The campus is a driver for the areal development into a vibrant, attractive, and inclusive cultural center, anchored in the local community. Open to all sides of the public, with connections to the main street, and an urban park at the neighborhood’s center, the design performs as an active urban social fabric that breaks free from the city’s existing grid layout – uniting people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, economic statuses, and experiences. Comprised of a holistic idea of sustainability, Gellerup emphasizes resilience both socially and structurally.

Building sections and varied room heights help break down the size of the bigger complex, leveraging diversity and spatial well-being while unprogrammed spaces offer flexibility and free play to its users. To minimize the embedded CO2 in the building, extensive use of wood in construction, cladding, and interior was selected while controlled daylight and optimal indoor climate by natural ventilation is employed. Inspired by co-creation and user engagement from planning to its final conception, community involvement, and education are encouraged through recycled materials.

Craftsmanship skills are also offered and taught to the local youth, to reflect a sustainable and socially empowering community center for childhood development. Principles of flexibility drive the program with overlapping spaces. Open floor plans intermix individual functions, where zones are constructed loosely through furniture, shelving, and activities - encouraging users to find their place as desired.