schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college

'campus aarhus N at the VIA university college' by schmidt hammer lassen architects, aarhaus, denmark
all images © schmidt hammer lassen architects


danish firm schmidt hammer lassen architects have completed the 'campus aarhaus N' at the VIA university college
in aarhaus, denmark. the focal building of the complex brings together 2,000 students from diverse disciplines into
one location, unifying the specialized areas. a central full height atrium intended for student gathering is capped with a
large glass skylight to naturally illuminate the interior. intermittent platforms and terraces are bridged with floating
stairways creating multiple paths to travel through the space. four wings for administrative spaces, auditoriums,
multimedia centers and multipurpose rooms extend from the communal area.



entry elevation and  court


the cladding is comprised of alternating bands of glass and ivy to protect from solar gain and produce a pleasant microclimate
surrounding the structure. green roofs will harvest and collect water to hydrate the facade's plants while conserving bathroom
fixtures will reduce the building's overall consumption. ventilation sensors will adjust fresh air automatically depending on
the number of individuals within a room, adapting the volume of heat and CO2. daylight slits and skylights will be used to
introduce ambient light into classrooms and offices. covering an area of 27,000 square meters, the encompassing landscaped
grounds are shaded with the leafy canopy of linden trees and contain fruit trees, flowers and fragrant plants. the use of grass
paving will maintain a rural atmosphere while meadows will cover all other unpaved areas.



bands of ivy line the facade



green roof



vegetation incorporated into the facade creates a cooling microclimate around the building



(left) entrance
(right) corner detail



central atrium



view of atrium stairs from upper level



(left) platforms connected to successive levels with intermittent bridged stairways
(right) stair detail



view from second level lounge



cafeteria



study area overlooking cafeteria



corridor



corridors naturally illuminated by continuous skylight



facade at dusk



at dusk



site plan


project info:


architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects
client: via university college
area: 26,724 m² total area
construction sum: € 45 million excl. vat
competition: 2008, 1st prize in design and build competition
status: construction period 2009 - 2011
engineer: moe & brødsgaard a/s
landscape architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects
turnkey contractor: e. pihl & søn A/S