Aarhus University is undergoing a major transformation, bringing together the Faculty of Arts’ current activities in the Nobel Park, at Kasernen and at Tåsingegade in the University City South between 2028 and 2030. This provides a unique opportunity to create a campus that fosters community, interdisciplinarity and societal engagement. The faculty leadership team has formulated a vision to describe how the physical environment and academic ambitions work together.

In this connection, we need input from students, teaching staff, researchers and other employees who will be moving to the new campus. Therefore, we have established user groups with representatives from across Arts.

Arts in the University City South will consist of renovated buildings, respecting the classic C.F. Møller architecture, and matching new buildings.

“With this vision, we’re trying to create a new way of thinking about university life. We aim to bring together research, teaching and societal engagement into a unified whole, and in the faculty leadership team, we want to prioritise community and collaboration across the faculty,” says Dean Maja Horst and continues: “Now, we look forward to seeing the vision unfold and hearing input from the user groups. Initially, it’s more about the overall framework than about who will be sharing a corridor with whom.

A big 3D puzzle

To ensure a broad and nuanced dialogue, thematic user groups will be established with representatives from both academic environments and administration, along with a dedicated track for students. The groups will contribute perspectives and ideas for bringing the vision to life.

Maja Horst: “There’s no doubt that it’s a big puzzle we need to solve in the coming years. Our top priority is to ensure that the final outcome in the University City is as good as possible. We will have fewer square metres than we do now because we prioritise not using more resources than necessary on concrete and bricks. Therefore, we have some important discussions ahead about how to make the best use of the square metres.

Shared campus – stronger communities

The aim of bringing these environments together in the southern part of the University City is to create a unique opportunity to unite the faculty’s academic goals with the vision of an open and engaging campus area. The location strengthens connections both to the rest of AU and to the city of Aarhus. 
The new campus will prioritise collaboration and interaction – not only between students and researchers but also across schools and in close connection with the city of Aarhus. Common spaces, classrooms and research environments will be strategically integrated to create a vibrant and inspiring campus.

The campus should be a modern learning and work environment where the physical space supports new teaching methods and research collaborations. At the same time, the focus is on sustainability, with resource-conscious solutions and green spaces ensuring a functional and future-proof campus.

“We want the University City South to be accessible to everyone – students, researchers and city residents alike. The buildings should be accessible and inclusive, supporting well-being while also being easy to navigate. Recycling, resource consciousness and renewable energy production are key principles in the development of the campus, with the buildings reflecting conscious material choices. Green elements, both indoors and outdoors, should contribute to an inviting environment where outdoor spaces support biodiversity.”

-  Maja Horst

Read more about the vision and the principles behind it