BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) Top Architectural Works (2025 Review)
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is a Copenhagen-based architecture firm founded by Bjarke Ingels in 2005. Known for its bold, innovative designs, BIG blends sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, creating buildings that push the boundaries of traditional architecture.
The firm’s approach, often described as “hedonistic sustainability,” integrates environmental responsibility with human-centric design. BIG’s projects range from iconic public buildings to urban planning initiatives, including the 8 House in Copenhagen and the Amager Bakke waste-to-energy plant. Through visionary designs, BIG has reshaped the architectural landscape, blending creativity with practicality and making a significant impact on global architecture.
Design Philosophy and Innovation
BIG’s design philosophy centers on the idea of “hedonistic sustainability,” where architecture not only meets functional and environmental goals but also enhances the human experience. The firm believes that good design should be both pragmatic and pleasurable, blending aesthetics, social interaction, and ecological responsibility.
Their work is driven by a desire to create spaces that foster community, inspire creativity, and promote well-being, often rethinking the role of architecture in urban life. BIG’s projects are characterized by bold, unexpected forms that challenge conventional design, as seen in the Amager Bakke waste-to-energy plant, which doubles as a ski slope.
Innovation is at the core of their work, with an emphasis on sustainability—whether through renewable energy, adaptable structures, or integrated green spaces. BIG’s designs are never just about creating iconic buildings; they aim to improve the quality of life and enhance the relationship between people, space, and environment.
Iconic Projects
Here’s a breakdown of some of BIG’s signature projects, showcasing their diverse approach to architecture and urban design:
1. 8 House (Copenhagen, Denmark)
One of BIG’s most celebrated works, the 8 House is a mixed-use development that seamlessly integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Its innovative figure-eight design encourages interaction and a sense of community while offering panoramic views and optimizing natural light. The building’s form promotes connectivity and is an exemplary model of human-centric urban design.
2. Amager Bakke Waste-to-Energy Plant (Copenhagen, Denmark)
This groundbreaking project merges environmental responsibility with recreation. Amager Bakke is a waste-to-energy plant that features a ski slope on its roof, demonstrating BIG’s ability to turn industrial buildings into multi-functional urban landmarks. The project reflects BIG’s commitment to sustainability while engaging the public with an unexpected, playful design.
3. VIA 57 West (New York, USA)
VIA 57 West, located in Manhattan, is a striking blend of a traditional skyscraper and a European-style courtyard building. Its unique pyramid shape maximizes natural light and views for residents while creating an open, communal space at the heart of the structure. This project exemplifies BIG’s ability to merge city living with a sense of openness and community.
4. Lego House (Billund, Denmark)
The Lego House serves as both a museum and an interactive experience dedicated to creativity and play. The building’s playful, block-like design mimics Lego bricks, and its spaces are designed to encourage exploration and interaction. It is a perfect example of BIG’s talent for creating imaginative, user-centered designs that evoke joy and inspiration.
5. Cactus Towers (Copenhagen, Denmark)
A bold residential development in the heart of Copenhagen, the Cactus Towers stand out for their organic, curvaceous forms, which contrast traditional skyscrapers. The towers integrate natural landscaping, with gardens and public spaces woven through the complex. The design fosters both urban life and environmental harmony, blending architecture with nature.
6. The Google Campus (Mountain View, USA)
As part of the development of Google’s new campus, BIG is designing a campus that emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and sustainability. The plan integrates greenery, public spaces, and high-tech facilities into a work environment that is both functional and adaptable. The project aims to set a new standard for office spaces by encouraging creativity and interaction among employees in an eco-conscious way.
7. The Spiral (New York, USA)
A proposed office tower for Hudson Yards in New York, The Spiral is set to be one of the most distinctive skyscrapers in the city. With a series of terraces spiraling up the building, each floor features outdoor spaces, offering panoramic views and green areas. This design represents BIG’s vision for future workspaces that blend urban density with nature and openness.
These projects illustrate BIG’s signature style—blending sustainability with creativity, rethinking the way we interact with our built environments, and creating spaces that are not just functional but also inspiring.
Resources: aaup | Architectural Digest | ArchDaily | Dezeen | World Architecture News