Size 12.000 m²
Ørestad Gymnasium (Ørestad College) is the first college in Denmark based on the new visions of content, subject matter, organisation and learning systems in the reform of the educational system of the Danish “high-school” (gymnasium) for students of the age of 16-19. Communication, interaction and synergy are key issues. The project displays a visionary interpretation of openness and flexibility and the school has no class rooms in the traditional sense. Classes are taught in many different ways - varying from individual learning over group work to larger assemblies, and reflects international tendencies towards a more dynamic and life-like studying environment - meanwhile introducing IT as a main tool. The intention is also to enforce the students’ abilities to gradually take responsibility for their own learning, being able to work in teams as well as working individually.
education/ØRESTAD COLLEGE
Completion 2007
ØRESTAD COLLEGE
Client Municipality of Copenhagen/ Undervisningsog Bygningsstyrelsen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Address Ørestads Boulevard 75 2300 Copenhagen S
The college is interconnected vertically and horizontally. Four boomerang shaped floor plans are rotated to create the powerful super structure which forms the overall frame of the building – simple and highly flexible. Four study zones occupy one floor plan each. Avoiding level changes makes the organisational flexibility as high as possible, and enables the different teaching and learning spaces to overlap and interact with no distinct borders. The storey decks are open towards a central core, where a broad main staircase winds its way upwards to the roof terrace. The main staircase is the heart of the college’s educational and social life; the primary connection up and down, but also a place to hang out, watch fellow students and be seen.
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