Aarhus University has received DKK 3 million from Realdania to map the possibilities for developing the campus and strengthening its links to the cohesion with the city and the harbour. The results of the investigation will ultimately provide the basis for an architectural competition that will contribute to realising the visions for the further expansion of the campus.

2015.05.19 | Rikke Skovgaard Lindhard

In 2010, Aarhus University adopted a vision plan for the university’s physical expansion over the subsequent two decades. The aim of the vision plan is to ensure that the university’s physical framework is continually adjusted to accommodate anticipated growth in both research and teaching activities.

Aarhus University expects to expand its Aarhus campus considerably, not least when the university carries out the planned annexation of the grounds and facilities currently occupied by Aarhus Municipal Hospital in 2019. This will increase the necessity of rethinking Aarhus University’s cohesion, both across university locations and campuses as well as in relation to the surrounding city. 

“Aarhus University and the city of Aarhus are deeply interdependent when it comes to attracting students, manpower and businesses. The city helps make the campus a lively place - including after hours. As the university continues to grow, the need to open up our campus and invite the city inside continues to grow as well,” states Rector Brian Bech Nielsen.

With a financial guarantee from the City of Aarhus, Aarhus University has already planned the excavation of two new underground connections between the University Park and Aarhus Municipal Hospital site which will ultimately to link the two areas closer together.

With financial support from Realdania, Aarhus University is now in a position to initiate preliminary investigations of such issues as the infrastructural connections between the campus and the rest of the city. The survey will help identify a number of current opportunities and limitations associated with creating cohesion and mobility both across campus and in relation to the rest of the city.

“Aarhus University owes Realdania a debt of gratitude for supporting these investigations financially. What this means is that we’re now in a position to create a strong foundation for the coming process,” explains Rector Nielsen.

The investigations will be carried out in close cooperation with the City of Aarhus and Juul|Frost Arkitekter, an architectural firm specialising in campus development and consultancy. 

According to Realdania, the close partnership between the city and the university plays a crucial role in strengthening the city’s development:

“With one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, Aarhus has some very special qualities that are important to preserve and enhance. So at Realdania, we’re very pleased to be able to contribute to a thorough assessment of the new possibilities that will open up when the university takes over the Aarhus Municipal Hospital buildings and site. I see this as the first step towards a renewed vision for the campus that will emphasise the university’s close links to the city and its life,” says Astrid Bruus Thomsen, program director at Realdania.

The results of the survey will ultimately be included in the competition brief that will give architecture firms an opportunity to submit specific proposals in connection with the realisation of the vision plan. 

For more information, please contact

• Charlotte Lyngholm, Head of Construction and Planning, Aarhus University, +45 2134 5463
• Astrid Bruus Thomsen, Program Director, Realdania, + 45 7011 6666