No Image Available
Visual representation of Bjarke Ingels
Architecture
Updated August 15, 2025
Bjarke Ingels
Bjarke Ingels is a Danish architect known for innovative, sustainable designs. He founded BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) and reshaped modern architecture with projects like the VM Houses and 2 World Trade Center.
Notable Facts
-
Innovative architectural designs blending sustainability
-
Founder of Bjarke Ingels Group
-
Pioneer in Hedonistic Sustainability concept
-
Designer of LEGO House Denmark
-
Creator of twisting skyscraper concepts
Career Highlights
Background
Bjarke Ingels was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1974. He studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1998. Early in his career, he worked at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) in Rotterdam under Rem Koolhaas, where he gained experience in large-scale urban projects. In 2001, he co-founded PLOT Architects, which later evolved into BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) in 2005.
Major Contributions
BIG is known for its innovative, sustainable, and socially responsive designs. Key projects include:
The Mountain Dwellings (2008), a hybrid residential and parking structure in Copenhagen
VM Houses (2005), a pair of residential buildings in Denmark featuring unconventional layouts
8 House (2010), a mixed-use development in Copenhagen with a figure-eight design
VIA 57 West (2016), a pyramidal residential building in New York City
Amager Bakke (2017), a waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen with a ski slope on its roof
Ingels also co-founded KiBiSi, a design firm focusing on industrial and product design, and has contributed to urban planning theories, advocating for "hedonistic sustainability"—combining sustainability with quality of life.
Impact on Their Field
Ingels has redefined contemporary architecture by blending functionality, sustainability, and playful aesthetics. His work challenges traditional norms, often merging public spaces with private developments. BIG’s projects emphasize adaptability, energy efficiency, and community engagement, influencing urban design globally. Ingels’ TED Talks and publications, such as "Yes Is More," have popularized his approach to architecture as a tool for social and environmental progress.
Current Work/Relevance
As of 2023, BIG continues to expand with projects worldwide, including the Google Headquarters in California and the Lego House in Denmark. Ingels remains active in advocating for sustainable urban development, collaborating with governments and private entities. His influence persists through lectures, exhibitions, and BIG’s growing portfolio, solidifying his role as a leading figure in modern architecture.
Bjarke Ingels was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1974. He studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1998. Early in his career, he worked at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) in Rotterdam under Rem Koolhaas, where he gained experience in large-scale urban projects. In 2001, he co-founded PLOT Architects, which later evolved into BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) in 2005.
Major Contributions
BIG is known for its innovative, sustainable, and socially responsive designs. Key projects include:
Ingels also co-founded KiBiSi, a design firm focusing on industrial and product design, and has contributed to urban planning theories, advocating for "hedonistic sustainability"—combining sustainability with quality of life.
Impact on Their Field
Ingels has redefined contemporary architecture by blending functionality, sustainability, and playful aesthetics. His work challenges traditional norms, often merging public spaces with private developments. BIG’s projects emphasize adaptability, energy efficiency, and community engagement, influencing urban design globally. Ingels’ TED Talks and publications, such as "Yes Is More," have popularized his approach to architecture as a tool for social and environmental progress.
Current Work/Relevance
As of 2023, BIG continues to expand with projects worldwide, including the Google Headquarters in California and the Lego House in Denmark. Ingels remains active in advocating for sustainable urban development, collaborating with governments and private entities. His influence persists through lectures, exhibitions, and BIG’s growing portfolio, solidifying his role as a leading figure in modern architecture.
Personal Story
Who They Are
Bjarke Ingels is a Danish architect and the creative force behind some of the most innovative buildings in the world. Born in Copenhagen in 1974, he studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts before working for renowned firms like OMA in the Netherlands. In 2005, he founded his own studio, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), which quickly gained global attention for its bold, playful, and sustainable designs.
Why They Matter
Ingels is a game-changer in architecture, blending practicality with imagination. He’s known for pushing boundaries, whether it’s designing eco-friendly skyscrapers or rethinking urban spaces. His work has earned him accolades like the Wall Street Journal’s Innovator of the Year and a spot on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list. BIG’s projects often tackle big challenges—like climate change or overcrowded cities—with solutions that are as functional as they are striking.
What They’re Known For
Ingels’ portfolio is packed with iconic projects that defy convention. Here are a few standouts:
The Mountain Dwellings (Denmark): A residential building that looks like a hillside, complete with terraced gardens and cascading apartments.
VIA 57 West (New York): A pyramid-shaped apartment complex that combines the density of a skyscraper with the community feel of a courtyard.
CopenHill (Denmark): A power plant with a ski slope on its roof, turning industrial infrastructure into a public playground.
LEGO House (Denmark): A colorful, interactive museum that feels like it’s built from giant LEGO bricks.
Ingels’ designs often feel like they’re from the future—yet they’re built for the here and now. Whether it’s a twisting skyscraper or a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a ski resort, his work proves that architecture can be both visionary and fun.
Bjarke Ingels is a Danish architect and the creative force behind some of the most innovative buildings in the world. Born in Copenhagen in 1974, he studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts before working for renowned firms like OMA in the Netherlands. In 2005, he founded his own studio, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), which quickly gained global attention for its bold, playful, and sustainable designs.
Why They Matter
Ingels is a game-changer in architecture, blending practicality with imagination. He’s known for pushing boundaries, whether it’s designing eco-friendly skyscrapers or rethinking urban spaces. His work has earned him accolades like the Wall Street Journal’s Innovator of the Year and a spot on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list. BIG’s projects often tackle big challenges—like climate change or overcrowded cities—with solutions that are as functional as they are striking.
What They’re Known For
Ingels’ portfolio is packed with iconic projects that defy convention. Here are a few standouts:
Ingels’ designs often feel like they’re from the future—yet they’re built for the here and now. Whether it’s a twisting skyscraper or a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a ski resort, his work proves that architecture can be both visionary and fun.