AARhus: Landmark at the End of Bassin 7

On Aarhus Ø, the popular harbor promenade by Bassin 7 is a vibrant hotspot. Its centerpiece is a striking residential building full of life, strong winds, and a name that resonates with the place: AARhus.

AARhus can be a source of confusion: Are we talking about the city of Aarhus or the landmark residential building on Aarhus Ø? The name is a reference the city’s international airport code, AAR. The design draws inspiration from the city’s dominant architectural types: blocks, townhouses, and towers. In AARhus, these elements merge into a cohesive whole. The building is shaped like two large, stepped A’s. From the apartments and terraces, which wrap around the building in long bands of glass, residents enjoy views of the harbor, bay, and city.

Part of Something Bigger

AARhus, along with Aarhus Harbor Bath and other buildings, is part of a broader master plan for the Bassin 7 area at Aarhus Harbor. The idea was to design the public space first, allowing urban life to influence the surrounding buildings. This approach likely contributed to the area winning the Aarhus Architecture Prize in 2023 in the category “Best Public Space.”

Life on the Island

The area around Bassin 7 is a vibrant hub for urban life on Aarhus Ø. With a theater, cafés, swimming facilities, a harbor bath, and water sports, the promenade along Bassin 7 and in front of AARhus is bustling with visitors on sunny, cloudless days. However, the Danish weather doesn’t always cooperate. In rain and wind, the tall buildings create wind tunnels, making the waterfront and promenade harsh environments – something critics of Aarhus Ø have rightly been able to point out.

Gray with a Green Touch

When the weather cooperates, the green courtyard and the staggered rooftop terraces invite residents to outdoor activities at all levels. From here, they can also enjoy the green roofs designed by Nature Impact.

At AARhus, the ground floor serves as a bridge between public and private life. All double-height apartments are stripped of interior finishes and feature large windows set in a wood-clad facade. This allows full freedom to design the space as desired, whether for business or private living.

The building’s common areas, including stairways and corridors, are constructed in raw concrete, creating an industrial atmosphere that echoes the harbor area’s history.