Preservation proposal for AU approved in full
26 buildings, the University Park and Vennelystparken will be designated as protected. The justification for the ruling provided by the Agency for Culture and Palaces is that Aarhus University is a unique work of landscape architecture which must be protected. The rector finds the decision regrettable and is worried about its possible consequences.
The rector greets the decision to designate 26 buildings and the grounds around the university in Aarhus as protected with regret:
“The Agency for Culture and Palaces understands the unique qualities of Aarhus University, and we share the goal of taking good care of our beautiful university. But I disagree with their decision,” the rector said. “For decades, we have successfully developed our campus with respect for the history and architecture of the site – creating a world-class university and taking care of it at the same time. We don’t need the ‘protected’ designation to do that.”
There was a public-comment period on the preservation proposal, and Aarhus University expressed opposition to it. Among other arguments, the university emphasised that the protected designation would make it complicated and difficult to carry out the kinds of adaptations that are continually made at a modern workplace and educational institution like the university. Furthermore, the university argued, the university is already protected under a local development plan. The rector said:
“We’re in fierce international competition to attract the best students and staff, and the prospect that simple changes like moving a wall, fixing a roof or replacing can become long, costly processes worries me. Not to mention the risk that the protected designation can prevent us in establishing things like new labs.”
He finds it odd that the agency has not shown any willingness to meet AU halfway:
“The motivation for designating parts of AU as protected is sympathetic,” he said. “We have one of the world’s most beautiful universities. Architects from all over flock to Aarhus to admire this splendid work, and we’re delighted by our surroundings every day. That’s why the decision is also paradoxical, precisely because we have demonstrated our ability to take care of our cultural heritage.”
Aarhus University is now waiting for the agency to provide more details on the conditions for the future collaboration. The rector said:
"Naturally, we are prepared to engage in constructive dialogue about how we can best ensure a smooth process. But we will also keep a close eye on – and report – any hindrances that might arise from the designation. The Agency for Culture and Palaces has assumed a great deal of responsibility for the university’s scope for future development which we expect will be exercised with respect for the assets to society the university represents.”
The scope of the protected designation
The University Park and Vennelystparken will be designated as protected works of landscape architecture together with nine building complexes comprised of 26 buildings.
The nine building complexes:
The first department building
The main building
The School of Dentistry
Stakladen
the Department of Mathematics
Buildings not owned by AU:
Museum of Natural History
Book Tower (the library tower)
Residence Hall 4
Residence Hall 7 with staff residence
Link to the decision in Danish: Slots- og Kulturstyrelsens afgørelse.
Contact:
Sys Christina Vestergaard, head of press and communications
+45 2367 0012
scv@au.dk