Struer Free and Vocational School – When Architecture and Lighting Go Hand in Hand

Year

2025

Location

Struer

Architect

MNT Arkitekter

Photo credits

Fotograf Anders Trærup

At Struer Free and Vocational School, it's not just about teaching – it's about creating an environment where young people can explore, discover, and be curious. The new extension is an active landscape where form and function align – and where architecture creates possibilities rather than limitations.

The building is composed of five distinct zones, each designed to support concentration, activity, and social interaction. The circular shapes and open connections create a natural flow between the spaces, making it easy to shift between focus and community.

Lighting is conceived as a tool that enhances moods and invites engagement – with soft transitions and unexpected details. This is not about standard solutions, but a deliberate interplay between form, function, and feeling.


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The building was created with a clear goal: to provide an environment that encourages participation and fosters a desire to be present – both physically and mentally.

Each room has been given its own unique lighting identity, tailored to its function and atmosphere:

  • In 'Care', the calming space where yoga and relaxation take place, a starry sky of small spotlights – D70-R92 G2 alongside floating suns made of DIS dome luminaires – creates an atmosphere of tranquility, presence, and reflection.
  • In the gaming room, elongated, asymmetrically placed C80-P luminaires contribute to a creative and playful ambiance, where light and architecture go hand in hand.

  • The craft room is equipped with linear C80-P luminaires that provide precise and even lighting – emphasizing the professional character and accuracy the space demands.

  • In the creative room, the lighting is simple and functional, with ring-shaped C95-S Circle luminaires that offer excellent task lighting for detailed work while also supporting the room’s clean and minimal aesthetic.

  • In the “café room”, groups of round DIS dome luminaires hang at varying heights and sizes – almost like a modern chandelier – creating a warm and informal café atmosphere where students can meet and unwind



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In the shared areas, “randomly” placed round C95-Circle luminaires contribute to a playful and organic ceiling design. The light management system ensures that lights are only on when needed – and at the right intensity.

All lighting in the project is executed with high-efficiency, low-energy LED luminaires. The DALI-2 lighting control system significantly enhances the project’s sustainability by enabling demand-driven and adaptive lighting. When lighting is not needed, the system automatically switches off.

We are proud to have been part of a project where both architecture and lighting truly make a difference.



 

Products Delivered for This Project