Aarhus University Hospital in Skejby

In connection with the construction of Denmark’s first “super hospital” in Skejby near Aarhus, Schønherr was responsible for the landscape design – from competition to execution. The landscape project encompasses stormwater management, overall landscape strategy, arrival and traffic logistics, 5,000 parking spaces, wayfinding, and a series of recreational courtyards.

AUH is situated in a valley at Egå River Valley and has been integrated into a niche in the landscape. The overall concept allows the meadow landscape to extend into the hospital grounds, forming a central park space connected to all building sections. Newly planted trees, organic pathway layouts, and rainwater basins anchor the complex in the surrounding landscape.

Stormwater is managed locally through rain gardens between parking areas, ensuring evaporation, detention, and reuse. Large detention basins around the buildings regulate outflow into the Egå River.

Inside the building, the courtyards form important meeting places and recreational outdoor spaces – a green contrast to the hospital’s functional environment. Each courtyard has its own identity, inspired by microscopic forms of nature, creating a counterpoint to the hospital’s stringent architecture while strengthening both local identity and wayfinding.

The human scale, the close contact with nature, and the many green spaces have given AUH the nickname the Green Hospital. The landscape is not merely a frame but an integrated part of the overall experience, supporting the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors alike.

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