, the project addresses the socio-ecological challenges posed by former mines, such as community displacement and landscape changes. By proposing a regeneration strategy over 80 years, centred around the design of water flows in the mining area, local gardening practices and ad hoc constructions are integrated into interventions that promote social engagement. The project seeks to create connections between machines and landscape, as well as between people and the environment, adapting to future climate conditions.

Laura Polkmane
Det Kongelige Akademi
Gone with the Cloud

The project ‘Gone with the Cloud’ investigates the spatial and environmental consequences of hyperscale data centres in Denmark, with a particular focus on Apple’s expansion in Viborg. Through an integrated approach, data space is co-located with agricultural research and practices, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. By utilising excess waste heat and adapting the data centre to natural systems, the project aims to challenge the current data infrastructure and promote a new typology that enables flexible use as technology evolves. This initiative seeks to demystify the function of the data centre and creates a platform for public dialogue on data ethics and resource consumption.

Mads Oien Nielsen & Simon Pyll Truesen
Det Kongelige Akademi
Potentialet i Danmarks største nedrivningssag – Undersøgelser af højt kvalificeret træ i nye funktioner

The project ‘Potentialet i Danmarks største nedrivningssag – Undersøgelser af højt kvalificeret træ i nye funktioner’ presents an innovative model for tackling the climate crisis and biodiversity challenges through material reuse. The project analyses circularity in the construction industry and develops a method to use recycled wood from abandoned mink farms for load-bearing structures. Through a thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis, the project shows how this wood can create architecturally valuable and sustainable column and beam systems. The project combines ancient building practices with modern production methods, contributing to a more sustainable building practice that reduces the need for virgin timber.

Christina Jensen & Sara Sander
Syddansk Universitet
ReVoxLam – Re-VoxLam Truss. Topology optimisation and reclaimed voxel lamination of horizontal wood structures

The Re-VoxLam project addresses the significant problem of wood waste in the construction industry, with 55,000 tonnes of wood discarded annually in Denmark. Through advanced computational design and construction techniques, the project transforms otherwise useless wood into valuable building components by sorting, classifying and strategically allocating pieces of wood. Their voxel-based methodology enables upcycling of shorter material cuts, resulting in nearly waste-free structures and increased carbon storage. The project combines digital design with sustainability principles and inspires a more responsible approach to recycled materials in construction.

Dariush Rezai
CEO Sweco Denmark

Dariush Rezai has been CEO of Sweco Denmark since 2017, where sustainability is one of our strategic focus areas. Prior to joining Sweco, Dariush held senior international positions at Eltel Networks and NCC Construction. Dariush has a master’s degree in political science as well as eight years of experience as a strategy consultant at Accenture, Deloitte, and Arthur Andersen prior to joining Sweco.

Harpa Birgisdottir
Professor, Head of division, Sustainability of Buildings at BUILD AAU

Harpa Birgisdottir, professor at Aalborg University is one of Denmark’s leading experts in climate impact of the construction industry. She has made a strong mark both nationally and internationally with her research in sustainable construction – including the climate impact of buildings, LCA methods and calculations, and circular economy. Among other things, her research has been fundamental to the Danish strategy on sustainable construction.

Anna Esbjørn
Program Director, Future Cities, CONCITO

Anna Esbjørn spearheads the Future Cities programme for Denmark’s leading climate think tank CONCITO. The program focuses on the role of cities in the green transition and works with the latest knowledge about cities, sustainability, and climate. Together with C40 Cities and Realdania, Anna started the DK2020 project, which has elevated the climate action planning by Danish municipalities to international best practice. Anna holds an MA in urban anthropology and has worked with sustainable urban development and green governance for many years, both in Denmark and internationally.

Johan Hallgren Madsen
Head of Decarbonization, Urban Partners

Johan Hallgren Madsen is head of decarbonization at Urban Partners – an investment platform, managing investments in more than 15 countries. With a purpose to power the progress of cities, Urban Partners focus is to help decarbonize the built environment and (re)generate urban neighborhoods. Urban Partners houses multiple ESG-focused investment strategies: among others, European real estate investor Nrep, which has pioneered decarbonization of real estate. Johan has a background in renewable energy from Ørsted.

Karl-Martin Frederiksen
Head of Innovation, Sweco

Steffen Baungaard
CEO, MT Højgaard Holding A/S

Steffen Baungaard has experience within the construction industry from companies such as VELFAC, NCC Denmark, Huskompagniet, and now as the CEO of MT Højgaard Holding A/S. In addition, Steffen has served as a board member at Arkil Holding A/S, Carl Ras A/S, DEKO A/S, Nordic Waterproofing AB, EBK Huse A/S, Frederikshøj Ejendomme, and MT Højgaard Holding A/S.