Henning Larsen Architects and White Architects are behind the design of the 5,000 m2 architecture academy, which was inaugurated only eight months ago.
On the World Architecture News website, WAN jurors commend the strong spatial qualities of the Umeå Architecture School. A citing from the website states:
“Education has always been a favoured sector for our practised judges, as the architectural design must not only act as a practical teaching environment but needs to inspire and excite young minds on a day-to-day basis. It was no surprise therefore that the Umeå Architecture Academy in Sweden was added to the shortlist without question; a simple but effective complex built by a ‘cracking practice’ to encourage aspiring designers to think outside the box.”
Karim Benkirane, Principal of Woods Bagot and WAN juror explains: “The use of materials is nothing too expensive. It’s nice and clean, the detailing is good, and the geometry is lovely.”
The other Education Sector finalists can be seen on the website www.worldarchitecturenews.com
The jury will announce the winner on 19 April.