The new research facility at The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is to support and strengthen cross-disciplinary research within sustainable technology. Artelia will design the facility together with MT Højgaard and Christensen & Co Architects, in close collaboration with DTU.

The vision for the new Climate Challenge Laboratory is to provide a world-class research environment with architecture that supports innovation as well as collaborations across disciplines, exchange of knowledge and professional encounters.

The project competition was based on dialogue, a form of procurement that allows for continues dialogue between the interested parties. A process DTU considers incredibly valuable and which helped them chose the right team.

”It is crucial for both process and result that the right team is chosen. A team that is capable of collaborating from the early stages of development to execution. We are convinced that the winning team will provide this, not only because all members of the team represent strengths within the project’s focus points; a research facility of the future, sustainability, architecture, digitalisation and collaboration. We are excited for the project to begin” Project Manager at DTU, Francois Svend Court-Payen, states.

More than DGNB
The project focuses on sustainability in terms of both social, financial and environmental aspects. In addition to the demand for DGNB Gold certification, there is a particular focus on maintaining a circular approach in terms of life cycle considerations that will saturate all decision-making processes. This is reflected in the wish for an innovative choice of materials.

”We have developed a brand new visualisation tool through which it is possible to measure the CO2-emissions in the digital building model. When we have a rough sketch of the building, it is possible to, as an example, isolate all facades and see their total CO2-emissions right away. As the project progresses and more detailed information is provided, it is possible to see even more details and how each choice impacts the building’s sustainability as well as cost.” Design Manager, Erik Krøll explains.

The building will have a central location on campus surrounded by student housing, specialised research buildings and auditoriums. Thus, the building’s framework is to be inclusive while both researchers, students, neighbours from the local area and campus guests need to be taken into consideration.

The contract is signed by Artelia. From right: The Project Manager, Peder Schiønning, Division Director for Building & Design, Alex Fraenkel, and COO, Mikael Lyngsfeldt.