Learning environment

The Bonhoeffer College in Enschede is undergoing a transformative renovation that preserves its historic façade while creating a modern, 21st-century learning environment. This transformation honors the past while embracing the future. The sustainable renovation is essential, as the current building is both technically and functionally outdated. The proposal aligns with the school’s mission: "Give attention, grow into who you are, and enjoy the expedition."Modernizing for future needsThe renovation strengthens the connection between the building's different sections by removing inefficient spaces and adding new ones that better align with current educational requirements. The original design, which alternates large brick volume... More

The largest pre-vocational secondary technical school (VMBO) in the Netherlands, Gilde Vakcollege, has opened its doors on the innovation campus on the outskirts of Gorinchem. The new energy-neutral school building, spanning over 10,000 m² and designed by De Zwarte Hond, offers an inspiring and sustainable learning environment where craftsmanship, innovation, and personal development come together. Caption Gilde Vakcollege was in need of renewal, as the existing building no longer met contemporary standards. In the new facility, students benefit from modern practical classrooms, spacious learning plazas, and an environment where theory and practice blend seamlessly. Headteacher Krijn Redert is proud of the result: “This bu... More

Located in Frederiksberg, Denmark, an educational building elevates the standard for public buildings through considered design and material application, serving both its students and the broader local community. This expansion of the existing educational facility has achieved the DGNB Diamond certification, a distinction in Danish architecture that recognises high levels of architectural quality and aesthetic appeal, in addition to the DGNB Gold standard. The project thus fulfils the vision of the local municipality to create a resource that enriches its users and integrates seamlessly with its urban context. Design for learning and community The architectural approach for the expansion was guided by a holistic strategy that prioritised... More

The development plan provides new perspectives on how to convert Aarhus Municipal Hospital into a campus integrated into the city, where Aarhus University interacts with the local urban and commercial environment in entirely new ways - amidst one of Denmark’s most unique constructed environments with a unique homogeneity in geometry and materials. Caption Enhances the qualities of the locationThe consistent composition of urban spaces and buildings clad in red brick has characterised Aarhus Municipal Hospital since the 1930s, but this strong visual identity has become somewhat faded over the past few decades due to new pavilions and additions. With the conversion of the old hospital to the University Town - the site’s orig... More

The Hedda Andersson college adds a new chapter to Lund’s long history as a city of learning. It will become one of Sweden’s largest colleges and is based on social sustainability with focus on actuating the students and enriching the surrounding city. Caption Opens up towards the cityLund’s green surroundings are used actively and incorporated into the building as a central park with inspirational outdoor space where the students can study, eat their lunch and be together in an informal way – a large, south-facing outdoor area, which opens up the college towards the city. Thus, not only more than 2,000 students but the whole city will benefit from it in a wider perspective. "It is a sculptural, beautiful and c... More

JJW Architects have transformed an almost 100 years old school in Copenhagen to support modern principles of learning and increase the connection between the school and the local community.   The almost 100 years old Grøndalsvængets School has undergone a comprehensive transformation. With respect to original qualities the existing main building from 1929 has been completely renovated and refurbished to support today's demands for differentiated learning spaces and healthy indoor climate. Furthermore, the school has been extended with two new buildings for teaching, sports and music - designed with strong reference to the identity of the surrounding neighborhood.   COHESION The transformation supports the unique... More

Situated in a central Cambridge conservation area, the building carefully addresses the scale and character of the surrounding urban fabric whilst providing a dynamic new focus for the school. Formed by the overhang of the rooftop sports pitch, an external canopy has been expressed in a deep weave of glulam beams that spread from the activity space out into the courtyard like a tree canopy, supported by organically-shaped tilted columns. A crisply detailed brick plinth wraps around the building, visually supporting a bronze-clad suite of learning spaces. It is this material richness which greatly adds to the impact of the buildingPROJECT DETAILSThe new building sits between, and connects to, two existing school buildings, improving access t... More

New public and international school in Copenhagen introduces urban learning environments in attractive historical settings.Tucked between Copenhagen’s historic Carlsberg buildings a new public school recently opened for around 900 students with international background. Designed by NORD Architects and Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects the European School Copenhagen is a new international school that promotes modern learning landscapes whilst merging school and city together through open public spaces. The European School Copenhagen has a multicultural reach supported by the city of Copenhagen and distinguished Danish international companies. The international perspective of the school is embedded in the local district of Carlsberg City with seve... More