Urbanism/Schools

Christianshavn School

Project information

  1. Location Copenhagen‚ Denmark
  2. Area12.000 m²
  3. Construction cost170 mill DKK

Project details

  1. Year2014 — 2019
  2. StatusCompleted
  3. Partners Wissenberg
  4. Client Københavns Kommune
  5. Enquiries Susanne Hansen
  6. Scope Education environments
    Interior design
    Rehabilitation
    Wayfinding and signage
    Landscape design

Christianshavn School has been future-proofed through a conversion and expansion and now offers a rich catalogue of educational opportunities – a valuable and sustainable alternative to building a new school.

The school consists of four existing buildings, of which two were worthy of preservation and one was listed. The school is situated across two locations. The project has complexity on several levels:

  • Expansion from 3 to 4 tracks
  • Multiple stakeholders
  • Cultural heritage
  • Strict authority requirements
  • Archaeological interests
  • New pedagogical visions
  • Indoor climate, wellbeing, and health

The architectural concept was developed in dialogue with internal and external stakeholders. The school’s potential is its historical context and the architectural quality of the existing buildings. These qualities have been brought to life in the new concepts that are now visible in new and converted buildings, outdoor spaces, and learning platforms.

From closed school yard to vibrant urban space

The transformation of outdoor areas connects learning and movement in thematic environments that adapt to the urban context and supplies outdoor teaching, activity, and social places designed to be used simultaneously.

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The architectural concept

The project includes a new science building and the complete refurbishment of the existing school buildings. As the school was spread over several locations and had comprehensive conservation restrictions, it was necessary to perform architectural acupuncture. Our aim throughout the project was to optimise the learning experience.