News
01.11.19
Denmark's new national learning center for children is underway
Today, the construction of Denmark’s new national learning center LIFE Campus began. Being one of several initiatives from LIFE and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the building aims to strengthen the interest in science from children and youth. The building is designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects and is set for completion in 2021.
Sofia Osmani, Mayor of Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality and Lars Rebien Sørensen, Chairman of the Board of Novo Nordisk Fonden, broke ground for the 4,000 m2 large learning center LIFE Campus located in Lyngby near Copenhagen.
Host of the day was Christine Antorini, CEO of LIFE and former Minister of Children and Education.
LIFE is a new Novo Nordisk Foundation-initiative with the purpose to envoke the interest of science in children and young people. One of LIFE’s initiatives is the new national learning center LIFE Campus designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects in collaboration with GHB Landscape and COWI. When completed in 2021, children and young people will have the opportunity to work with the same current issues as today’s scientists.
“The design is based on accumulated knowledge from all project partners. The dedicated researchers and educators from the Novo Nordisk Foundation have contributed with knowledge of didactics and science, while specialists have adapted the technique behind. The result of this process will be an inspiring building, ”says Thomas West Jensen, partner of Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, who is behind the design of the building.
Architecture and technology interact with nature
The architecture is inspired by STEM (Science / Techology / Engineering / Mathematics). The facade expression comes from DNA strands, fibrous structures and other mathematical patterns. At the entrance, light wooden columns open to the visitors as a curtain integrating the building into the hilly nature landscape.
The heart of the building is the auditorium, where visitors can experience different technologies; including wall projections in an almost imaginary space that sets free imagination and inspiration.
“As visitors step inside, the technology will gradually intensify as they move through the building. Among other things, the building’s operation is included as an active part of the teaching with visible installations that measure energy consumption, “says Thomas West Jensen.
LIFE will be located near Denmark Technical University (DTU) and Novozymes in Lyngby.
