Overview

Ørestad School and Library in Copenhagen is internationally renowned for its architecture, which creates an environment for play, learning and socialising at eye level with primary school pupils. It is a CO2-neutral pioneering building with green roofs and exemplary architectural robustness in both materials and spatial distribution. The design language is lush and varied in both plan and facade, with an interior characterised by a precise structure with many organisational possibilities.

Facts
City
Copenhagen
Country
Denmark
Client
Ørestad School and Library
Year
2014
Area
14500 ㎡
Funding
290 M
Sustainability
Low energy class 1, CO2 neutral
Awards
1st prize in architectural competition

The city and discovery. Presence and inspiration.

This is KHR Architects' vision for the school, leisure facilities and library in Ørestad City. There are hanging gardens, bay windows and small piazzas, just like in an inspiring medieval city. Visitors are invited to explore a myriad of small alleys and terraces outside the building, which is made publicly accessible by an exterior staircase.

Sustainable architecture

KHR Architecture has pioneered sustainable architecture in Denmark. Their concern for the environment is clearly reflected in Ørestad School, which was a spearhead project for the City of Copenhagen's efforts to save energy.

Socially, there has also been a strong focus on creating a sustainable school. With a focus on the children's perspective, the spaces are designed to be small enough for the children to feel safe, yet large enough for curiosity to peek around the corner.

 

A lively arrival

The school's sports hall is located under the roof playground. Large windows facing the foyer allow daylight to flood into the hall, creating an energised welcome as soon as you enter the building.

The hall is used by local sports clubs after school, making it a focal point in the local community.

Outdoor and indoor venues reinforce the City of Copenhagen's vision to make Ørestad School a social and cultural hub for Ørestad.

"The variety of spaces allows for group work, workshop work and time for contemplation. The floors and the connections between them are designed like the streets of a mountain town with a variety of dense alleys, piazzas, open views of the surroundings and small quiet spaces. The main routes through the city of the school are clear, but shortcuts create diversity and connections between the different functions of the school."

Mikkel Beedholm, Creative Director and Partner
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Space to play

Finding enough space for outdoor areas in a densely built-up area like Ørestad can be a challenge. That's why Ørestad School is not only built in height. All areas in and on the building are optimally utilised: Corridors are designed to accommodate both learning and social activities.
The glass panels in the façade serve as child-friendly breathing spaces, while the roof areas are transformed into green playgrounds or small peaceful oases.

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Wayfinding in Copenhagen car parks

How do you find your car in a grey concrete world? In collaboration with By & Havn, KHR has developed a wayfinding concept that makes it easier to find your way in a number of Copenhagen's car parks where it was previously difficult to find your way. The concept creates clarity and recognisability across the facilities - while adapting to the architecture and usage patterns of each car park. With simple tools such as colours, pictograms and mega-graphics, both function and aesthetics are supported in everyday life for thousands of users.

Wayfinding in the car park of 'Bjerget'

KHR Architecture has developed a wayfinding strategy for a number of By & Havn's car parks in Copenhagen with a focus on recognisability and user-friendliness. The concept makes it easy to find your way - no matter which car park you arrive at. In the Bjerget car park, however, a special version has been developed that respects the building's distinctive architecture and visual identity. The existing colour palette and typography have been retained and refreshed, while the wayfinding has been updated with new pictograms, floor markings and clear landmarks. The result is a system that is both site-specific and recognisable across the city.

Wayfinding at Nuuk school

At Nuuk School, wayfinding is an integral part of the architecture and user experience. Students, teachers and visitors must be able to easily find their way around the many buildings and functions - not through heavy signage systems, but through a visual and sensory strategy based on Greenland's rich nature, colour codes and playful symbolism. The result is a recognisable and logical environment that supports learning and well-being.

Wayfinding at hospital in Bergen

The wayfinding concept at Haukeland Children's Hospital is an example of how good architecture can make complex buildings easy to understand and move around in. Already in the early design phases, the focus has been on supporting intuitive orientation and efficient flows for children, relatives and staff. The combination of thoughtful architecture, target group-specific signage, individual colour concepts for each block and integrated art elements create recognisability and a sense of place in the 79,000 m² hospital.

Paul Hoffstadt

Architectural Intern

Linnea Johansson

Architectural Intern

Cristina Pullia

Architectural Intern

Lisa Landgren

Architectural Intern