Aarhus, Denmark

Mediaspace, Aarhus, Denmark

new icon

 Aarhus is one of the oldest cities in Scandinavia and sits at the mouth of the Aarhus A river. The former port of this second city of Denmark will be revived by the redevelopment of a 500 meter long strip along the inner harbour and the construction of Mediaspace, a new icon of the city. This multimedia library provides the citizens with a library and children’s library, as well as a multifunctional theatre and additional office space for future cultural functions and municipal services. Underneath the multifunctional square in front of Mediaspace is a new transportation hub, one of the main gateways to the city.   mediasquare

Mediaspace is inspired by the industrial architecture of the harbour front with its chimneys, cranes and warehouses The façade on the harbour side is forged of corten steel and mimics the waterline, following the line from the city centre and ascending towards Mediaspace. A green pedestrian route winds along the waterfront underneath trees where it meanders past the event square, situated just outside of the harbour line and above water level between Mediaspace and the opposite bastion. The square is fronted by the 150 meter long LED facade that serves as a spectacular backdrop for events on the square as well as a platform for artists. Even the citizens of Aarhus can project their messages and ideas. The square is also the main entrance to Mediaspace, which is also accessible from the transportation hub beneath Mediasquare.   

ribbon of bookcases

 A long patio with stairs and ramps flows through Mediaspace providing connectivity and visibility to all functions within the building as well as accessibility to the parking garage. Because the function of a library is in constant flux, flexibility must play a key role in the building design. Mediaspace is comprises a great variety of spaces, expressive open areas that are a continuation of Media Square, a pedestrian zone, and more introverted, quiet rooms on the upper floor. On the entrance level is a multipurpose theatre and a multifunctional space with a sunken cafe or living room with clear views onto the harbour front. In deference to the archetypal library, a book ribbon, in the shape of a 5 leaf clover, lines the curvilinear walls of the uppermost storey, dividing the spaces into more intimate and introverted spaces. Offices for staff can also be found on this floor. The children’s library is on two floors and consists of a sequence of spaces that can be arranged thematically. Terraces on the roof provide a magnificent panorama of both the harbour and the city.

programme

multi media library of 28,000 m2 with theatre, transportation hub and arrival centre, a harbour bastion with parking garage, and 500-metre waterfront development along the inner harbour design 2008-2009 client City of Aarhus building costs € 200 million

Europaconcorsi Beta

Mediaspace, Aarhus, Denmark