Covering of the runic stones in Jelling | NOBEL arkitekter a/s

The project consists of two bronze structures which covers the unique runic stones and secure and preserve them for the future. The runic stones mark Denmark’ transition to Christianity in year 965, and the monument is also known as Denmark’s “birth certificate”. The monument is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage. The project was inaugurated in December 2011 and it is based on the winning competition project made by NOBEL arkitekter in March 2010. The architectural composition emphasizes the experience of the runic stones, and forms a stylized dialogue between the two stones, which represents the first two kings of Denmark – Gorm and Harald Bluetooth. The bronze angles form one gable and the roof for each runic stone, while the other sides are designed with large glass surfaces. The coverings provide an architectural composition and allow spectators to get very close to the runic stones. Our objective was to accentuate the runic stones curved forms with the straight lines of the coverings and, in a metaphorical sense, to “hold our hand over the runic stones”. The cast bronze emphasize the texture of runic stones and highlights the grey and reddish granite surfaces. The requirement related to creating a controlled climate around the two runic stones was an integral consideration in the development of the project. Our consulting engineers from Rambøll contribute with the technical details for the heating‐ and ventilation‐system, which ensures a frost‐free climate around the runic stones. The artificial lighting is made with special designed fiber light sources, which are integrated in the roof structure. The lights emphasize the runic scripture, visual motifs and highlight the shape of the runic stones. Together with the bronze angels the artificial light creates a completely new way of viewing the rune stones and staging the experience of one of Denmark's most valuable monuments.