© BIG
A world-first program designed by BIG to combine neurology and psychiatry in the same building, it fosters the fusion of cutting-edge science with the treatment of brain diseases, spinal cord and nervous system. BIG's 20,000-square-meter architectural concept for Aarhus University Hospital is inspired by the folds of the human cerebral cortex, making efficient use of limited space and promoting synergies between the different departments of the hospital.
Founded in 2009, the Danish Neuroscience Center (DNC) is currently a world-class research and therapeutic institution designed to understand and treat the brain, the most complex, efficient and adaptable organ in the human body. The DNC Center, which will open in 2026, will be directly connected to the existing campus of Aarhus University Hospital, strengthening the hospital's collaboration with healthcare, education and scientific research, and helping to inspire each other. In addition, the financial support of the Salling Foundation has greatly contributed to the progress of the project.
"The salling foundation's strong support and big partnering put us one step closer to the new Danish Neurological Centre. The new center will help us build the best framework for neurological research and provide new treatments for patients with brain, spinal cord and neurological disorders. The building is like a brain that will create new connections, enhance mutual understanding, and serve as a space for knowledge sharing. We have been trying to break down the separation of physical and mental illnesses of the brain, and the location of Aarhus University and the Aarhus University Psychiatric Center and the buildings designed by BIG will play a huge role in this regard. In addition, the public can enter the experience center to participate in exhibitions and lectures, which will establish the connection of the "brain house" with the outside world. This will be a unique landmark and I look forward to witnessing and participating in every journey of it." Jens Christian Hedemann Sørensen, professor of neurosurgery and president of the DNC, said.
The 6-storey neuroscience center will feature two-way corridors to increase streamline efficiency, as well as a classic atrium to enhance the building's openness. Folded and zigzagged to enclose a central courtyard similar to the folds of the cerebral cortex, the design not only allows each floor to have the necessary space in a limited area, but also creates many connections and forms a series of small and intimate workspaces, courtyards, and landscapes between floors.
"The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Our design for the New Danish Neuroscience Center in Aarhus replicates the most basic features of the brain – the folds of the cerebral cortex – to create more connections and spaces within a limited range. The folds of the building bring light, multiple new passages and green patches to the hospital, making nature and biodiversity part of the hospital's research and patient recovery journey," said BIG founder Bjarke Ingels.
Patients and visitors can enter the building through a spacious reception area to an open atrium that contains an experience center – a public exhibition and display area that fosters communication. Visitors can go directly to the clinic upstairs or step into the café and green courtyard on the ground floor.
From neurology to nuclear medicine, headache clinics, and psychiatry, each department has its own unique space and function. To avoid separation and fragmentation between disciplines, BIG proposes to combine design spaces according to their common function, which will encourage communication between different research groups, help inspire and creativity, and provide a reference for the extension, reduction, or replacement of future spaces.
"The Danish Neuroscience Centre aims to bridge the physical and psychological research of the brain and to eliminate prejudices against psychological disorders. Historically, hospitals have divided knowledge and skills into different specialties and departments. However, DNC seeks to gather all current and future knowledge under the same roof to create synergies between different areas of expertise and to take a more holistic approach to understanding and treating brain disorders. David Zahle, a partner at BIG, said.
Natural materials such as wood and bricks are used throughout the building, which will be beneficial to the health of patients and visitors and create a comfortable atmosphere. The red concrete on the exterior of the building blends in with the original brick building, bringing warmth to the space, unlike the usual white environment of a hospital.
All office areas within the building are naturally ventilated and each floor is equipped with an outdoor terrace. Stretched metal window mesh protects the workspace from glare or direct sunlight, filtering light and providing pleasant natural light to every office, lab or exam room. The project aims to earn hospitals in Denmark the DGBN Gold Sustainability Certification.