The partnership behind the upcoming transformation of OUH launched an open ideas competition to invite proposals demonstrating how 274,000 square metres in the heart of Odense can be transformed into a green, sensory and dynamic urban neighbourhood with housing, business, culture and urban nature. The submission deadline was 1 May, and the awarding of the best proposals will take place on 18 June.
In February 2026, Freja Ejendomme, Realdania By & Byg and the City of Odense invited participants to take part in an open ideas competition on the development of the former Odense University Hospital (OUH) – a competition that contributes to shaping the vision for the site’s next chapter.
The ideas competition was open to professionals, creatives, cultural and leisure organisations, businesses and citizens who wished to contribute ambitious and innovative ideas for how the existing area can be developed into an attractive and vibrant urban neighbourhood – and a strong example of future urban development in Denmark.
Through the ideas competition, the partners called for ideas and new perspectives – not finished solutions. The contributions are intended to inspire, challenge conventional thinking and help inform the long-term development process, based on the existing structures, the history of the site and the partnership’s shared values.
See the competition programme for the ideas competition here.
The submission deadline was 1 May, and by the closing date, 94 participants had submitted a total of 136 proposals.
The best proposals will be announced at an award event on 18 June.
Exhibition of the submitted proposals
All interested visitors will have the opportunity to view an exhibition of the submitted proposals, which will be open in connection with an ideas festival taking place on Wednesday 13 May and from 18 to 22 May at J. B. Winsløws Vej 19, DK-5000 Odense.
The opening hours of the exhibition are:
Wednesday 13 May, 15:00-19:00
Monday 18 May, 13:00-19:00
Tuesday 19 May, 13:00-19:00
Wednesday 20 May,13:00-20:00
Thursday 21 May, 13:00-20:00
Friday 22 May, 13:00-19:00