Kalø Slotsruin Besøgs Adgang, Danish Building Design Photos, MAP Architects Jutland
Kalø Tower Visitor Accesss
17 October 2021
Kalø Tower Visitor Access Design
Design: MAP Architects
Location: Kalø Tower, Molsvej 31, Rønde – north east of Ã…rhus, Jutland, Denmark

Photos by Bjørn Pierri Enevoldsen
Kalø Slotsruin Besøgs Adgang
The Kalø Tower Visitor Access project allows access to one of Denmark?s archaeological gems, while offering and intricate spatial experience. Previously inaccessible, the visitor can enter and climb the main space of the tower, perceive the archaeological layers and view the landscape. Culture and nature, at a small and large scale, are united by this spiral access.

This 700 year-old medieval ruin is key in Danish history. Built on an isthmus projecting from the coast, it is a local reference, a social anchor and major national tourist attraction in the northern part of the Jutland peninsula.
Three stories high and two stories deep, the brick tower has been empty of its internal structure for centuries, with a single small opening at its base as the only source of visual access to the interior. The project, a zig-zagging staircase, allows the visitor to enter, experience the archaeological layers at hand?s reach, walk upwards to access façade openings and balconies, while offering at each landing the opportunity to view the magnificent landscapes surrounding this historic site.

While being minimal in its detail, the staircase create...