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COLUMN: Here’s why AU is strategically focusing on developing its campus – it’s a major asset

AU is a vibrant university that opens itself to the world around and provides space for a wealth of academic and social activities. AU's campuses should reflect this, which is why campus development is a central part of AU's 2030 strategy, writes University Director Kristian Thorn in his column.

The study environment at AU Herning has been given a boost. This is just one example of the recent devel-opments at AU's campuses. The University City is another striking example. Photo: Jens Hartmann Schmidt/AU Photo

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In an increasingly digital age, we at Aarhus University recognise the great value of the physical campus – a place where both academic and social encounters take place. Aarhus University should buzz with life both during and beyond work hours. Employees and students who participate in sports and exercise. Theatre associations, political associations, student social committees and much more. 

This is reflected in Aarhus University's 2030 strategy, where campus development is one of six strategic focus areas. The AU campus is already a major asset, especially with the University Park, renowned both nationally and internationally for its special architectural value. But AU's campus is more than just the University Park. It has become clear in recent years: 

  • The establishment of the University City is well on the way – several units have already settled in, and Aarhus BSS will open its doors to students in early 2026.
  • We have expanded the physical facilities at Katrinebjerg, which has developed into a powerhouse for IT and engineering in particular, where the university and the business and industry are located side by side.
  • We have initiated a major renovation of the study environment in Herning and are contributing to the development of the SUND+ building on the old hospital site.
  • Campus Emdrup is undergoing renovations focusing on both indoor and outdoor areas, and two new lecture theatres are on the way.
  • Last but not least, we have established AU Viborg as a brand new campus area that will accommodate 800-900 students in 2030.

Content is most important, but …  

The most important thing at the university is, of course, the activities we accommodate. Buildings and outdoor areas must support research and teaching as well as possible – but they must also inspire and stimulate the many other activities encompassed by Aarhus University. Three examples:

Innovation and entrepreneurship: Here, our clear strategic ambitions are reflected in the building stock: The Kitchen has its own premises in the University City (and will soon be moving to new facilities), just like the Partner House will be a visible sign that innovation and business collaboration are a more central part of the university's range of tasks.

Student life is another area where the content has been integrated with the physical environment. Our campuses should strengthen students’ engagement and well-being and ensure a close connection between the learning environment and the study environment. The campus should simply be a place where you want to spend your time – even outside of teaching hours. Therefore, the buildings must be multifunctional in terms of teaching, project work and social activities. We have a clear desire for the physical environment to support AU's rich association life. I hope we can develop this aspect even further – for example, by creating significantly better conditions for sport and exercise and providing more space for cultural activities and social events. 

Openness: Our campuses must also support an important message to the surrounding community: AU is an open environment where we value interaction with businesses, cultural life and fellow citizens. Just as we share our knowledge with society, we also want to share our physical environment. This year, the University Park has,  for example, hosted everything ranging from the PARK festival to a cycling race and the opening of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The aim is that, for example, the University City and Katrinebjerg will be experienced and used as open urban spaces, not only by staff and students, but by all the city’s residents. 

Aarhus University's mission is to create knowledge and value for society. To achieve this goal, we must first and foremost stimulate curiosity, immersion and engagement, and our physical environment must contribute to this. For us, the university is a physical place where people come together, where generations of students and staff have anchored their ideas, insights and memories. CF Møller & Co. provided us a unique advantage with the University Park, and through the 2030 strategy and our current construction projects, we signal that we respect our architectural heritage while continuing to set new standards for the physical working and study environment.

This text is machine translated and post-edited by Lisa Enevoldsen.