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Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute (University of Southern Denmark)

aiming for DGNB Gold

About this project

The expansion of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute (MMMI) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) represents a significant stride towards creating an innovative hub for technological advancement. The project aims to enrich the academic landscape with state-of-the-art facilities and sustainable design principles.

Located in Odense, aspiring to become the world’s foremost hub for robotics, the new Dreamlab at SDU marks a pivotal step towards realizing this vision. The MMMI, renowned for its research in robotics, AI, and drones, has undergone a remarkable transformation with the addition of a striking new building designed to inspire future inventors.

The construction, supervised by the Danish Building Authority, entails a 4,500 m² extension in four floors, featuring workshops, laboratories, offices, meeting rooms, group spaces, and communal areas. Situated to facilitate physical connectivity with surrounding buildings, the extension enhances accessibility within the Technical Faculty, fostering synergy with related environments. The project is a collaboration with lead engineer EKJ Rådgivende Ingeniører, Cubo Arkitekter, the project’s lead architect, Kristine Jensen Tegnestue, responsible for landscape planning, and Etos Ingeniører. Under the guidance of EKJ the project is seeking DGNB Gold certification emphasizing its sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The new building, seamlessly integrated with the university’s technical faculty, is connected to the existing institute and the rest of SDU via footbridges and an underground tunnel. At its core lies a creative space open all the way to the roof, providing students with ample room to work on their projects. Complementing this expansive project area are laboratories and group rooms designed as transparent glass boxes, fostering visual connectivity and collaboration.

With accommodation for 500 students and 100 staff, the new facility promises to be a unique learning environment. The building’s design prioritizes acoustics and sound insulation to ensure that diverse activities can coexist harmoniously.

The expansion of MMMI is generously supported by the A.P. Møller Foundation, reflecting a commitment to advancing educational and research initiatives. SDU’s vision for additional space aims to accommodate the growing influx of students and the expanding research and educational environment at the existing institute.

In summary, the expansion of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute exemplifies a harmonious blend of architectural innovation, sustainability, and educational advancement. Positioned at the forefront of technological research, the new facilities promise to nurture the next generation of innovators, bridging theory with practice in a dynamic learning environment.

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