The redevelopment of a 500-metre-long stretch of the inner harbour in Aarhus brings new life to this former port district. The new master plan features an icon for the city called Mediaspace, a public multimedia library that also houses a children’s library, multifunctional theatre and extra office space for future functions.
The Mediaspace opens onto the multipurpose Event Square, underneath which is a public transport hub that forms a major city gateway. The form and materials of the Mediaspace are informed by the port architecture of Aarhus. Starting from Event Square, a dam wall made of Cor-Ten follows the waterside, folds around the Mediaspace, and continues along the wharf to the city centre. A green pedestrian route meanders from the Event Square to the centrally located Media Square, also joining the elevated pedestrian zone towards the city.
The Media Square is wrapped by a 150-metre-long facade of LEDs, a spectacular decorative feature during special events. The Mediaspace is accessible from both the main entrance on this square and transport hub below.
An elongated courtyard opens up the whole building towards the car park. The wide variety of spaces in the complex can easily accommodate any future changes. At entrance level, a multipurpose space with a sunken cafe is situated directly on the harbour. The public library is nestled on the first floor with a curved band of bookshelves along the wall, while the children’s library is distributed over two floors. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the port and city from the roof terraces.