New Central Urban Waterfront Space and Main Library (MEDIASPACE) in Aarhus

The tender has ended

Competition brief: 
Read and download Volume I: Background, visions and content

Read and download Volume II: Conditions, constraints and technical requirements

Read and download the annexes for the competition brief

The City of Aarhus launches an international architectural design contest for an integrated design solution for a new urban waterfront space and MEDIASPACE - the new main library of Aarhus, Citizens’ Services and more - a new icon communicating Aarhus as a city of knowledge.

The total overall project comprises three separate design sections:

1. Building design of an 18,000 sqm. MEDIASPACE - Aarhus’ new main library, citizens’ services etc. plus an additional 10,000 sqm. of optional area on a future harbour bastion. New urban spaces should be designed on the bastion around MEDIASPACE, while car parking, local trains, arrivals centre etc. should be established in the bastion or in connection hereto.

2. Uncovering of the last part of Aarhus River and modification of the Europaplads (existing town square) as an integrated solution with design of the bastion and MEDIASPACE.

3. Design of an approx. 500 m new urban waterfront that opens the city towards the sea and creates a new urban area for public activity and recreation.

It is essential for the City of Aarhus that the designer in all phases of the design process focuses on involvement processes, e.g. involvement of Aarhus City Council, client, citizens, users, employees, building authorities, business community and future tenants.

Read the announcement
More information about the project and the competition (PDF)