LIFE Campus // Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects

Text description provided by the architects.

Ninety-six raw oak columns referencing DNA and Fibonacci welcomes visitors to LIFE Campus – a visionary learning centre by the non-profit LIFE Foundation set to evoke the interest of children in the natural sciences. Located on old hunting grounds on Copenhagen’s outskirts, LIFE Campus manifests an interplay between nature and science with a digital learning environment that includes high-tech labs, a 360-degree projection hall and modern workspaces.From the inside out, LIFE Campus is learning.

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

Founded in STEM, the building manifests this interplay between nature and science with surrounding spaces on beautiful, old hunting grounds that welcome everyone.

The 96 oak columns come from 150-year-old tree and mark the transition between a living landscape and a living building inspired by the natural surroundings. Each column is placed in a pattern that reference the mathematical pattern of Fibonacci and DNA-strings.Inside, educational activities centre on three teaching labs and a research lab with additional labs in pipeline.

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

Here, students take on current societal challenges that mirror the research environments of companies and universities, supporting UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Changing spatial experiences with raw materials, visible piping and technical installations play an active role in learning. At the heart, a 360-degree auditorium, with state-of-the-art AV and sound design, takes children on journeys from earth’s core to the galaxy edge.Outside, an experience path connects the building to the landscape and guides visitors to science-inspired art pieces by world-renowned artist Jeppe Hein.

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

The southern end is home to learning gardens LIFE Arboretum and LIFE Orchard with a vast variety of trees. In continuation, shelters are under way for school classes to stay overnight. The building is also domicile for the LIFE Foundation and 80 employees. Here, flexible and multi-functional office spaces and meeting facilities are placed alongside the magnificent view ensuring optimal work environment with excellent daylight.“In a simple, Nordic expression, the building holds a high-tech learning heart.

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

A sensuous technological universe that educates and inspires with changing spatial experiences.” – Thomas West Jensen, partner Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects.

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

© Rasmus Hjortshøj

LIFE Campus Gallery