Transformation of Arctic Station on Greenland

Date published: August 18, 2021

Dissing+Weitling are working on a transformation of the historic Arctic Station buildings on Greenland. The unique research area is attracting scientists from all over the world.

Dissing+Weitling’s renovation experts are working on a transformation of the historic Arctic Station buildings on Greenland. As part of our framework agreement with the University of Copenhagen, we are making sure that facilities for specialist scientists and researchers are up to date.
The buildings at Arctic Station are worthy of preservation and are beautifully situated on a protected area in Disko Bay near the town of Qeqertarsuaq (formerly Godhavn).
Qeqertarsuaq in West Greenland is a unique research area, attracting scientists from all over the world. There is increasing demand for the specialist education and research site, because urgent issues such as climate change and global warming have increased the need for large-scale studies of Arctic flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
It is therefore of an important and pressing concern for the University of Copenhagen to create and maintain an attractive and modern research area. However, the facilities need a major overhaul to meet modern needs for a workplace and private homes for researchers.
The laboratory building from 1956-66 was designed by architects Nils and Eva Koppel.
Our transformation of the cultural heritage include work on every building at the Artic Station – the laboratory, private homes, workshops, garage and more. The Arctic Station will accommodate Ph.D. courses, workshops, and field excursions for professional communities, the 'Peoples University' and others.
Winter in particular is of great importance for planning the renovation work and being able to provide equipment and materials. The last cargo ship to Qeqertarsuaq usually arrives at the end of December, and then the next ship will not arrive until April-May, when the sea ice is melted.
Botanist Morten Pedersen founded the Arctic Station in 1906, supported by famous explorers of the northern polar regions, e.g. Knud Rasmussen, Mylius-Erichsen and Fridtjof Nansen. Back then, the funding available to build the facility amounted to DKK 35,000, around EUR 4,700.
Photos by Morten Rasch.