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.
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.
Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman
+ Project description courtesy 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.
Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake E son Lindman
Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake 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.
Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake 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.
Umeå School of Architecture, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake 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, image courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Ake 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.
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.
+ Project credits / data
Project: Umeå School of Architecture
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
Program: Education, school
+ All images and description courtesy Henning Larsen Architects | Photo by Åke E son Lindman
