Visionary educational hub in Amsterdam given the green light

Designed as an educational heart of the North, Metropolis Lyceum is the embodiment of a modern, sustainable, and low-carbon building design, deploying a circular economy.

BDP's architectural approach creates an environment for students that fosters entrepreneurship, ownership, and responsibility for their own educational journey.

The spatial layout is thoughtfully crafted with thematic, clustered zones catering to diverse educational activities, from conventional classroom settings to dynamic project-based learning and self-directed study. A central social route meanders through the building, encouraging collaboration among students and forging meaningful connections with the local community, businesses, and social organisations.

The building's façade is parametrically designed to provide an optimal educational climate. Practical teaching spaces face north, maximising daylight exposure without causing overheating. Vertical fins on the facades reflect sunlight, reducing the need for cooling while preserving views of the park alongside the renowned Noordhollandsch Canal.

The incorporation of recycled wooden ceilings, harvested from the existing school, adds a touch of tranquility and a strong sense of place in the breakout and collaborative workspaces outside the classrooms. The steel structure, partially crafted from reused columns and beams, reduces the carbon footprint of the building, while maximising its flexibility with large spans against minimal material use, supporting both concrete and wooden floors.

Björn Bleumink, architect director at BDP, said: "The Metropolis Lyceum is a transformative place where generations of students can collaborate and learn together. The design will change the format of learning and teaching in The Netherlands and bring an active and healthy environment to the fabric of schools across the country.

“There is a strong focus on materials reuse and implementing biobased products as we want to inspire bright young minds to envision what a zero-carbon future looks like. It also reflects our commitment to creating human, healthy, livable, and inspiring environments for learning and working. We are excited to see our concept realised."

In February 2024, the design for Metropolis Lyceum gained international recognition by being shortlisted for the World Architecture News Future Education Project Award.