Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture Special – Denmark
Vibenshus School.
School of change – an architectural triumph despite reform and urban density The Danish school system is adjusting to new demands on the actual school buildings. Families flock to settle in big cities such as Copenhagen. NOVA5 Architects’ award-winning work combines physical activity and better learning in spaces under pressure. By Thomas Bech Hansen | Photos: NOVA5 Architects
A longer school day, more PE and physical activity, better and more inclusive learning environments – these are some of the initiatives agreed upon by the Danish government in the 2014 reform of the primary and lower secondary school system. For NOVA5, specialists in homes and education facilities, the challenge was to transform old and outdated buildings already lacking in space to accommodate 74 | Issue 93 | October 2016
more pupils and facilitate the new and different school day. That, and dealing with scepticism from teachers, pupils and parents. “The idea is that you can combine physical and traditional class activities. You don’t just do maths sitting down and then go and play outside. It’s all done in a behaviour-changing way by taking the notion that learning and exercise can happen everywhere and anytime
into planning the space and designing the furniture. A lot of the schools in Denmark are not fully equipped to deal with this challenge, which does require new thinking and buildings that will be durable,” says Jennifer Dahm Petersen, architect and associate partner at NOVA5.
Commotion and contemplation Among the projects is Vibenshus School in Copenhagen’s Østerbro area. Nominated as Danish School Building of the Year in 2016 and winner of the English BUILD Award 2016, the school has received praise for being adapted to the needs and requirements attached to the modern-day school. Apart from new ways of structuring lessons, the school reform aims to bring together children