This article describes an architecture for the implementation of a lifelong online learning environment (LOLE). The stakeholder independent architecture enables the development of a LOLE system to fulfill the complex requirements of the different actors involved in lifelong education. A particular emphasis is placed on the continuation of a learner to participate as a collaborator inside the LOLE. The architecture can be viewed from two perspectives. The theoretical perspective consists of (a) Administration, (b) Communication and Collaboration, (c) Content Delivery, (d) Knowledge Content, (e) Knowledge Management, (f) Knowledge Discovery, (g) Knowledge Analysis, (h) Application Integration, and (i) Evaluation and Pedagogy dimensions. The technological perspective consists of (a) External, (b) Portal, (c) Authoring, (d) Content Management System, (e) Learning Content Management System, (f) Learning Management system, (g) Evaluation, (h) Groupware, and (i) Exploration layers. Furthermore, this architecture addresses the link to external real life applications to support the lifelong educational requirements in the working environment and support its use and return on investment. (Contains 4 figures, 3 tables and 2 notes.)