‘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.

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

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college bands of ivy line the facade

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

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college vegetation incorporated into the facade creates a cooling microclimate around the building

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college (left) entrance (right) corner detail

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

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college view of atrium stairs from upper level

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college (left) platforms connected to successive levels with intermittent bridged stairways (right) stair detail

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college view from second level lounge

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

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university college study area overlooking cafeteria

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

schmidt hammer lassen architects: campus aarhaus N at the VIA university collegecorridors naturally illuminated by continuous skylight

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

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

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