The timber structure of NEOMA’s future campus is complete

The new NEOMA Business School campus, designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen and built with Patriarche, associate architect in charge of the execution phase, has reached a key milestone with the completion of the structural work: the hybrid timber structure is now finished.

Overlooking the Reims canal, this new 35,000 m² campus, scheduled to open in January 2027, will host up to 4,700 students in an environment that blends timber, natural light and green spaces. Designed to promote well-being and learning, it will also contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood. This major real‑estate project was initiated by the Marne Ardennes Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), a shareholder of NEOMA, which actively supports the School’s development projects and related investments.

Every space is a learning space.

This project embodies a human‑centered vision of higher education, where indoor and outdoor spaces, communal areas and individual work zones blend seamlessly. Conceived as a genuine learning ecosystem, the campus has been designed so that every space fully contributes to the educational experience. Principles of biophilic design are applied throughout to promote health, well‑being and quality of life for students, faculty and staff.

Construction of the future NEOMA campus in Reims: the hybrid wood structure is now complete.

The project management team — comprising Patriarche, Egis, Elioth, Etamine, Acoustb and Creafactory — reflects NEOMA’s commitment to a collaborative approach and interdisciplinary expertise.

Breathing new life into Port Colbert: a campus rooted in history

Located west of downtown Reims, the new campus is taking shape in Port Colbert, a former industrial district now undergoing major transformation. Once home to breweries, aluminum workshops and foundries, the area is today part of a broader movement of urban renewal projects and a renewed focus on green spaces... The ambition behind these developments is to create an attractive, innovation‑driven neighborhood, helping shape the Reims of tomorrow.

“The design of the campus is inspired by Port Colbert’s entrepreneurial energy,” explains Søren Øllgaard, Design Director at Henning Larsen. “It is based on the idea that learning can extend beyond the classroom, encouraging students to embrace and take ownership of their surroundings.”

By aligning with this momentum, the project supports the district’s revival while valuing its industrial heritage, giving rise to a contemporary campus that respects the site’s history.

Promoting well-being through nature and light

Through the diversity of its spaces, the abundance of natural light, and the omnipresence of nature, the campus offers a high‑quality learning environment adapted to a wide range of uses and needs.
The central exposed timber structure shapes a stepped, landscaped setting that creates continuity between indoor and outdoor areas, while connecting the building to the nearby canal and surrounding parks. Planted courtyards, tree‑lined pathways and landscaped terraces form a collection of outdoor spaces that strengthen campus life.

“This project presents several strengths, starting with a strong visual identity that makes the campus instantly recognizable,” explains Delphine Manceau, Dean of NEOMA Business School. “This identity is expressed in particular through the large hall, nicknamed the Hive, which places students at the heart of the building. It very concretely reflects our vision of the student experience at NEOMA. The use of wood and glass helps create a welcoming atmosphere filled with natural light, while easily accessible green spaces have been integrated both inside and outside the campus.”

The campus’s outdoor spaces — wooded garden, planted terraces, courtyards and walkways — represent 7,900 m², or 22% of the floor area, and are accessible from every level of the building.

Timber construction and sustainability

The campus will house 85 classrooms, 2 lecture halls, 1 event space and a modular 750‑seat auditorium. The use of timber — both in the structural framework and in the interior finishes and façades — helps reduce the building’s carbon footprint while creating a warm atmosphere conducive to learning.
In line with NEOMA’s environmental commitments, the campus aims to obtain LEED, WELL and E+C- certifications.

An important milestone in the construction

The structural work is now complete. The timber assemblies and concrete slabs reflect the craftsmanship and precision of the teams working on the site.

“It is a real pleasure to collaborate with Henning Larsen for a client as ambitious as NEOMA Business School. Architecture is born from the meeting of many professions and contributors. It is through openness to others and to the world that the best projects emerge. Here, a strong design fully serves the environment and supports the intensification of uses. The building thus becomes a true symbol for the students of tomorrow.” notes Damien Patriarche, architect and President of Patriarche.

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Key facts and team

Project name : NEOMA Business School
Client : NEOMA Business School
Project location : Reims, France
Typology : Higher education
Size : 35,000 m² floor area
Certifications : LEED, WELL, E+C-

Start of construction : 2024
Projected end of construction : 2026

Lead Architect : Henning Larsen
Executive Architect : Patriarche
Landscape : Henning Larsen
MEP Engineer : Egis
Façades and sustainability : Elioth
Ecologist : Etamine
Acoustics : Acoustb
Scenography : Creafactory