Danish studio BIG has completed a sculptural, glass-walled building containing three schools beside a fjord in the Faroe Islands' capital Tórshavn.
Described by BIG as a "vortex", Glasir comprises five levels that wrap around a central courtyard, before projecting as cantilevers that overlook surrounding landscape.
The building, which measure 19,200 square metres, contains three different schools and facilities for 1,750 people.

"Glasir retains the autonomy and individual identity for each of the three schools, while creating ideal conditions for collaboration and learning to flourish ? an incubator for innovation rather than a traditional school setting," explained the architecture studio, which is led by Bjarke Ingels. "The building is organised like a vortex, with each level opening up and the top levels radiating 30 metres out towards the mountainous landscape."

Inside, the building dedicates one level to each of the three schools: Faroe Islands Gymnasium, Tórshavn Technical College and the Business College of Faroe Islands.
There is also a level designated for shared food and faculty spaces, and another for fitness and social gatherings. The levels project outwards, and are aligned with the stepped topography of the site.

To retain focus on this sculptural form, BIG designed Glasir's external finishes from glass and aluminium.
The glass panels are staggered and have a sawtooth form. They are teamed with a grass roof intended to help ...