Umeå School of Architecture in Umeå, Sweden by Henning Larsen Architects

Article source: Henning Larsen Architects
More projects by Henning Larsen Architects

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.

Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

• Architect: Henning Larsen Architects
• Location: Umeå, Sweden
• Client: Balticgruppen
• Gross floor area: 5,000 m2
• Year of construction: 2007 – 2010
• Type of assignment: Comission
• Photographer: Åke E son Lindman
• Local Architect: White Arkitekter

Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by 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.

Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by 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.

Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by 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.

Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Sustainability and materials

Local, 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.

Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

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 %.

Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

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.

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

New Campus in Umeå

Umeå Arts Campus is the name of the new dynamic centre of excellence currently rising on a previous industrial plot by the north beach of Umeå River. The objective is to create an arena for education, research and entrepreneurship in architecture, design, art and digital culture. Art, research and society are brought together and will emphasise the role of Umeå as a creative centre of excellence in a global scale. It is expected that the Academy of Fine Arts and Art Museum will be ready for inauguration in 2014 where Umeå will also become the European Capital of Culture.

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Interior - Umeå School of Architecture by Henning Larsen Architects - Photo by Åke E son Lindman

Site Plan

Level 0 Plan

Level 1 Plan

Level 2 Plan

Level 3 Plan

Section AA

Tags: Sweden, Umeå

Categories: Educational and Business Center, Henning Larsen, University Building

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