Interdisciplinary Team wins competition for First Newly Built Architecture School in Denmark

First Newly Built Architecture School
First Newly Built Architecture School
Image © Vargo Nielsen Palle, ADEPT, Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter

Vargo Nielsen Palle, ADEPT, and Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter in collaboration with engineering companies Tri-Consult and Steensen Varming have won the international competition for the first newly built architecture school in Denmark. They were in competition with BIG, Sanaa, and Lacaton & Vassal, among others.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Image © Vargo Nielsen Palle, ADEPT, Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter

The jury cites the entry’s playful combination of flexible studio space, specific functions, and public spaces which together create a strong connection to Godsbanearealerne. The design of the architecture and landscape of the invited competition is made by Vargo Nielsen Palle and ADEPT.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Image © Vargo Nielsen Palle, ADEPT, Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter

Rolvung og Brøndsted has advised the architectural development and project management. The new architecture school will build a bridge between the school and the city, especially to the scale of the local activities. The site borders the “Green Wedge” of Aarhus, an open landscape reclaimed from industrial uses.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Image © Vargo Nielsen Palle, ADEPT, Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter

The building steps down to meet the scale of this informal environment and is divided into smaller structures within the larger building. The Aarhus School of Architecture desires a flexible framework of workshops, studios, and open spaces within a raw, industrial framework.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Image © Vargo Nielsen Palle, ADEPT, Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter

They imagine a building that can withstand a high level of activity and intensive functions, which may also change over time. The winning proposal accomplishes this vision by creating a frame for architecture and compact “toolboxes” with specific functions within that frame. This provides both the space and tools for students to experiment, and the activity of the building becomes the architecture itself.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Section

“The team members have all contributed to a building concept that brings form, function, and technical aspects together into one concept. The two engineering firms, Tri-Consult and Steensen Varming, being part of the creative process from the start,” says Jakob Brøndsted of Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Section

This integrated process supports the holistic vision for the school, balancing a healthy and comfortable environment with sustainable solutions that consider social, economic, and environmental opportunities.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Section

Passive and active ventilation strategies combined with optimized daylight conditions for color rendering will create a good learning environment and an inspirational place to teach architecture. The building is scheduled to be completed in 2020. In addition to the school building itself, the winning project proposes several optional smaller buildings in Godsbanearealerne.

First Newly Built Architecture School
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These include a small artist’s residence, an architectural center for children, and workshops that continue the spirit of “Institute for X” on the site. Source by Vargo Nielsen Palle, ADEPT, Rolvung og Brøndsted Arkitekter.

First Newly Built Architecture School
Site Plan
First Newly Built Architecture School
Level 0 Floor Plan
First Newly Built Architecture School
Level 1 Floor Plan
First Newly Built Architecture School
Level 2 Floor Plan
First Newly Built Architecture School
Level 3 Floor Plan
First Newly Built Architecture School
Concept diagram

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