Denmark’s first rapid charging station for electric cars is opening just off the E45 motorway, enabling vehicles to be charged in a mere 20 minutes. But this isn’t just a place for people to charge their cars. It’s also a place for them to recharge their own batteries by relaxing for a moment in a pleasing environment. This was the approach of Danish architectural practice Cobe when designing the new station as the first of eight to be installed across the country. Forty identical stations will also soon be opening in Sweden and Norway.
The station is shaped like a stylised series of trees whose canopies create shade and a calm atmosphere. The trees, made from joined glulam half-frames and concrete, are topped with solar panels and have a modular design. A large charging station thus gives the impression of a whole forest. To further enhance the feel, it will also be surrounded by real trees and grass.
“Electric cars are the future. We want not only the energy and technology to be green, but also the architecture, materials and concept,” says Dan Stubbergaard, Creative Director at Cobe.
w| cobe.dk
