About

ZESO Architects was founded in May 2008 based on a principle that reunites design creativity with traditional craftsmanship qualities in the profession. We do this through a balanced approach, agility, and expertise to achieve practical and inspiring solutions that contribute not only to our client’s specific needs but also to the common good and the challenges facing the world.

We work across a broad range of building scales and typologies and have particular specialties in transformation and the masterplanning & design of airports. This allows us to provide holistic solutions to many of the most exciting and pressing challenges of the 21st century. This approach is firmly rooted in a Nordic sensibility and is inherently sustainable.

Challenges offer architects an occasion to innovate. We consider each project’s specific constraints as creative opportunities to enhance the world through creative transformation of our clients physical environment both now and in the future.

ZESO Architects is a part of Green Building Council, Denmark and aims to contribute to a sustainable society – through our working method. This is our holistic working method which is the basis for the development and realization of all projects. Creativity often thrives best inside a defined framework and at ZESO our framework consists of five main principles:

Functionality

It is our firm belief that our solutions must fulfill and enhance the functional needs of our clients and their end users.  This may sound obvious, but is for many reasons often not the result in contemporary architecture. Our approach to functionality is based on an inclusive process involving developers, clients and end-users to create a framework for a high quality of life for all. 

Sustainability

Sustainability for us is an integrated part of design, in fact inseparable. It is not an add-on or a plug-in or a specialist that looks in on a project now and then. We have a holistic approach to social, cultural, environmental and resource related aspects. An element’s life cycle analysis and costing, mounting, dismounting and reuse, are always part of our deliberation when choosing components and materials. We endeavor to create a framework for community spirit and social interaction between generations as well as cultures.

Economy

We have a deep respect for the significant resources our clients are allocating to enhancing and expanding their physical assets. Right from the beginning we look at maximizing quality and value based on the financial possibilities and limitations of a project.

This helps establish the business case early on in the process and enables developers and business partners to set qualified priorities for the project.

Aesthetics

We have a Nordic approach to architecture, and our process is based on the development and realization of original architectural concepts. Functionality, the interplay between a building and its surroundings, as well as an optimal use of daylight and a calculated choice of materials, are crucial parameters. We strive for an ‘honest design’ which with as simple means as possible quietly enhances its function and context.

Buildability

We, already in the initial concept sketches, have a focus on how best to realize a project. Among other things, we analyze fire strategies, accessibility, building envelop, and the principles of construction, which are all included in our creative process. We constantly search for ways to optimize and innovate the building process, component design, as well as production methods.

We make sure all five principles are considered from the start of a project until the end. Accordingly, ZESO puts heavy emphasis on combining the qualities of both architects and constructing architects. The approach aims to, already in the early design phases, evaluate a project in terms of buildability and economy. This method ensures achievable and compelling architectural concepts without limiting innovation.