Perhaps you did not know that Aarhus University has a campus in Copenhagen. It is known as AU Campus Emdrup. This campus has a unique history. It reflects Denmark’s journey through education and war.
Let’s step back in time. The story of AU Campus Emdrup begins in 1872. A teacher training college called Blaagaard Seminarium moved to this site. Educator Jeppe Tang founded it. The school faced a fire and was rebuilt. However, it closed in 1913. The buildings remained empty for a while.
Copenhagen Municipality purchased the site in 1917. Then came a dark chapter. After the German Occupation of Denmark in 1940, Die Deutsche Schule took over. German architect Werner March designed a complex for children of the occupying forces. Construction halted due to material shortages. The complex was never fully completed.
After the war, the buildings housed refugees and military activities. A watchtower stood as a symbol of the German occupation. It was torn down shortly after the liberation in May 1945.
A new chapter began in 1947. Royal building inspector Thomas Havning was tasked with completing the buildings. It was for the Royal Danish School of Educational Studies. He changed the façade and redesigned the interior. Wood replaced artificial stone. C.Th. Sørensen created a new garden plan in 1949.
In 1957, Havning designed the Emdrupborgkollegiet dormitory. A laboratory building was added in 1979. Sven Eske-Kristensen designed it.
The Danish University of Education was established in 2000. It merged several educational institutions. In 2007, it merged with Aarhus University. This created AU Campus Emdrup.
Today, Aarhus University plans to expand the Emdrup Campus. A new building will house various institutes. These include the National Center for Environment and Energy. Also the Institute for Environmental Sciences. This expansion shows Aarhus University’s commitment to growth. It shows its dedication to education and research in Copenhagen.
AU Campus Emdrup also offers a new dormitory. The Emdrupborg Kollegium was built in 2009. It provides modern living spaces for students. Each floor has a common kitchen. All rooms have a kitchenette and bathroom.
AU Campus Emdrup has evolved. It has transformed from a teacher training college to a campus. This campus now hosts activities in biosciences, energy, and environmental studies. Its history reflects Denmark’s resilience. It shows its commitment to education and innovation. Aarhus University continues to shape the future of education. It does so from this very spot in Copenhagen.