Umeå School of Architecture

30, Östra Strandgatan, Centrala Stan, Umeå, Sweden

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Umeå School of Architecture

30, Östra Strandgatan, Centrala Stan, Umeå, Sweden

Firm

Type

Educational › University

YEAR

2010

SIZE

500,000 sqft - 1,000,000 sqft

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.
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. 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.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.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.
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. Sustainability and materials.
Sustainable materials have been used for the School of Achitecture. The
exterior facing is larch wood and, on the inside, local birch wood creates a
contrast to the light walls and contributes to achieving good acoustics. The
concrete floor gives an industrial and robust expression. Early on in the design process, energy calculations and daylight
simulations helped to establish that the facade should consist of wood with
window holes instead of only glass. This has been a key parameter in achieving
an energy reduction of 50 %. Ventilation, lighting and heating functions are ingeniously integrated in
the bearing structure. The air comes in under the floor and is transported to
the roof of the building via the columns and beams where it is circulated round
the building via perforated pipes.