Eskelunden

This middle project area of the three project areas of the landscape laboratory comprises approximately 30 hectares of previously unused, functionless land in Aarhus Ådal, at a distance of one kilometre from Aarhus School of Architecture. From 1950 to 1980 the area was a landfill for the growing population of the city. After the landfill was shut down, the area was for several years neglected, an overlooked landscape.

In 2016, the area was the first stage of establishing Aarhus Landscape Laboratory. Since then, the place has been the setting of numerous experiments with temporary interventions as well as urban and nature experiments. Today, Eskelunden is both as an everyday landscape frequented by nearby residents and the city’s large festival site; an area that receives many visitors when large festivals are held.

In 2022, Eskelunden received support from The Salling Foundations to establish new footbridges along the Aarhus River. The purpose of this was to give visitors year-round access to the many nature experiences and to the river. Eskelunden also received generous support from The Villum Foundation in 2023. This funding made it possible to establish Eskelunden as an outdoor learning environment along Aarhus River. The location of the learning environment means the landscape provides a ‘bridge’ between the natural landscape of Eskelunden, the former waste landfill, and the Aarhus River. The location makes possible outdoor teaching for the school’s students, local kindergartens, and visitors.