Situated within the historical city of Aarhus, renowned for its grid plan of row houses and courtyard blocks, the proposal for the new Aarhus School of Architecture (AARCH) diverges from the conventional inward-facing organizational model characteristic of its urban context. Instead, it aspires to redefine architectural engagement with the external milieu by inverting the protective paradigm, actively integrating with the city and the broader external environment.

The architectural innovation inherent in the school's design is manifested through extroverted finger-like projections that extend outward and intricately weave between walls. This deliberate conceptual choice serves to augment the surface area, facilitating heightened connectivity with the urban landscape, natural surroundings, and diverse human interactions. Beyond its physical and social engagement, the design endeavors to establish a symbiotic relationship between the contemporary architectural interventions and the historical fabric of the city. The resultant synthesis yields a design paradigm characterized by sustainability and intellectual acuity, fostering diversity and collaborative pursuits while seamlessly accommodating a spectrum of traditional and avant-garde approaches.

The dynamic form of the proposed school articulates its fluid relationship with the environment, reflecting a conscious connection to the broader context. The open and democratic nature of the design invites a diverse range of interactions, resonating with a broad audience. By embracing innovation, the Aarhus School of Architecture emerges as a locus of intellectual and cultural vibrancy, symbolizing a departure from the insular and protective architectural models of the past. The proposed design not only envisions a physical space for education but also positions itself as an integral and dynamic component of the urban and cultural fabric, embodying principles of sustainability, diversity, and collaborative exchange.

Title: New AARCH 
Location: Aarhus, Netherlands
Use: Architecture School
Size: 13,000 sqm
Competition Period: 2016