Aarhus School of Architecture — Aarhus, Denmark

Background: Denmark’s new school of architecture in Aarhus is a raw industrial building with large, high-ceilinged spaces that house workshops, design studios, exhibition spaces, and a lecture hall. At the heart of the building is the cafeteria, which has a soft and intimate atmosphere thanks to the extensive reuse of old furniture and Louis Poulsen lamps. 

When the Aarhus School of Architecture moved to Godsbanen, the school was very keen to reuse its old fixtures and fittings—both to celebrate history and to build sustainably.

“We have, of course, purchased many great items since the school started in Nørreport in 1965. Reusing as much as possible seemed an obvious approach. It really speaks to the importance of standing on the shoulders of history and building on it as we have had many people study with us over the years,” says Vice-Rector Kristine Leth Juul.

A sculptural element

The school had a large number of Louis Poulsen lamps in different designs that they wanted to use in the new building. Architectural advisors Arkitema suggested mixing many of the white lamps in the cafeteria to make them into a sculptural element in the high-ceilinged space.

“Each type of lamp is suspended at a different height. The lamps have also been mixed and matched across the space. We have four types. Some lamps we only have two of, while we have many of others. This has a great effect, and because we have collected so many lamps, they act as a unifying element—fitting perfectly into the large, high-ceilinged room,” says Juul.

A cozy and intimate atmosphere

The white lamps have been given new cords and sockets with LED lights so that they can be controlled intelligently and only require low levels of energy. Sanne, a second-year architecture student, explains that the light from the lamps provides an intimate framework around the dining tables.

“The lamps create a soft contrast with the concrete so that we create a cozy and intimate atmosphere for eating. We have an almost sacred hour between noon and 1 pm when the school comes together to eat. The fact that you are able to recognize the lamps from the old building also gives the space a kind of authenticity.”

Louis Poulsen lamps have also been reused in the school’s meeting rooms, where the lamps are suspended above the tables to create a space for confidential conversations and the exchange of ideas. The lamps alternate in design and size from room to room so that each meeting room offers a new experience.  

“The pendants above the table give the room atmosphere. Everything becomes more intimate. We are also able to dim the light to create precisely the ambiance we want,” concludes Juul.