Copenhagen’s South Harbor School rises from the sidewalk to promote community

Copenhagen's sprawling South Harbor School encourages social social interaction in a way that is both surprising and exciting.

JJW Architects designed the building to extend the city's public realm and invite its neighbors to participate in its daily functioning. The project won this year's WAN Education Award - more details after the jump.

The building is located in a densely populated area that required additional educational facilities. As the new public school, the building merges its institutional and maritime qualities. With various seating and walking areas rising from the sidewalk onto the roof of the building, the school is designed to become an active part of the community.

The interior features spaces of different heights and natural lighting, ensuring that students, teachers and visitors are both surprised and challenged. This dynamic spatial condition also supports learning and developing social abilities among students.

“When you look at it, absolutely every single space is being used. I also love how this sits, it’s completely contextual and it has its own identity,” said Keith Papa, Architect Director at Building Design Partnership (BDP), and member of the WAN Awards jury. Congratulations on an exemplary and inclusive design.