Follow-up on the report about the physical study environment, autumn 2024 for Aalborg and Copenhagen
(complied and distributed by the Danish Study Survey)

Study environment and study workplaces

At campus Aalborg, students have asked for more group rooms and quiet zones and some feel a form for discrimination in access to group rooms. Our students (at the department) cannot get access to the group rooms in Create (Rendsburggade 14) as these rooms are reserved the students who belong in the building. Our students can use the common study environment in Fibigerstræde 2, 4 and 11. In Fibigerstræde 1, the study areas have been upgraded, and 2 study work areas have been created.

We are aware of the challenges in connection with the relocation and that our premises at AAU differs and are in continuous dialogue with CAS about improvements.

There is a request for more colors in the building. By agreement with CAS, the group niche will be painted.

Students have asked for more plugs/extension cables. In the seminar rooms in Fibigerstræde 1 there are plugs under all tables. We will ask CAS if they can solve the challenge at the study workplaces in Fibigerstræde 1.

Some have asked for screens in the group rooms, we will discuss this with de Dean’s Office.

Social room/Friday bar

In Aalborg, there is a request for a social space. The student organizations (HIF and POLIS) have been involved in the process and a social space has now been allocated in Fibigerstræde 2, room 15.

Seminar rooms

There is a request for reorganizing the premises at Fibigerstræde 1. We are waiting for Byg Aalborg/CAS to get furniture from other buildings for an alternative setup in room 33. 

In seminar room 33 and 35, Fibigerstræde 1, all tables and chairs have been replaced. All chairs will have seat cushions in the fall 2024.

Some have mentioned that there are too many students in the rooms compared to the information outside the rooms. The table arrangement in the rooms has been changed so that more people can be seated, but unfortunately CAS has not yet updated the information outside the rooms (Fibigerstræde 1 room 33 and 35).

Some have reported a strange chemical smell in rooms 33 and 37, Fibigerstræde 1. We will report this to CAS.

Indoor climate, temperature in rooms, electricity and general comments about rooms

In general, many comments are about defects in our premises, both in terms of indoor climate, cold or hot rooms, windows that cannot be opened, bad chairs, no ventilation, old premises and cleaning, but there is often no information about which in rooms/buildings the defects have been registered. As we use both campus Aalborg and Copenhagen and more buildings at both addresses, it is difficult to know where the defects are registered. 

Where students have given information about defects in specific rooms, we have reported the defect in the AAU building app, but as the defect might have been registered a long time ago, it is difficult to trace it ow and most feedback from CAS has been that they cannot register the defect in the log now. Therefore, remember that defects should be reported to AAU’s Building Support  or  AAU Building Support app as soon as defects are registered.

Toilets

Regulators have been changed at Rendsburggade 14 and there is hot water in the taps.

There is a request for more toilets. There are 13 toilets in Fibigerstræde 1, we will make visible signage to the toilets in the building

Campus Copenhagen

Some have reported that there is poor lighting and cold premises at A.C. Meyers Vænge 15. CAS will invite to a dialogue meeting

Shared study environment at Fibigerstræde 1, 2, 4 og 11

Due to necessary budget cuts, the department, like other departments at the faculty, has had to vacate buildings, in this case Fibigerstræde 3 and 5. As part of this process, the department is now placed in Fibigerstræde 1 and 2.

In connection with the relocation, the department has involved student representatives in the dialogue concerning the new study environment. We are aware of the challenge of limited study environment areas both at the department and the faculty as a whole. Therefore, there will be shared study environment areas especially in Fibigerstræde 2, 4, and 11. We encourage you to actively participate in the use of the new study environment areas and to use the facilities in Fibigerstræde 2, 4, and 11. Furthermore, there has just been an upgrade of the study areas in Fibigerstræde 1.

As part of vacating Fibigerstræde 3, a new place where you can hold various events such as Friday bars and academic/social events, has been found in Fibigerstræde 2, room 15.  Student organizations (HiF and POLIS) have been involved in this process to ensure that you would get the best possible setting for a good study environment, enabling you to feel connected to the new study areas. The department will also emphasize that achieving a good study environment is a shared responsibility.

Study Workplaces

Digital tools for booking group rooms and within the group rooms have been requested. There has been a request for a different digital booking system, allowing room bookings on an hourly basis. Additionally, screens in the group rooms have been requested. These requests have been forwarded to IT Service, who have stated they will engage in dialogue with you (the users).

In the evaluation of the study environment, there is a demand for study spaces related to the history department's Handbook Library. Unfortunately, there is no space for an actual handbook library in connection with the relocation. Instead, we refer to the various study environments being established in Fibigerstræde 1 and especially in Fibigerstræde 2, 4, and 11.

Seminar Rooms

In the spring of 2024, as an experiment, efforts will be made to adapt one of the seminar rooms in Fibigerstræde 1 to better support group work as part of the teaching. This will be done in collaboration with AAU Campus Service.

There has been some feedback regarding the seminar rooms in Kroghstræde 7, which were originally designed as "Active Learning Labs." However, we have found that they do not function well for teaching purposes. After dialogue with some users and the department Campus Service has adjusted tables and screens in rooms 59 and 61 in December 2023 and January 2024.

Finally, we are aware of the indoor climate issues at Niels Jernes Vej 08A, where some classes have taken place, and Campus Service prioritizes addressing this issue during 2024.

Recording of Lectures

There have been requests for lectures/classes to be recorded. Individual lecturers are welcome to record the classes, but there is no plan from the department's side to make it a general offer. It will be up to each instructor.

Indoor Climate and Room Temperature, Lack of Power

Indoor climate problems are issues that should be addressed continuously. Therefore, contact AAU Building Support so this can be rectified as soon as possible.

The department has forwarded improvement requests regarding indoor climate, temperature, and lack of power to Campus Service, specifying which rooms were affected. Due to the energy crisis last winter (2023), the temperature in all state buildings was lowered to 19 degrees. The temperature has been raised back to 21 degrees since autumn 2023.

Cafeterias and Vending Machines

There has been a desire to install vending machines for food and drinks in the department's buildings. The department does not have resources to manage and install such vending machines. The university refers to the cafeteria in Innovate (Thomas Manns Vej 25), which has longer opening hours than the cafeteria at Fibigerstræde 15.

General Comments on Rooms

This year, there have been many requests and challenges regarding the physical study environment, where it is not specified which address it regards. The department encourages students to continuously report specific errors and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed in the respective semesters. If minor errors and deficiencies are reported in the study environment evaluations, the department encourages students to be more specific in their comments for example by specifying the room and address in order to facilitate action.

In spring 2023, a workshop on the study environment was held in Copenhagen with the Vice-Dean. This workshop is an expression of our attention to maintaining a good study environment on our campus in Copenhagen. In this context, a comprehensive plan for study environment areas in Copenhagen has been developed, which also takes into account the necessary densification on campus.

General Comments on Rooms

This year, there have been many requests and challenges regarding the physical study environment, where it is not specified which address and room are involved. The department encourages students to continuously report specific errors and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed in the respective semesters. If minor errors and deficiencies are reported in the study environment evaluations, the department encourages students to be more specific in their comments, for example, by specifying the room and address, to facilitate action.

Auditorium

This year, there has been a request for more space in the auditoriums, the same request that was made in the study environment evaluations in 2020. This request is not being accommodated at the present time, as Campus Service assessed in 2020 that the space in the auditoriums meets the standard. However, it will be considered in the larger renovation of the Fibigerstræde area.

Additionally, there has been a request for new microphones in auditorium A at Fibigerstræde 15. This request has been forwarded to ITS. ITS's feedback is that the request has not been fulfilled because it was unclear whether it pertained to Fibigerstræde 15 or Fibigerstræde 16.

Lighting and Power

There have been issues with missing power outlets in the tables and defective lighting in room 31 at Fibigerstræde 1 and defective lighting in room 0.02 at Niels Jernes Vej 8A. Campus Service has been informed of these issues via Building Support. Campus Service reports that power and lighting have been restored.

If similar issues arise, students can report such faults and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed throughout the semester.

Indoor Climate and Noise Issues

Challenges with the indoor climate have been reported at:

·       Kroghsstræde 7, rooms 59 and 61

·       Fibigerstræde 3, rooms 31, 35, and 37

·       Fibigerstræde 5, room 33

·       Fibigerstræde 15, auditoriums A, B, and C

These issues have been reported to Campus Service via Building Support. Campus Service states that everything is connected in these rooms but notes that the ventilation in the buildings is manual and operated by switches mounted at standing height in the hallways. In auditoriums, ventilation is controlled centrally, but there is no cooling system, so open windows are necessary on warm days.

Noise issues have been a problem in Kroghsstræde 7, room 59. Campus Service is working to improve the acoustics in the room to reduce noise issues.

If similar issues arise, students can report such faults and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed throughout the semester.

Study Workspaces, Including Group Rooms

A challenge noted across the Institute's programs in the study environment evaluations is the lack of study workspaces and social areas due to classes being held at Fibigerstræde 5. Vice Institute Leader Jan Holm Ingemann and Area Leader Jette Loll Pedersen are aware of this challenge, and the Institute is trying to minimize the use of teaching rooms at Fibigerstræde 5, as it is primarily an administrative building without study workspaces. Students are encouraged to use common areas on campus for breaks.

There has generally been a request for the renovation of study workspaces at Fibigerstræde 1 and 3, as well as the renovation of group rooms at Fibigerstræde 3. Additionally, there have been challenges with insufficient group rooms. The Institute’s ongoing process with Campus Service regarding study workspaces, including the improvement of group rooms, aims to address these requests and challenges.

Regarding the booking of group rooms, there has been a request to be able to book group rooms during semesters without project writing. Group room booking is always available for students and can be applied for here. There has also been a request for the booking system to display the square meters and facilities of the respective group rooms. To ensure this information is included in the booking system and updated in the future, it is the Institute's responsibility to create a list of group rooms, square meters, and facilities, and then send it to Campus Service. This task has not been prioritized by the Institute at this time.

There has been a request for microwaves in group rooms. This request cannot be accommodated as microwaves or electric kettles are not allowed in group rooms. The Institute refers to Fibigerstræde 3, room 33, or other kitchenettes on campus.

Lastly, students wish to use study workspaces in the city center, including at Create. This was also a request in the 2021 study environment evaluations. There are still no common study areas across AAU, so it is not possible to use study areas that belong to other faculties.

Improvements In and Around Fibigerstræde 1 and 3

In collaboration with Campus Service, the Institute has continuously made improvements to Fibigerstræde 1 and 3 throughout 2022 based on your feedback in the study environment evaluations. The final improvements will be completed in spring 2023.

In Fibigerstræde 1, the following have been done:

• Moss walls have been installed in some niche areas to improve acoustics and the indoor climate. Additionally, new furniture has been introduced.

In Fibigerstræde 3, the following have been done:

• The group rooms have been painted with white walls and one wall in another color. Furthermore, the floors have been cleaned and treated, more outlets have been installed, new curtains have been hung, and the tables have been replaced with height-adjustable tables with a single-colored tabletop.
•  In the common area outside the social room, 2 round tables have been installed to replace the sofa arrangement and the two rectangular tables.
•  The sink near the toilets by seminar room 37 has been replaced.
•   In the social room, new sofas and bar stools have been added, and the two gray lamps have been removed.
•  In the niche areas, moss walls have been installed, new lamps have been mounted, and new furniture has been added.
•   More frequent emptying of centrally located trash bins has been ordered. Therefore, no additional trash bins will be installed.

Outdoors:

•  A string of lights has been installed in the greenhouse between Fibigerstræde 1 and 3.
•  New garden furniture has been placed outside Fibigerstræde 3.

General Comments About Rooms

This year, there have been many requests and challenges regarding the physical study environment, where the specific address and room were not specified. The Institute encourages students to continuously report specific faults and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed in the respective semesters. If minor faults and deficiencies are reported in the study environment evaluations, the Institute encourages students to be more specific in their comments, for example by including the room and address, so that action can be taken.

There has been a request to be able to book group rooms at Campus Copenhagen. 

Unfortunately, there is no common system for booking group rooms at Campus Copenhagen. All bookable group rooms belong to the individual academic environments/institutes, which often have their own systems. Students at GRS do not have access to their own group rooms, but are advised to check the intranet for information.

The common study areas are primarily located in the squares – Birketorvet (building C), Vandtorvet, and Studentertorvet – as well as the two cafeterias in buildings A and B. Additionally, AUB has a small reading room on the 2nd floor in building A, and there are several smaller nooks, etc., around the campus that students can use.

Auditorium

This year, there has been a request for more space in the auditoriums, the same request that was made in the study environment evaluations in 2020. This request is not being accommodated at present, as Campus Service assessed in 2020 that the space in the auditoriums meets the standard. However, it will be considered in the larger renovation of the Fibigerstræde area.

Additionally, there has been a request for new microphones in auditorium A at Fibigerstræde 15. This request has been forwarded to ITS.

Lighting and Power

There have been issues with missing power in the tables and defective lighting in room 31 at Fibigerstræde 1 and defective lighting in room 0.02 at Niels Jernes Vej 8A. Campus Service has been informed of these issues via Building Support. Campus Service reports that power and lighting have been restored.

If similar issues arise, students can report such faults and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed throughout the semester.

Indoor Climate and Noise Issues

Challenges with the indoor climate have been reported at:

• Kroghsstræde 7, rooms 59 and 61
• Fibigerstræde 3, rooms 31, 35, and 37
• Fibigerstræde 5, room 33
• Fibigerstræde 15, auditoriums A, B, and C

These issues have been reported to Campus Service via Building Support. Campus Service states that everything is connected in these rooms but notes that the ventilation in the buildings is manual and operated by switches mounted at standing height in the hallways. In auditoriums, ventilation is controlled centrally, but there is no cooling system, so open windows are necessary on warm days.

Noise issues have been a problem in Kroghsstræde 7, room 59. Campus Service is working to improve the acoustics in the room to reduce noise issues.

If similar issues arise, students can report such faults and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed throughout the semester.

Study Workspaces, Including Group Roomsm

A challenge noted across the Institute's programs in the study environment evaluations is the lack of study workspaces and social areas due to classes being held at Fibigerstræde 5. Vice Institute Leader Jan Holm Ingemann and Area Leader Jette Loll Pedersen are aware of this challenge, and the Institute is trying to minimize the use of teaching rooms at Fibigerstræde 5, as it is primarily an administrative building without study workspaces. Students are encouraged to use common areas on campus for breaks.

There has generally been a request for the renovation of study workspaces at Fibigerstræde 1 and 3, as well as the renovation of group rooms at Fibigerstræde 3. Additionally, there have been challenges with insufficient group rooms. The Institute’s ongoing process with Campus Service regarding study workspaces, including the improvement of group rooms, aims to address these requests and challenges.

Regarding the booking of group rooms, there has been a request to be able to book group rooms during semesters without project writing. Group room booking is always available for students and can be applied for here. There has also been a request for the booking system to display the square meters and facilities of the respective group rooms. To ensure this information is included in the booking system and updated in the future, it is the Institute's responsibility to create a list of group rooms, square meters, and facilities, and then send it to Campus Service. This task has not been prioritized by the Institute at this time.

There has been a request for microwaves in group rooms. This request cannot be accommodated as microwaves or electric kettles are not allowed in group rooms. The Institute refers to Fibigerstræde 3, room 33, or other kitchenettes on campus.

Lastly, students wish to use study workspaces in the city center, including at Create. This was also a request in the 2021 study environment evaluations. There are still no common study areas across AAU, so it is not possible to use study areas that belong to other faculties.

General Comments About Rooms

This year, there have been many requests and challenges regarding the physical study environment, where the specific address and room were not specified. The Institute encourages students to continuously report specific faults and deficiencies to AAU’s Building Support or via the AAU Building Support app, so they can be addressed in the respective semesters. If minor faults and deficiencies are reported in the study environment evaluations, the Institute encourages students to be more specific in their comments, for example by including the room and address, so that action can be taken.

There has been a request to be able to book group rooms at Campus Copenhagen.

Unfortunately, there is no common system for booking group rooms at Campus Copenhagen. All bookable group rooms belong to the individual academic environments/institutes, which often have their own systems. Students at GRS do not have access to their own group rooms but are advised to check the intranet for information.

The common study areas are primarily located in the squares – Birketorvet (building C), Vandtorvet, and Studentertorvet – as well as the two cafeterias in buildings A and B. Additionally, AUB has a small reading room on the 2nd floor in building A, and there are several smaller nooks around the campus that students can use.

Indoor Climate

There is a general desire for better indoor climate concerning the regulation of heat and odor issues in seminar and group rooms at Fib 1 and Fib 3. These issues have been reported via the Building Support App. Campus Service has inspected the ventilation and adjusted the heating.

Cafeteria

In the study environment evaluations, there is a request for snack and coffee machines on campus. This request is being met with the new cafeteria offerings, where efforts are being made to create better opportunities to buy food and drinks outside of the cafeteria’s opening hours.

Seminar Rooms

There is a request for better chairs in room 35 at Fib 3. The current chairs are new seminar chairs, so the request cannot be accommodated.

There have been issues with light and heat in seminar rooms 35 and 33 at Fib 1. Solar film has been applied to the south-facing windows in these seminar rooms to help reduce glare and heat.

Study Workspaces

There has been a request for more study workspaces and for students to be able to use the study workspaces at, for example, Create in central Aalborg.

Currently, there are no common study areas across AAU, so it is not possible to use study areas that belong to other faculties.

Additionally, there has been a request for more lighting and new wall colors in the group rooms at Fib 3, which will be implemented in 10 group rooms. There was also a request for whiteboards in the group rooms at Fib 3, which will be carried out in 2022/2023.

The Institute is in dialogue with Campus Service regarding the setup of more study workspaces in Fib 1 and 3, including the possibility of creating niche areas. The Institute is awaiting Campus Service’s proposals for potential new niche areas.

Green Areas on Campus

In the study environment evaluations, there is a desire for more green areas on Campus CPH. At Campus CPH, there is a project for the Solskinskajen area, and it is desirable to update the master plan for the outdoor areas. Efforts are being made to implement this in collaboration with the authorities and property owners.

Study Workspaces

There has been a request for more study workspaces and for students to be able to use the study workspaces at locations such as Create in central Aalborg. A major renovation of the Fibigerstræde area has been initiated, and the buildings that the institute oversees (Fibigerstræde 1 and 3) are set to be renovated within the next few years, with study workspaces being a key consideration. The institute aims for a general upgrade of the study environment in the buildings at Fibigerstræde 1 and 3. The deputy head of the institute will review the buildings, Fibigerstræde 1 and 3, with student representatives and the study environment coordinator from Campus Service to find a short-term solution for study workspaces. Additionally, Campus Service will look into finding more furniture for the buildings in 2021.

Remember that you can use group rooms and study workspaces in several buildings in the Fibigerstræde area. See the overview of common study workspaces at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Furthermore, the greenhouses, which were set up in 2020, are freely available.

Currently, there are no common study areas across AAU, so it is not possible to use study areas that belong to other faculties.

Auditoriums

In the study environment evaluations, there is a request for more space in the auditoriums. Campus Service has assessed the space in the auditoriums and determined that they meet the standard. However, this will be considered in the larger renovation of the Fibigerstræde area.

Additionally, it was reported that the auditoriums are not accessible for people with disabilities. This has been prioritized for spring 2021, with Campus Service examining the accessibility for people with disabilities in Fibigerstræde 13 and the auditoriums.

Indoor Climate

There is a general desire for a better indoor climate in both group rooms and classrooms. Campus Service is checking the ventilation and heating regulation in Fibigerstræde 1 and 3, where all ventilation in seminar rooms and auditoriums will be reviewed.

Everyone is also encouraged to report such issues in the Building Support App.

Acoustics

The evaluations have revealed a desire for better acoustics in the group rooms in Fibigerstræde 3. The group rooms have been reviewed, and there are movable acoustic ceilings in the rooms to ensure better acoustics.

Water Stations

In 2021, ten new water stations will be installed in the Fibigerstræde area.

Seminar Rooms

There is a desire for improvements in the seminar rooms in Fibigerstræde 3. Campus Service is deprioritizing the renovation of this for the time being but will consider it during the larger renovation. IT Support is checking to ensure that the digital equipment functions as it should.

Study Workspaces

There is a request for more study workspaces as well as power outlets for charging computers. There are common study workspaces at the Faculty of Social Sciences, and you can therefore use the study areas that belong to the faculty.

The institute will engage in dialogue with Campus Service regarding the installation of more power outlets at the study workspaces.

Request:

Poor indoor climate/air quality, lack of ventilation. Students are complaining of headaches.

Follow-up:

Building A is currently undergoing a major adjustment and correction of all indoor climate systems, including ventilation, heating, cooling, and sun shading, etc. It is expected that once this is completed, the building's indoor climate will meet the standards and be adjusted to the current use of the rooms.

It is expected that Building A will be fully adjusted after the summer break. A final test/evaluation will take place when there are users in the building.

CAS CPH will check the current rooms to ensure that there are no ongoing problems.

Request:

Continued desire for a better booking system for group rooms.

Follow-up:

This request has been addressed by ITS in connection with the SOL project. The proposal for app integration is being investigated by ITS.

Request #1:

CALDISS: The main CALDISS room (Fibigerstræde 5, room 37) is designed as an open environment that students can use as a workspace, either individually or for project work. Therefore, the room should be inviting. Currently, the doors are solid and have a deterrent effect, as it is not possible to see if activities are taking place in the room behind the door. It is proposed to install a glass door to make the room more open and inviting for students passing by.

Follow-up #1:

CAS will send a proposal to the Faculty of Social Sciences regarding the replacement of the doors.

Request #2:

CALDISS: The windows in room 37 face south. For most of the year, the sun shines into the room, hitting the screens and causing general disturbance. The current sunshade blinds are very old, worn, and dirty. Additionally, they do not match the rest of the room's decor. New sunshade blinds would greatly improve the room's appearance and make it more inviting.

Follow-up #2:

As agreed, CAS will send a proposal to the Faculty of Social Sciences regarding new sunshade blinds.

Request:

Students wish for more study spaces and suggest setting up greenhouses.

Follow-up:

It is desirable to evaluate the other four greenhouses that have been set up before CAS installs more.

If students identify a need for the greenhouses, this will be prioritized for implementation in 2020/2021.

Request #1:

VIPs and students in rooms adjacent to the two quiet zones are experiencing noise disturbances. They request some form of noise reduction/soundproofing.

Follow-up #1:

Installing doors in the hallways could be a solution. CAS will look into this to find an optimal solution, potentially soundproofing office doors.

Request #2:

Students request more bench/table sets, ideally 3-5 sets.

Follow-up #2:

This has been prioritized for implementation in 2020/2021.

Request #1:

A general upgrade of the study environment is requested, including lamps, signs, plants, cushions, soft chairs, benches, etc., similar to the study environment established in Fib. 2 and 4. CAS has removed high tables, poufs, booths, etc. from Fib. 3, which further deteriorates the study environment.

Follow-up #1:

Fib 1 and 3 are part of a larger plan with the Building Agency. CAS is working on various scenarios for revitalization involving several million kroner. Therefore, no major new initiatives will be started. Instead, CAS intends to furnish with movable furniture.

Request #2:

There is a lack of workspaces for thesis students, where there is an opportunity for peace and concentration.

Follow-up #2:

The institute management is aware of the request for thesis workspaces, but due to financial constraints, the institute is unable to prioritize the request for thesis workspaces.

► Read about the study environment at Aalborg University

Development of the physical study environment at AAU

► Annual Report 2020

► Annual Report 2019