Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Designed for learning, Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects’ Life Campus is a high-tech environment created to inspire and educate and it is the ideal place where science connects with nature.
Located on old hunting grounds on Copenhagen’s outskirts, it manifests an interplay between nature and science with a STEM-inspired design (Science/ Technology/ Engineering/ Mathematics.)
Visitors are greeted by ninety-six raw oak columns that reference DNA and Fibonacci – each stands nine meters tall and weighs over a tonne.
Inside is a digital learning environment with high-tech labs, a 360-degree projection hall, and modern workspaces.
The design follows a comprehensive user-involvement process, where e.g. science teachers contributed to the didactic tool development.
Educational activities center on three teaching labs and a research lab with additional labs in the pipeline.
Here, students take on current societal challenges that mirror the research environments of companies and universities, supporting the 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’s edge.
The building itself is designed to be long-lasting for current and future generations of students.
At its core, it is flexible and can adapt and transform to accommodate the dynamics and developments of science.
The longevity of Life Campus also becomes evident from its vision and ability to offer relevant science courses to students of all ages, ranging from primary school to upper secondary school.
The surrounding spaces welcome everyone. An experience path by LYTT connects the building to the landscape and guides visitors to science-inspired art pieces by Danish artist Jeppe Hein.
The southern end is home to learning gardens LIFE Arboretum and LIFE Orchard with a vast variety of trees. In continuation, shelters are underway 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 an optimal work environment with excellent daylight.
LIFE Foundation is an epicenter for the development and accessibility of natural sciences in Denmark.
Thus, it strategically neighbors the Innovation Campus of Novozymes, the world leader in biological solutions, and the Technical University of Denmark allowing synergy effects.
Architects: Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects
Lead Architect: Mikkel Vinter Knudsen
Landscape Architects: LYTT Architecture
Engineer Consultant: COWI
Partner: Lasse Herbo Madsen, Thomas West Jensen
Architect: Erika Östman, Isabella Giungi, Rikke Steinicke
Client: LIFE Foundation
Photographers: Rasmus Hjortshøj
