An In-Depth Exploration of Three Architectural Firms: Part 3 - Nord Architects

Today, I’d like to introduce an innovative and forward-thinking group of architects from Copenhagen, a city that captivates with its blend of history and modernity and seems to be at the heart of this post's subject: Nord Architects. I invite you to dive into their thoughtful and sustainable designs, and their unique focus on healthcare and healing architecture with a classic minimal Scandinavian vision.

In my view, this studio shows a strong commitment to sustainability and innovative problem-solving. Their choice of materials and forms speaks to this, often focusing on healthy ageing, education, and green construction. They present their projects with a fresh and empathetic approach, infused with a passion for creating spaces that enhance community and well-being. By merging contemporary ideas with societal needs, Nord delivers work that is both practical and uplifting.

Now, I’d like to spotlight some projects that I think shine brightest in their portfolio. Including the Steno Diabetes Centre, Furuset Hageby, Alzheimer’s Village Oslo, House of Natural Science, Meatpacking District School, and Lyngdal Nursing Home, their work demonstrates an ability to craft spaces that are unique, carefully detailed, and profoundly linked to their contexts. Let’s get into it!

Steno Diabetes Centre: A Fresh Take on Healthcare

The Steno Diabetes Centre in Copenhagen is nothing like the sterile, intimidating hospitals most of us imagine. Instead, it feels warm, open, and welcoming. Just look at the representation on the first visual—kids jumping across the concrete stumps, two older people staring into the distance (not a diabetes symptom), and an idyllic setting with grassy fields. Think golden light pouring into airy courtyards, natural wood softening the mood, and layouts that put people at ease.

This isn’t just about treatment—it’s about dignity and daily life. After all, a person visiting this center might end up staying up to four weeks for recovery, and during this time it is important to create an environment that can mimic that of people’s home environment, which also includes comfortable spaces for daily routines, socialization, exercise, and so on. The feeling of comfort is paramount to recovery. I admire how Nord managed to make healthcare architecture feel almost therapeutic in itself. It certainly has a soothing effect on me.

Furuset Hageby, Alzheimers Village in Oslo

When talking about healthcare, I liked how the writer of a recent bestseller Outlive, Peter Attia, put it: there are four main barriers preventing us from living longer and healthier lives. He called them the Four Horsemen, like those of the apocalypse, and one of them is neurodegenerative diseases, among which is Alzheimer’s disease. It is a paraphrase, but unfortunately, it is very true. I will not get into all the ins and outs of this disease, since there are smarter people who can tell you more about it. And perhaps the NORD team is one of those.

It was an ambitious and super forward-looking task to design a space of care for Alzheimer’s patients—that’s Furuset Hageby in Oslo. Not only did Nord approach this space with care and attention befit only the craziest of professionals (a compliment), but they also turned an existing neighborhood into a carbon-neutral haven. And I can’t help but think: this is what future cities should look like. Green roofs, community spaces, and sustainable design all come together to create a place where people want to live and thrive. Honestly, I find it inspiring that urban transformation can look this good. Great job Nord.

This project hits me emotionally. Instead of locking Alzheimer’s patients into sterile institutions, Nord created a village-like environment where residents can live with freedom and dignity. Gardens, small-scale buildings, familiar streets—everything is designed to spark recognition and comfort. It’s not just thoughtful; it’s compassionate architecture. I love how they’ve shown that design can truly change how we age, turning care into community. Perhaps there is still a lot to learn for us in the field of care and architecture for Alzheimer’s patients.

House of Natural Science – Where Curiosity Comes Alive

Now this is a looker: a beautiful cylindric shape in the field. It reminded me of the National Technical Library in Prague but in a different environment and scale.The House of Natural Science in Denmark is a place where science literally spills into the architecture. Glass walls, interactive spaces, and flexible layouts make learning feel like an adventure. I would want to be a kid brought there by parents to run around, play with cool interactive “sciency stuff,” and absorb the knowledge.

Walking through, you don’t just study science—you experience it. I honestly wish I had studied in a place like this; it feels like every corner is whispering, “Go on, discover something new.”

The space inside provides a setting for developing new methods of teaching natural science where teachers can meet, gain valuable new knowledge, and teach their pupils in a different setting. This could be a great opportunity for learning and expanding on our understanding of education.

On a final note, a comment about architecture: not every architect can pull off translucent material that looks as glorious on the facade as this one. Sleek and perfectly fitting their goal of learning—you can see pretty much every element of this structure and study it. I am glad NORD has a deep understanding of the tools they are using and the ways they are applying them. I hope they will do more of similarly impressive projects.

Meatpacking District School: Learning Meets the City

Tucked into Copenhagen’s buzzing Meatpacking District, this school is as lively as its surroundings. Nord designed it not just as a place to learn, but as a hub for the whole community. Open spaces, cultural ties, and a strong urban presence make it feel plugged right into the city’s rhythm.

I honestly can't imagine what kind of attitude I would have had if I studied in such an environment. I can’t help but compare it to the horrible Soviet boxes that were called “schools” in Ukraine—but hey, it beats not having any school, so I can’t complain. Still, looking at this cool common area with a climbing zone, playfully placed spaces for socialization, those high ceilings with lovely blue lamps (I want one like that at home)… I admire how they’ve blurred the line between “school” and “public space”—because honestly, learning shouldn’t be boxed in. Another inspiration from NORD. But let’s see if they can show us something else that is impressive.

Lyngdal Nursing Home: Dignity in Every Detail

The Lyngdal Nursing Home in Norway redefines what elderly care can look like. It’s light-filled, warm, and designed to balance privacy with connection. As a person who values my personal space, I appreciate the extra care put into those areas. Quite often you can see architects talking about their common spaces, socialization, social cohesion, and other buzzwords you hear in every architectural presentation. Don’t get me wrong, those are important, but often this comes at the expense of the quality of spaces where you are by yourself. And I can see NORD understands this.

Another thing I love in the project is the work with materials that evokes in me a sense of calm and warmth. The central skylight certainly contributes to the space being beautifully lit and spacious. I would love to age there if at some point I were not able to take care of myself. I will consider this nursing home once I reach above 100 y.o.

The common outdoor spaces are also impressive—those terraces, green roofs, lovely green hills. Ah, that just fills me with tranquility. I can see that Nord has a very deep understanding of whom they are making their buildings for—I think there are a lot of examples to learn from them.

Why Nord Architects Stands Out

What sets Nord apart in the architectural world? They’re not afraid to tackle big challenges with empathy and innovation. Not everyone can handle such difficult topics as ageing, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, etc. Their projects are like a good conversation: engaging, meaningful, and leaving you inspired. Even more, they are educational. As I was writing this post, I got to learn what makes impressive architecture truly outstanding, and I got to learn the NORD way of doing it.

Whether revitalizing urban spaces or designing for health, Nord brings a precise yet passionate approach that’s uniquely theirs. They’re shaping environments that matter, one sustainable detail at a time. So, if you’re in Copenhagen or beyond, keep an eye out for Nord’s work—it’ll make you think, feel, and appreciate the power of thoughtful design.