Star Metro - Metaform Architects Wins Historic European Double for 'Um Bock' School Project

Luxembourg-based Metaform Architects has secured a historic European double, winning prestigious accolades at both the German Design Awards and the Paris Design Awards for its refurbishment and extension of the 'Um Bock' school campus in Oberkorn. The firm’s recognition at the Paris Design Awards on Friday, November 6, 2026, follows closely on the heels of its victory in Germany, marking a significant milestone for the office led by Shahram Agaajani.

The 'Um Bock' school campus, located in the municipality of Differdange, opened in May 2026 and has rapidly emerged as an international showcase for Luxembourgish architecture. The project’s success is attributed to Metaform’s deliberate decision to reject the conventional "clean slate" approach often seen in modern construction. Instead of demolishing the original 1950s structure, which was in a state of disrepair but retained a strong architectural identity, the architects chose to preserve the existing concrete framework and brick walls entirely.

This strategy yielded significant environmental benefits by drastically reducing demolition waste and reusing existing materials. By retaining the original structure, the project minimized embodied carbon, or "grey energy," thereby avoiding the substantial environmental costs associated with producing and transporting new heavy building components. The preserved historic building is now integrated with an ultra-modern extension clad in more than 3,200 square meters of red fiber-cement façade panels. The color palette was specifically chosen to pay homage to the red earth of the Minett region.

Beyond its technical and environmental achievements, the project won over international juries in Frankfurt and Paris through its human and participatory dimension. During the renovation phase, some internal brick walls had deteriorated due to age. Metaform transformed this constraint into a collective artistic endeavor by inviting schoolchildren to participate in collaborative workshops on the building site.

Under the guidance of artists Alice and David Bertizzolo, students stacked and assembled small, colored aluminum pieces to design unique bricks. These whimsical metal creations were then laid directly into the interior walls, permanently embodying the young occupants' sense of ownership over their learning spaces. The resulting environment combines concrete, nature, and children’s art to create a space described as both bright and poetic.

The dual awards confirm Metaform Architects’ upward trajectory in the European architectural landscape. The firm is currently managing multiple high-profile projects, including the Skypark Business Centre, which is redefining the contours of the airport’s Eurohub Sud area. Upcoming events will further highlight the work of architects Shahram Agaajani and Jakob Sand, focusing on the broader journey of the Skypark development.

The 'Um Bock' project involved a wide range of collaborators. The City of Differdange provided the ambitious vision for the educational facility. Metaform Architects, including Steve Weyland, Carolin Pompelle, Odilia Manso, Tomasz Zeludziewicz, Laurence Prevot, and Aiva Dorbe, conceived the modern architecture. Engineering challenges were addressed by LSC360 (Simon-Christiansen & Associés) and EnTec for civil and building services work. On-site expertise was provided by Costantini S.A. and Prefalux for structural works and finishing touches.

The integration of art and architecture remains a defining feature of Metaform’s portfolio. By exporting its expertise and garnering accolades beyond the borders of the Grand Duchy, the firm is positioning itself not merely as a follower of trends but as a setter of pace for European architecture. The recognition underscores a model of public infrastructure that functions simultaneously as an aesthetically accomplished achievement, a hub for community life, and a benchmark for eco-design.

J.Campbell--SMC