Dragvoll

Dragvoll. It is a major campus of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), located in the eastern part of Trondheim, Norway. Established in the late 1970s, the campus primarily houses the university's faculties within the humanities and social sciences. Its distinctive architectural design, centered around a large courtyard, has made it a notable landmark in Norwegian higher education.

History

The decision to establish a new campus was made by the Norwegian Parliament in the 1970s to accommodate the expanding student population following the merger that formed the University of Trondheim. Construction began in 1978, with the first buildings opening for the 1982–83 academic year. The campus was designed by the architectural firm Henning Larsen Architects, in collaboration with Svein Hatløy, creating a unified complex around a central square. Over the decades, it has undergone several expansions, including the addition of the Dragvoll library and new departmental buildings, to meet growing needs. The campus fully integrated into the newly restructured Norwegian University of Science and Technology during the major university merger in 2016.

Campus and facilities

The campus is renowned for its cohesive architectural vision, featuring long, interconnected brick buildings arranged around a vast central courtyard known as the "Dragvoll square." Key facilities include the extensive Dragvoll library, which serves as a main library for humanities and social sciences, and the NTNU University Museum, which houses archaeological and natural history collections. The complex also contains numerous lecture halls, seminar rooms, and specialized laboratories for disciplines like psychology and social anthropology. The Student Society at Dragvoll (DKS) manages several student-run venues, including cafes and a pub, within the campus buildings.

Academic profile

Dragvoll is the main hub for NTNU's faculties of Humanities and Social and Educational Sciences. It hosts renowned departments such as the Department of Psychology, the Department of Sociology and Political Science, and the Department of Historical and Classical Studies. The campus is a center for research in areas like linguistics, philosophy, geography, and media studies. It is also home to several interdisciplinary research centers, including those focused on gender research and environmental humanities. Academic collaboration is frequent with other NTNU campuses like Gløshaugen and Tyholt, as well as with institutions like SINTEF and the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience.

Student life

Student life is vibrant and largely organized through the Student Society at Dragvoll (DKS), which arranges cultural events, parties, and academic seminars throughout the year. The campus facilities include popular student gathering spots like the Mikrobryggeriet pub and the Kafe Kafka. Students participate in a wide range of organizations, from the political debate society Sikringskåpa to the newspaper Under Dusken. The annual UKA festival, one of Norway's largest cultural festivals, is jointly organized by students from Dragvoll and other NTNU campuses. Proximity to the city center of Trondheim and its nightlife, including venues like Studentersamfundet, further enriches the student experience.

Transportation and accessibility

The campus is well-connected to Trondheim city center and surrounding areas via public transport, primarily through the Gråkallbanen tram line, with the stop "Dragvoll" located directly adjacent to the campus. Multiple AtB bus routes, including lines 5 and 66, also provide frequent service. For cyclists, it is linked to the city's network of bicycle paths, and there are ample bicycle parking facilities. The campus is also accessible by car, with parking areas available, and is located near major roads like the European route E6 and Norwegian National Road 706. Its location offers views over the Trondheimsfjord and is near recreational areas like the Estenstadmarka forest.

Category:Norwegian University of Science and Technology Category:Trondheim Category:University campuses in Norway