JKMM’s proposal “Damgambit” has won the Svenska Kulturfondet I Björneborgin (SKiB) architecture competition for a school building in Pori, a historic city on the West Coast of Finland.  The project involves remodelling the Björneborgs Svenska Samskolan, a Swedish speaking school providing daycare and tuition from primary right through to senior years.  The design concept focusses on creating an inherently urban school that can house various activities not unlike a cultural campus.  The street facing elevations are in keeping with the existing buildings’ red brick architecture that has been updated with new lattice windows. Within the building an atrium-like inner courtyard is lit up as it faces the well-lit light timber interiors that wrap around this enclosed space. In addition to rooms dedicated for teaching, the project has a lobby, cafe, library and a multipurpose space that can all be accessed by the general public. These common areas are located on the ground floor. Pedagogic facilities are above in addition to quiet zones dedicated for focussed work.  The new additions to the school are connected through an entry hall leading to the school gymnasium.  JKMM’s design has ensured that external spaces now play an important role in accommodating different age groups and those using the building for recreation.  The result is an experiential learning environment that has a strong civic dimension. The hybrid design is also energy efficient and incorporates a holistic approach to long term sustainability by bringing a range of compatible functions under one roof.