Umeå, Sweden
Henning Larsen Architects +
White Arkitekter
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
Umeå School of Architecture was inaugurated in late September. The school forms part of the Arts Campus at Umeå University, which will also comprise the new
Art Museum and the
Academy of Fine Arts, both designed by Henning Larsen Architects and White Arkitekter. The building appears cubic with larch facades and square windows placed in a vibrant, rhythmic sequence on all sides.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
"The intention has been to design an open, robust study environment where each student feels part of the creative study community. The open layout and informal meeting places create a light and laboratory-like atmosphere supporting idea development and creative work processes."
Architect Per Ebbe Hansson, Henning Larsen Architects.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
Umeå School of Architecture has a unique location by Umeå River. With its interior landscape of open floor levels and sculpturally shaped stairs, the building has a strong
artistic expression.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
As a growth centre for future architecture, the main function of the building is to provide the framework for inspiration and innovation. From the outside, the building has a cubic expression with its larch facades and square windows placed in a vibrant, rhythmic sequence on all sides.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
The interior space of the building is designed as a dynamic sequence of stairs and split, open floor levels where abstract, white boxes hang freely from the ceiling filtering the light coming in through the high skylights.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
One of the key objectives has been to create a bright and open study environment where everyone is part of the same room – only separated by the split levels and glass walls of the teaching rooms. This design supports the opportunities for mutual inspiration and the close exchange of knowledge and ideas.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
In contrast to the dynamic atrium, the drawing rooms placed along the facades of the building in a strict and regular sequence of columns and beams have a simple and rational design. The varied pattern of windows not only creates a strong visual effect – it also generously lets the light flow into the building and offers a breathtaking view of the river.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
The School of Architecture will form part of the new Arts Campus at Umeå University, which will also comprise the new Academy of Fine Arts and Art Museum – both designed by Henning Larsen Architects.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Åke E son Lindman |
The people
Architect: Henning Larsen Architects +
White Arkitekter
Location: Umeå, Sweden
Client: Balticgruppen
Gross floor area: 4,000 m2
Year of construction: 2007 – 2010
Photographer: Åke E son Lindman
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