Since its inception in 1921, the International People’s College (IPC) has served as a hub for international students to engage in cross-cultural learning and exchange within the Danish Folk High School tradition. URBAN POWER, emerging as the winner of an invited competition in 2018, undertook the detailed design and construction supervision of a new extension, enriching the IPC’s educational landscape.
Concept and Design
The new extension of IPC introduces additional teaching rooms and a social core space, aligning with the institution’s ethos of fostering dialogue, transparency, and global perspectives. Situated amidst a scenic park, the extension offers students a panoramic 360-degree view, symbolizing openness to the world. Architecturally, the extension seamlessly integrates with the existing yellow brick structure designed by Danish architect Steen Eiler Rasmussen, blending traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics.
Interactive Learning Environment
The extension’s design revolves around creating a versatile framework for diverse learning experiences while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Comprising two buildings, including a concealed portion beneath the terrain, the extension maximizes functionality within a compact footprint. Innovative technological solutions optimize space utilization, offering functional social areas and adaptable learning facilities. Multi-use spaces, such as the grand UN hall, facilitate a range of activities, from academic lectures to outdoor gatherings by the park and lake.
Sustainability and Integration
Embracing sustainability as a core principle, the IPC extension incorporates eco-friendly materials, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient design elements. Wood emerges as the primary construction material, with vertical pillars and horizontal slats creating a visually dynamic facade. The integration of the lower building into the landscape, complete with grass-covered roofs, enhances environmental harmony and minimizes noise disruption, particularly in designated relaxation areas.
In essence, the International People’s College extension embodies a synthesis of architectural innovation, environmental stewardship, and educational excellence, poised to enrich the learning journey of students from diverse cultural backgrounds for generations to come.
Miguel Santos
