Danish architecture studio BIG is embarking on an exciting project to transform a former Aldi supermarket in North Jutland, Denmark, into a vibrant museum dedicated to the art of paper. This innovative space, named the Museum for Paper Art, will feature a striking folded roof that mimics the appearance of a sheet of paper. In collaboration with psaligrapher Bit Vejle, BIG aims to honor the rich history of paper art in Denmark through this unique architectural endeavor.
The ambitious expansion will convert the existing 900-square-metre supermarket into a spacious 2,300-square-metre museum. The design is characterized by a roof that appears to have gently landed on the site, resembling a beautifully folded piece of paper. The original building, which previously housed the Aldi supermarket, currently serves as the home of the Museum for Paper Art, a project initiated by Vejle in 2018.
BIG partner David Zahle expressed the studio’s vision, stating, “In collaboration with Bit, we have designed a simple concept that allows a single sheet of paper to drape over the site and the existing building.” This design philosophy aims to unify both existing and new functions under one cohesive gesture, creating a seamless integration of the old and the new.
Bjarke Ingels, the founder of BIG, elaborated on the concept, noting, “An obsolete supermarket finds new life under the floating curved roof.” The Museum for Paper Art is touted as “the only specialized museum for paper fine crafts and design in the Nordics,” and the expansion is expected to significantly increase its annual visitor count.
The museum’s roof will gracefully extend over the site, enveloping the existing structure and creating new public spaces around its perimeter. Large glass panels will connect the roof to the ground, allowing natural light to flood the interiors. Inside, a blend of white brick and timber surfaces will pay homage to the traditional process of paper-making, while the walls of the existing building will be adorned with paper art created in collaboration with various artists. The museum will feature exhibition areas, workshop spaces, offices, and storage facilities, making it a dynamic hub for creativity and learning.
The exhibition will feature intricately hand-folded lampshades from the renowned Danish brand Le Klint, alongside exquisite papercuttings inspired by the works of the beloved Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Enhancing the museum’s ambiance, a lush landscape filled with native flora and trees will create a winding path, encouraging visitors to delve into the natural beauty around them, as noted by BIG. Beneath the gently sloping roof, a serene pond with stepping stones will gather rainwater, elegantly capturing the droplets as they flow off the roof’s edge.