The architecture of Nuuk's new school will not only provide an optimal setting for learning, it will also make the school a gathering place in the city. Atuarfik Inussuk is a landmark that tells a story about the child at the centre of school construction, about building a 'village' with space for people, both inside the buildings and in the space between the houses.
The school's main approach is based on Greenland's history of nature as a basic condition for life, while pointing to a way of building that gives first priority to indoor climate, daylight and beautiful spaces where people can live and thrive.
Nuuk
Greenland
Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
2025
17 500 ㎡
DKK 615 M
Intelligent lighting, long-lasting maintenance-free materials, optimal use of natural daylight and good indoor climate
Ístak general contractor, Verkis Engineers, Vega landscape
Architecture in harmony with its surroundings
The sculptural roof shapes create an inner double-height spaciousness with skylights in each of the seven connected school buildings. The roofs are clad with Kalzip, which folds down over the upper part of the facade to the top horizontal window band, ensuring good lighting conditions without glare, even when the sun is low in the sky during the long dark hours. The remaining part of the facade is clad with horizontal boards in natural wood that patinates naturally and is virtually maintenance-free - a beautiful and simple solution.
The design embraces the landscape, and the many small outdoor spaces created between the smaller units provide optimal conditions for sheltered and sunny spaces where children can play. At the same time, the passage between the school and daycare centre connects the school area with the city.
A focal point for social sustainability
The school's architecture supports social sustainability by creating a safe and stimulating environment for different age groups. We have worked intensively with user involvement to take into account the needs of the users, the special nature and culture of Greenland and to ensure ownership. Through the choice of animals and colours on the facade, cultural recognition and playful learning is already created through the school's exterior.
The building grows with the children from nursery to school
Aturafik Inussuk is for school children from preschool to upper secondary school, and daycare centres, Naasut with room for 120 children, is directly connected to the school, so there is room for around 1300 children in total. Nevertheless, thanks to the individual school buildings and a well-thought-out layout, the children have a safe and manageable environment regardless of age.
The child grows from the sheltered little world of the daycare centre to greater freedom, responsibility and vision, until they eventually end up at the top of the school overlooking the city - ready to take on the world.
Inussuk means cairns, which are man-made constructions that were used in ancient times to navigate by - just as the school should support students' development and show them the way,
The building stands out like a mountain silhouette in the Greenlandic landscape
The location in the centre of Nuuk town and on the edge of the large plain is used to create a unique school that is both an integral part of the town and connects with the landscape. The school opens up to the city with active urban spaces and facades that reflect outward-facing functions such as sports facilities, auditorium and heart room.
"The architectural expression is inspired by the ubiquitous Greenlandic nature. The building's roofs are shaped after the rocky landscape and appear silhouetted against the sky, like the contours of the mountains."
Morten Nøhr Frandsen, architect and associate partner
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Overhead lighting that takes into account the Arctic climate
During the long dark hours, it is crucial to make the most of daylight. Through the high sloping skylights, the architecture ensures that light is drawn into the building without dazzling - regardless of the height of the sun.
The school will be a gathering place for the city, where local residents can come together even during the many cold months when it is difficult to meet outside. The school's large heart room with adjoining canteen can be closed off from the rest of the school so that associations and events can utilise the facilities after school hours. In addition to culture and sports, there are plans for socialising around meals in the large open canteen, both during and after school. Many Greenlandic children don't get the food they need, so the canteen has an important function in terms of well-being and learning.
