Tomorrow’s educational environment

DTU Skylab now has a 3,000-square-metre extension, which strengthens its position as an international innovation hub for students and researchers. The architecture signals simplicity, with the different functions and materials producing an exciting design.

Troldtekt acoustic panels have unique sound-absorbing properties and ensure superior acoustics in schools and educational institutions
Photo: Helene Høyer Mikkelsen, architect Jens Dresling/Ritzau Scanpix

New buildings are part of the University’s strategy to support better teaching and research internationally, with sustainability integrated into both individual buildings and the campus as a whole.

One of the new buildings is DTU Skylab, which was highlighted in connection with the Danish Construction Client Award for the facilities that have been created for an exciting entrepreneurial environment at DTU.

Rational building

The new and eye-catching DTU Skylab extension is located on a corner. In the otherwise homogeneous campus, the building stands out with its dynamic architecture of juxtaposed stacked boxes. At its centre is the atrium with ‘the innovation space’, which can be seen from all levels. In the innovation space, it is possible to follow ongoing interdisciplinary projects and trials.

The architecture has an industrial feel with visible installations and several shifts in materials. Troldtekt wood wool panels are installed on the ceilings in communal areas such as the canteen and conference room, where acoustics and materiality are important.

Focusing on acoustics and daylight are two of the criteria by which a building can qualify as being sustainable. DTU Skylab is a DGNB Gold-certified building, and thus serves as inspiration for DTU’s plan until 2050, in which sustainability is the key focal point.