Xplore Agora

Agora is all about autonomous learning. This autonomy goes so far that the child alone determines what is meaningful for him or her. As a result, every child follows his or her own learning path. The child’s learning question takes center stage. Curiosity and a thirst for knowledge are the guiding principles. The learning process emerges from the learning question. The new building for Xplore Agora in Elzenhagen Zuid Amsterdam North) is the first building in the Netherlands designed specifically for this educational concept. Together with Studio Ard Hoksbergen, we were responsible for all design phases. Based on the conviction that we could strengthen each other’s capabilities for this project and thereby create added value in all areas, we participated in the tender alongside Ard. Together, we made Ard’s strong architectural design feasible and achievable within budget. The result is a beautiful school whose architecture stimulates learning and self-development. Xplore Agora Amsterdam has been nominated for the Amsterdam Architecture Prize 2026 and the BNA Best Building of the Year 2026.