Specialist Knowledge

Control Rooms

The control room is the central nerve of technical facilities – the place from which everything from energy production and distribution to traffic and complex industrial processes is monitored and managed. A well-designed control room provides clarity, supports quick decision-making, and contributes to safe and stable operations – even under pressure.

Energinet, photo: Jens Frederiksen

Energinet, photo: Jens Frederiksen

Specialised architectural expertise

At Gottlieb Paludan Architects, we specialise in designing control rooms where operator needs, technical systems, and physical settings come together in a coherent whole. We create solutions that support operational reliability and collaboration, while prioritising ergonomics, acoustics, and visual calm. Whether it’s a small control room or a large operations centre with many workstations, we approach every project with the same care and professional depth.

Control rooms centred on people

A control room is more than a technical facility – it is a specialised workplace where people manage complex information flows daily, and where operators, technicians, and visitors must be able to navigate safely and efficiently. That’s why interaction, clarity, and effective communication are central to our design. In high-stress situations – such as operational disruptions or emergency events – a well-functioning control room proves its value: it supports decision-making, maintains operations, and enables effective cross-functional collaboration.

Robustness is just as important as functionality. Control rooms operate around the clock and demand durable materials, smart layouts, and efficient maintenance. We choose solutions that support reliable operations, minimise downtime, and allow for simple, effective cleaning and servicing – without compromising on aesthetics or quality. Seamless integration between technology and architecture is essential – from lighting and acoustics to ergonomics and monitoring setups.

Control Room at Roskilde Waste Incineration, photo: Jens Frederiksen

Control Room at Roskilde Waste Incineration, photo: Jens Frederiksen

Holistic and cross disciplinary design

We work across disciplines and in close collaboration with clients, engineers, and operators. Through early user involvement and a strong focus on workflows, we design control rooms that work in real life – both during daily operations and exceptional events. Our extensive experience with control rooms for the energy and utilities sector, transport infrastructure, and industrial facilities enables us to decode needs, understand operational dynamics, and shape environments that balance technology with human requirements.

Do you want to know more about control rooms?

Jesper Ravn

Lighting Designer, Associate IALDArchitect