The Prix Versailles’ annual World’s Most Beautiful Universities List focuses on architecture that reflects the changing role of universities. According to Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary-General of the Prix Versailles, universities are increasingly evolving into attractive, inspiring and connected environments for students, researchers and staff. Architecture plays a key role in this, not least through its relationship with nature and the broader societal challenges facing universities as centres of knowledge. The Prix Versailles links this approach to the principle of ‘intelligent sustainability’, in which culture forms an integral part of the environment.
Transformation of a listed former hospital complex
The University Library is housed in a former hospital complex in the historic centre of Amsterdam. The project transforms the listed complex into a contemporary library, without altering the historical identity of the ensemble.
The Prix Versailles specifically highlights the transformation of the former courtyard into a large central atrium. This formed the starting point for the new biomimetic roof: a slender, self-supporting steel structure inspired by the geometry of a leaf. The roof connects the historic buildings with the new architecture while maximising daylight, improving indoor comfort and creating a climatic buffer.
The atrium forms the spatial and social heart of the library. The sculptural ‘Tree of Wisdom’ staircase connects the various levels and encourages movement, encounters and discovery. On the city-facing side, the new wing features a three-dimensional letter façade spelling out a line from Martinus Nijhoff’s poem Awater. The text is rendered in 24 languages and six different writing systems, taught at UvA’s Faculty of Humanities. The Prix Versailles describes the result as a ‘readable’ building that stimulates curiosity.
"We are proud that the Amsterdam University Library has been selected by the Prix Versailles for the World’s Most Beautiful Universities List. For us, the project is all about striking a careful balance between respecting the history of this remarkable complex and creating an open, contemporary environment for knowledge, interaction and discovery. With the atrium, the Tree of Wisdom and the new façade, we have added a new layer to the existing buildings, which at the same time connects the library more closely with the city and its users. The fact that this approach is now also being recognised internationally is a great honour for everyone who has contributed to the project."
Eight universities worldwide
The Amsterdam University Library is one of eight projects on the World’s Most Beautiful Universities List 2026. The other selected projects are:
- UNSW Sydney – Health Translation Hub, designed by Architectus
- University of Cambridge – Ray Dolby Centre, designed by Jestico + Whiles
- University of Oxford – Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, designed by Hopkins Architects
- University of Arkansas – Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation, designed by Grafton Architects + Modus Studio
- Claremont McKenna College – Robert Day Sciences Center, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
- Harvard University – David Rubenstein Treehouse, designed by Jeanne Gang
- Johns Hopkins University – Bloomberg Student Center, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
The three projects to receive a World Title will be announced on 10 December 2026 during the ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
About the Prix Versailles
The Prix Versailles is an international architecture and design award that highlights projects worldwide for their architectural and cultural qualities. The World’s Most Beautiful Universities List forms part of the Prix Versailles’ annual selections.
