Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper isn’t being built in Paris, London, Berlin, or any other large metropolis, but in Brande, Denmark, a rural town of just 7,000 people. The fashion brand Bestseller has recently announced its plans to build its headquarters in a 1,050-foot-tall tower in the small Danish town. While the location of the tower might sound odd, the fashion brand has been calling Brande home since 1975 and “wants to give back to the community,” according to architectural firm Dorte Mandrup.
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
This Tiny Danish Town Is Getting Western Europe’s Tallest Skyscraper
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
The tower is not the only element of the surprising architectural project. At the foot of the tower, will be several buildings with living roofs for them to blend in the rural landscape (not an easy task when there’s a gigantic tower soaring right next to them). According to Dorte Mandrup, “the new Tower & Village will offer much more than just office space to local residents. […] The buildings will facilitate a new kind of environment featuring over 30 shopping opportunities, hotel accommodation, educational institutions, BESTSELLER’s own offices, nature walks and public activity facilities.”
Photo: Dorte Mandrup
The local council voted to approve the project last month, and it seems like the town is certainly on board. Not everyone is completely pleased by the idea, however. According to The Guardian, Rokokoposten, Denmark’s version of The Onion, published a spoof comparing the Bestseller Tower to the Tower of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings. Architect Trine Kammer condemned the project, believing it will destroy the landscape’s rural charm. “People in Brande are so afraid to criticize Bestseller,” she said. “It’s like a religion or something. Such a big building will make the world claustrophobically small. Why do I have to be reminded of Bestseller when I’m walking by myself in a quiet wood?”
Indeed, since the surrounding landscape is so flat, the tower will be visible from 37 miles away. 
H/T: The Guardian
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