Danish architect Henning Larsen has unveiled the winning design for the Glyvra School in the Faroe Islands, set to be transformed into a 10,000-sq-m “learning village”.
Set in a cluster of structures, the school will accommodate 500 pupils aged between five and 12, prioritising both indoor and outdoor learning and playing with sheltered areas and wind protection.
Building design mirrors the natural surroundings with green areas flowing into the campus, which extends into the landscape with paths leading to the beach, a sauna, swimming areas and courtyards.
A new music school will be added to the Heimistovufjósið – aka the homestead barn – originally built in the 1950s. It will have teaching areas, rehearsal rooms and a concert hall.
Many classrooms will have views over the fjord.
Ósbjørn Jacobsen, Henning Larsen’s design director in the Faroe Islands, said: “Education here happens both indoors and out. Our design weaves exercise and play into everyday learning to ensure the surrounding nature isn’t only a scenic view, but also a teacher.”
Sigrid J. Dalsgaard, jury secretary of the design panel, said: “One project stands out and has managed exceptionally well to transform the blueprint: our needs, desires, and dreams—into a building that we are happy to have as our landmark. As a reflection of our soul, community and history.”
Construction will be carried out across multiple phases, allowing the school to remain open throughout.
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