Bridging INSEAD’s past, present and future
From the inaugural classes at the iconic château to the evolving spaces of our Europe Campus, INSEAD has been a cradle of transformative education for over six decades. Here in the Fontainebleau forest, generations of INSEADers have acquired knowledge, forged life-changing relationships and sparked global ventures. The future of global business education resides with the forward-thinking minds at INSEAD; where ideas and innovation collide to create impactful and enduring change.
Our founders, led by George Doriot, envisioned the school as a bridge between the old and the new, connecting European heritage to foster peace and prosperity with US-style business education. Since 1959, INSEAD has linked diverse people, cultures and ideas together - first in Fontainebleau and then through our expansion to Singapore, Abu Dhabi and most recently, San Francisco – affirming our status as the only true Business School for the World.
My vision is for everyone who steps onto our Europe Campus to immediately feel a deep connection to our mission.
Francisco Veloso
Dean of INSEAD
Francisco Veloso
Dean of INSEAD
Our expansion transcends geographical boundaries. We create far-reaching impact through our dynamic global community, anchored by a transformative campus experience that remains at the heart of the INSEAD journey. The power of our 70,000-strong alumni network, across over 180 countries, demonstrates INSEAD's multiplier effect and originates from a truly unique campus experience and global mindset.
In a turbulent era shaped by relentless innovation but also polarisation, mistrust, inequality and climate change, academic campuses play a unique role in building connections – bonding individuals and communities. As we consider the future of our Europe Campus, where INSEAD began but where its age is being felt, we have a pressing need and unique opportunity. The requirement to modernise our built environment becomes an occasion to re-imagine it, enabling us to create future-proof spaces to prepare business leaders to lead ethically and effectively.
Why Bridges?
In today's world where global tensions escalate and societies grow more divided, building bridges, as INSEAD does, is more critical than ever. We are committed to connecting diverse individuals with different ways of thinking – encouraging entrepreneurship and creating new business models. We build bridges between people, companies and economies – pioneering the integration of humanity throughout. INSEAD is the place where meaningful relationships are forged, bridging the gaps that divide us – we must create an environment where these connections can continue to flourish and grow.
Architectural rendering for inspiration
Building Bridges to the Mind and Imagination
Academic Hub
INSEAD’s mission is the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Our intention is to unite all spaces (Faculty, PhDs, FAs) in one location.
This will facilitate collaboration, mentorship and debate, and will support creativity and learning - keeping INSEAD at the forefront of thought leadership globally.
Building Bridges to the Heart
Between people and cultures (human connection)
Life at INSEAD is about forging deep, enduring connections, that last a lifetime – which is why our alumni often say “INSEAD changed my life”.
This communal space is where personal stories intersect with global business leadership, making the educational journey transformative.
Building Bridges to Learning
Growth and Impact
At INSEAD, transforming the learning experience means delivering uncompromised, high-quality education. To maintain our global standing, our campus must embody excellence in every facets.
By bridging our learning spaces, we can create an ecosystem where ideas flow freely, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Building Bridges to Balance
To nature, the forest, the family, to oneself
At INSEAD, well-being and environmental stewardship are fundamental to our teaching and operational ethos. Our campus redesign harmonises the human experience with our unique forest setting.
We will bridge accessible, family-friendly spaces with tranquil environments using sustainably sourced materials...
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Building Bridges to Exploration
Entrepreneurship and innovation
At INSEAD, innovation and entrepreneurship are the backbone of our global influence and woven into our identity. We are pioneers and first movers who thrive on discovery.
We are dedicated to crafting dynamic spaces that enhance entrepreneurial skills and promote global collaboration.
Sustainability
Building an Exemplary Campus
- Low carbon, eco-designed materials
- Clean energy provision
- Link with forest and biodiversity
- Maximised reuse, circular economy, local product provision
- Sustainable operations
Phygital
Support Multi-Modal, Academic, Networking, or Administrative Activities
- Multi-modal experience all along the way
- Digital "one-stop shop" and integrated services
- Easy connections (office and teaching spaces)
- Seamless across campuses
Behind the Scenes
The Re-Imagination of the INSEAD Europe Campus in motion.
INSEAD is a special place. The campus in Fontainebleau is central to the experience of students, faculty and staff. It’s a place that has transformed thousands of lives over the years. And it’s time to reimagine what the campus will be into the future. The Campus Re-Imagination Masterplan is far more than a construction project - it is a shared vision brought to life through the passion and creativity of our INSEAD community.
As an alumna, leading this initiative is an extraordinary privilege. Our campus is where ideas take shape, where relationships are forged, and where lifelong bonds are created across cultures and generations. Together, we are reimagining a campus that not only meets the needs of today, but also embodies the values, energy, and human connection that make INSEAD unique, and ensure that it remains so into the future.
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz MBA'94J
Chair, INSEAD Facilities Committee
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz MBA'94J
Chair, INSEAD Facilities Committee
News & Highlights
Octapharma Foundation supports INSEAD’s Europe Campus Re-imagination with transformational €20M donation
European Investment Bank backs sustainable campus re-imagination journey of INSEAD
