NEW AARCH - New Aarhus School of Architecture

A slender and very well-proportioned building complex stretches away from the west leg of the Godsbanen building, presenting the new school of architecture as a beautiful, low and elongated building complex which in every way appears settled and well-articulated. The proposed development structure facing Carl Blochs Gade is one of the very best of the competition, and it complements the low row of residential buildings on the eastern side of the road in a very flattering way. The tarpaulin building, which is worthy of preservation, is effortlessly included into the large building and, along with an oculatory and an auditorium, lends variation to the otherwise formal expression of the complex. The chosen building system, the simple geometry of the body of the building and the proposed spatial dispositions testify to an extensive insight into organizing a building and creating spatial variety within relatively ‘dry’ schematics. The jury was puzzled by the high-ceilinged rooms being assigned to the studios instead of the workshop facilities, which are placed in the more low-ceilinged section. It is a ‘democratic’ building through and through where everyone appears to have the same relation to and association with the different activi- ties and functions of the school. We find this to be both a quality and a challenge. Furthermore, the building seems to be organized based on well- known building models which apparently fail to challenge the school’s activities sufficiently. Despite the many spatial qualities of the proposal, the jury finds that it would be difficult for the building to accommodate a more changeable architectural programme over time. The jury wishes, however, to commend the entry for its well-organized and characterful appearance