A new school for the Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) has emerged on the border of the Zuidas business district in Amsterdam. Situated just south of the Vrije University Campus, amidst the high-rise buildings and the low-rise Buitenveldert residential area, AICS occupies a strategic location that strengthens the neighborhood. The surrounding communities, such as the VU Campus, the Zuidas, the Amsterdamse Bos, the Buitenveldert park, and the Cannenburg neighborhood to the south, now offer opportunities for cooperation and cross-pollination through shared knowledge.
AICS is integrally linked to these communities through its programmatic, educational, and social initiatives, creating a sustainable social network. Within the school, children from all over the world have formed their own special community—a “cultural melting pot” of global citizens. Mecanoo has designed this primary and secondary school to accommodate 1,400 students. The building features a variety of shared spaces, including a library, auditorium, a ‘World Coffee Corner,’ a lecture hall, and an assembly hall. These spaces, located near the main entrance facing the stately Arent Janszoon Ernststraat, serve as the school’s ‘identity carriers’ to the surrounding communities.
The classrooms of the primary and secondary schools are stacked, overlooking the tranquil Cannenburg residential area. All classrooms are grouped around a central atrium with shared study areas and include spacious, south-facing balconies. Students benefit from a range of sports facilities both inside and outside the school, an adventure room, a dance studio, and music rooms.
The building’s volume reflects the transition between the large-scale architecture to the north and the smaller-scale buildings of Buitenveldert to the south, articulated by both formal and informal façades. Vertical greenery covers the southern walls, accentuating the contrast between the two sides. To the north, a restrained dark brick façade faces the busy Arent Janszoon Ernststraat, harmonizing with the adjacent high-rise structures of the VU Campus and Zuidas. On the south side, the building steps down towards the low-rise Cannenburg residential area, with a design that provides outdoor educational spaces on the roof terraces.
The central atrium allows daylight to flood the interior, offering clear sightlines throughout the building. By positioning common teaching areas and individual study spots along the atrium, the design encourages discovery and active learning. The meandering paths of stairs and bridges along a wooden slatted inner façade playfully connect the various functions. This circulation core, along with the assembly area and lecture hall, forms the ‘beating heart’ of the building. The compact structure features photovoltaic panels and a highly insulated façade, contributing to its sustainability.|
Reusing the existing basement was a key part of the strategy to reduce costs, minimize wasteful demolition, and save time, energy, and materials. With its partially overgrown facades and green roof, the building proudly displays its ‘green’ ethos, inspiring environmental consciousness among students and the broader community. Mature trees, bird nests integrated into the façade, and soft landscaping enhance the inviting learning environment, fostering a connection to nature while boosting the local flora and fauna.