Aarhus BSS' relocation to the University City delayed

Since the symbolic groundbreaking in April 2022, the construction of new facilities dedicated to the Department of Management and the Department of Economics and Business Economics within the University City has been making steady progress. The project is part of a broader development plan of the University City aimed at establishing an integrated city campus.

Upon completion of the Aarhus BSS’ building project, the University City will serve as the central hub for 600 employees and approximately 5,000 students from Aarhus BSS, consolidating the school’s activities across Nørrebrogade.

While the initial plan was to move in during the summer of 2025, the relocation timeline for the two departments is currently being adjusted due to unforeseen delays in the renovation and expansion of one of the building complexes, attributed to construction challenges.

In collaboration with FEAS, the school has adjusted its relocation plans, with a primary focus on ensuring that all teaching activities remain unaffected and mitigating any significant financial implications for Aarhus BSS. Consequently, FEAS has agreed to cover the expenses associated with the delay, provided that Aarhus BSS completes the move between November 2025 and February 2026.

This means that the relocation date for Aarhus BSS to the new premises has been postponed from the summer 2025 to 1 November 2025 for the Department of Economics and Business Economics, and 1 January 2026 for the Department of Management. All teaching activities will therefore continue at Fuglesangs Allé until the conclusion of the Autumn semester in 2025. Starting from the Spring semester in 2026, the teaching will take place in the new buildings.

"Large construction projects like this occasionally experience schedule adjustments due to unforeseen factors that may cause delays. Currently, we are working on detailed plans for the relocation process, and as we approach the move-in date, we will communicate more widely within the organisation and ensure involvement in the specific process of relocating the two departments from Fuglesangs Allé" says dean Thomas Pallesen.

Despite the construction delay, the work at Aarhus BSS continues with planning for the occupancy phase, including developing layouts and color schemes for the facilities. Additionally, comprehensive plans are being developed for the sustainable reuse of existing furniture, either through direct repurposing or through upcycling with new surfaces, upholstery, or similar methods. Moreover, efforts are being directed towards the transformation of materials into innovative products.

Simultaneously, measures are being taken to ensure a seamless connection to the Northeastern corner of the University Park and to facilitate the development of that part of the campus.

Sustainable solutions

During 2023, Aarhus BSS' building complex in the University City achieved Gold pre-certification according to the DGNB Certification System. The project is led by FEAS Erhverv P/S as the project owner, working closely with Aarhus BSS and Aarhus University to attain sustainable certifications based on the five criteria of the DGNB certification: environmental, economic, and social sustainability, as well as technical and process quality.

Aarhus BSS' building complexes in the University City encompass approximately 37,000 square meters of study and research facilities, including a large auditorium for 800 individuals set to become a central landmark for Aarhus University's expanded campus in Aarhus. The focus of the entire project is to create flexible study environments and sustainable solutions combined with high architectural qualities.

" As Aarhus BSS' construction project constitutes nearly one-third of the area in the University City, it is imperative that the decisions we make regarding the choice of materials, furnishings and color schemes for our building complex are sustainable and contribute to the goal of creating an inviting and innovative study and work environment while remaining true to the architecture of the old hospital grounds," says Nanna Calmar Andersen, project manager for Aarhus BSS’ construction project.

The planning process involves close collaboration with relevant stakeholders on decisions regarding both construction and the interior design, ensuring the project aligns with the needs and expectations of its users.