flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Winning design by 3XN converts modernist bathhouse to university library

Winning design by 3XN converts modernist bathhouse to university library

The sleek, new 196,441-sf addition in Sweden contains modernist elements that respects the original 1930s structure's integrity.


By BD+C Staff | July 1, 2014
All renderings courtesy 3XN
All renderings courtesy 3XN

Denmark-based architecture firm 3XN's design won the architectural competition for Mälardalen University's new educational facility in Eskilstuna, southwest of Stockholm, Architecturelab reports.

The new building's cubic shape, geometric trellis, and bright façade is a nod to the nearby historical, modernist public bathhouse designed by Paul Hedqvist in the 1930s. 

The winning proposal is of a 196,441-sf structure that will house educational facilities and workplaces for 4,000 students and 350 students. The project is estimated to cost 49 million.

The firm said about the conversion:

"Internally, the new building connects to the public bath on the first to decks, creating a cohesive flow between old and new. The lower levels will be completely open and connected so that the new and old building seen as one functional and spatial whole. The volume of the main swimming pool is retained as the school library. By also locating the café and student house in the public bath, it becomes a unique social meeting place for the students.

"A central atrium, double-height auditoriums, open study areas and inner courtyards create a building with good visual connections between floors. Classrooms and lecture halls are located on the lower three floors. The administrative offices are at the top of the building, creating a more private working environment."

Related Stories

Laboratories | Apr 13, 2017

How to design transformative scientific spaces? Put people first

While most labs are designed to achieve that basic functionality, a transformational lab environment prioritizes a science organization’s most valuable assets: its people.

Hotel Facilities | Apr 12, 2017

Hotels embrace place

Today’s hospitality environments emphasize unique, localized experiences to attract and engage guests.

Green | Apr 11, 2017

Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings

A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.

Curtain Wall | Apr 11, 2017

Masters of geometry

Three firms that specialize in façades that curve, twist, and turn see themselves as artisans of the unthinkable.

Office Buildings | Apr 10, 2017

Innovation lab makes developing eye care solutions a collaborative affair

The Shop East innovation lab presents 13,500 sf of workspace across two floors with an emphasis on collaboration. 

Architects | Apr 10, 2017

New Bjarke Ingels documentary gives a peek behind the curtain

The movie takes a slightly darker tone than previous projects chronicling the starchitect’s rise to prominence.

Architects | Apr 4, 2017

Architect Howard Elkus dies at 78

Cofounder of Elkus Manfredi Architects, his career spanned five decades, and included a spectrum of major design projects. 

Building Team | Apr 4, 2017

Dispelling five myths about post-occupancy evaluations

Many assume that post-occupancy (POE) is a clearly-defined term and concept, but the meaning of POE in practice remains wildly inconsistent.

Structural Materials | Apr 3, 2017

Best of structural steel construction: 4WTC, Fulton Center, Pterodactyl win AISC IDEAS2 Awards

The annual awards program, sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction, honors the best in structural steel design and construction.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021