VIA University College Campus Horsens / C.F.

Møller
general description

 Architects: C.F. Møller
 Area : 32800 m²
 Year : 2021
 Photographs :Adam Mørk
 Construction Team : CaSA
 Engineering : Rambøll
 Collaborators : Creator Projects
 Artist : Daniel Buren
 City : Horsens
 Country : Denmark

In order to foster connections and partnerships between students, faculty, businesses, and city residents,
VIA University College Campus Horsens has created an open and unified shared learning and information
environment that is seamlessly integrated with the city and landscape. The structure is a component of
the C.F. Mller Architects-designed Campus Horsens and is conveniently situated next to Horsens Railway
Station. Overall, VIA University College Campus Horsens fosters synergies and cohesiveness by fusing
business, education, urban life, and the arts.

Site orientation
form development
Special arrangement

The design of VIA University College Horsens places a heavy emphasis on producing academic centers
and open, exciting learning settings that foster collaboration and multidisciplinary partnerships among
students, organizations, and locals. Each atrium building is a representation of a certain profession or
course of study. Along with balconies for living and studying, there are nooks, atrium staircases, and
hotspots as well as open areas and hubs for groups where professors and students participate in the
space's use and activities.
The building complex consists of a bright, thin 16-story tower and three atrium structures that are all
connected by a shared interior atrium space that combines all educational disciplines and acts as a
brand-new public gathering area for city residents.

Space classification
The study programs are grouped around academic hubs and shared environments such as the library,
auditorium, and a publicly accessible canteen and café.

The lower levels

designed to support activity-based learning and knowledge sharing.

The upper levels

provide spaces for quiet and contemplation.

Floor plans

Site plan

ground floor plan

first floor plan

second floor plan

Third floor plan

Fourth floor plan

Fifth floor plan

Sixth floor plan

Elevations
Light and ventilation
Materials

The building is distinguished by a straightforward design strategy that makes use of a variety of tactile
materials, including warm oak, striking bright and dynamic cut-outs in atriums with skylights, brick in red
and golden nuances, and textiles in a few carefully chosen warm colors. These materials combine to
create a building that is both bright and vibrant on the inside.

Sustainability

The structures have been built and designed as small-scale structures with an emphasis on sustainability
in terms of energy optimization, material minimization, low operating costs, and a comfortable indoor
climate with optimal lighting conditions for students and teachers. With all functions housed under one
roof, the building's compact design allows for close proximity between educational programs, shorter
service routes, and a smaller facade area, all of which reduce the need for heating and cooling. The
buildings are flexible and strong for future adaptations because they have few structural walls and
integrated diffuse ventilation.
VIA University College, Campus Horsens will unify a variety of education programs in a
vibrant and active educational setting deeply rooted in the city.
Campus Horsens establishes itself as a city in the city with a continuation of the area’s
building block structure and classical city motives such as narrow streets, parks and urban
squares. At the same time, the campus connects with the city by establishing a path that
connects the three new urban areas, Campus Square, Expo-pladsen and Innovation Square,
which all lies as a natural extension of the city’s flow.
Expo-pladsen and Innovation Square form, at each end of the campus, a welcoming area
and atmosphere. Expo-pladsen will be the main welcoming area, while Innovation Square
will function as the daily arrival area for many students and employees. Innovation Square
has space for outdoor activities and lies in direct connection with the campus workshop
environment, while the Expo-pladsen has room for longer pauses, café environments as well
as exhibition and performance activities. The central urban space, Campus Square, becomes
the area’s vibrant and dynamic urban space with room for major events, gatherings and
celebrations.
The connecting path, the Campus line, connects to the existing cycle and pedestrian
network of the city. This connection brings the city into the campus and activates the new
urban areas, such as Campus Square. In continuation of Expo-pladsen lies Campusstrædet,
which with its densified character mixes green, recreational study and play areas with
workshops and student café.
In between the urban spaces three buildings fit in, one for the VIA University College and
the Innovation House, one for the SOSU and one for the Learnmark, VUC and HF. In the
center, both buildings and the various education programs are gathered in the covered
atrium, Campus LAB, which invites to cooperation between the various academic
environments and thereby creating coherence and the basis for knowledge sharing.