FOJAB arkitekter participates in the exhibition DESIRE - architecture for our future living environment. The exhibition is shown 23 August - 23 September at Form/Design Center in Malmö and is hosted by Architects Sweden and Form/Design Center.

In its involvement, FOJAB has sought to answer the question of how socially sustainable development can be ensured as the city grows and how public spaces and parks are given sufficient value for future generations. By analyzing Malmö residents' favorite places, they have approached the answer to how architects can create the living environments of the future.

Malmö is Sweden's fastest growing city and will continue to densify and develop with new buildings in the coming years. Malmö is also the urban area in Sweden where most people have to share every park and even more people will have to share the same areas as the city grows.

- "We wanted to find out which places in Malmö that the people of Malmö like best, which places are the real gems. The results, and our proposal for future living environments, are presented at the exhibition," says Magdalena Hedman, landscape architect LAR/MSA at FOJAB.

An open vernissage will be held on Thursday, August 23 at 17-19, where representatives from FOJAB will be present to tell you more about their project, which has resulted in a book.

- I can already tell you that we think Malmö needs a new Pildammspark," Hedman concludes.

The Form/Design Center is run by Svensk Form Syd, which is a non-profit organization and part of the Svensk Form association. The center is run with support from the City of Malmö, Region Skåne and the Swedish Arts Council. In the exhibition DESIRE - architecture for our future living environment, architectural offices, public actors and universities in southern Sweden discuss what is important for the architecture of the future - from interior design to house architecture, landscape and urban development.

For further information:
Magdalena Hedman
magdalena.hedman@fojab.se
+46 708 – 47 05 50

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

On Tuesday, July 3, we invite you to mingle, eat & drink and have interesting conversations!

From 17:00 we offer food and drinks.
18-19:15 Panel discussion
After the panel discussion, we continue to mingle in our garden.
A warm welcome!

Car fires and urban development - how are they connected?

Urban development as a tool for healing the city

Participants in the panel:
Robert Lavelid, moderator, FOJAB architects
Andreas Schönström, Municipal Councillor, City of Malmö
Anna Heide, Business Development Manager, Trianon
Jonas Nygren, Executive Director, Hyresgästföreningen.
Ilyas Hassan, spokesperson, Suburbs Against Violence

Time: Tuesday, July 3, 17:00 onwards
Location: FOJAB architects' garden, Södra Kyrkogatan 5
with entrance from Klosterbrunnsgatan 8
Notification: Send mail to Magdalena Hedman

More information can be found in The Almedalen app!
 

In March, Helsingborg's new neonatal ward opened in the eastern wing of the hospital. FOJAB arkitekter, in collaboration with BSK arkitekter, has designed a modern intensive care unit to meet today's and tomorrow's neonatal care with a focus on patient and family-centered care.

The intensive care unit is for babies who are born prematurely or are otherwise sick and need treatment after birth. The new neonatal unit is built for a total of 12 beds. Of these, four are ICU rooms, seven are mother-baby beds and one is an isolation room.

FOJAB was commissioned to design a ward that can meet current and future requirements for efficient and safe care and, not least, the most comfortable environment possible for the parents who will be staying in the ward. The old premises were cramped and the design was not in line with modern neonatal care. Today's neonatal care puts the child and the family at the center and believes that parents should be together with their child throughout the care period. There should also be opportunities for shared care, i.e. the sick mother can be cared for in the same room as the newborn baby.

- The refurbishment is an important investment for the future, providing security for parents and their children and a better working environment for staff. The new premises are larger, brighter and built for care in single-patient/family rooms, which puts the patient and family in focus and reduces the risk of infection spreading on the ward. "The children can be very sensitive and it is important that the environment around the children is adapted so that they can develop and grow at their own pace," says Anna Hjort, responsible architect at FOJAB.

An important starting point in the work on the ward has been daylight, with a focus on lots of glass and views. The patient rooms have been designed with glass doors so that staff can keep an eye on the patient, and to let more light into the premises. Colors and material choices are consistently light with wood elements and permeate the entire eastern wing.

- Together with FOJAB, we have a team that has successfully worked on the new wards for a long time and with high quality. The project has given us the opportunity to develop our experience of large hospital projects for Region Skåne and to grow as an office in Malmö. With this capacity, we are now moving forward with a number of new sub-projects within the framework of the new hospital. These include new facades, a new freight and logistics center and laboratories," says Måns Adamson, Business Manager for Healthcare at BSK Arkitekter.

For further information:
Anna Hjort
anna.hjort@fojab.se
+46 702 – 91 33 60

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

Today, 16 May 2018, UNESCO is organizing for the first time the International Day of Light. Around the world, the focus is on the importance of lighting for people's lives in the world. We took the opportunity to ask some questions to our lighting architect Viveca Rosencrantz.

How important is light in our built environment?
Architecture and light are intimately linked. The interplay between darkness and light makes rooms, materials and colors visible. Light and sound environments interact. Spatial perception, orientation, safety, stimulation and, not least, health depend on quality light. There has been much focus on energy savings. The issue of social and economic sustainability is just as important in this context. We need to draw on existing research, take a long-term view and take responsibility for the issue of light.

Why are we not prioritizing light in the construction process?
This is partly due to a lack of knowledge at several influencing and decision-making levels. The concept of quality is not covered in the current standards, which focus on lux numbers, a very blunt instrument. Independent research is also not keeping up with the rapid technological development on the LED side and there is still a lack of standards in several areas that can provide guidance.

The lighting issue is owned early on in the design process by the electrical consultant, who often chooses to draw general solutions focused on quantity. At that stage, there is insufficient information about activities, furnishings and colours. Factors that are very much part of the quality of the final lighting design. There is therefore also no coordination between general and environmental lighting.

What can we as architects do?
A lot. First of all, arming ourselves with knowledge, our own or others', and raising and actively pursuing the issue of light quality in time. Daylight management with solar shading and glare protection needs to be integrated into the architecture. It is also important to include the work of interior designers early in the process. Then there are completely different opportunities to get a differentiated, business-adapted lighting and avoid dazzling general overlighting. Ceiling-mounted LED panels are routinely designed today, with price and easy installation as arguments. A lighting million program that we already need to deal with in the form of negative effects on health and well-being at workplaces and schools. Here we can take help from synergonomists and lighting designers.

For further information:
Viveca Rosencrantz
viveca.rosencrantz@fojab.se
+46 761 – 16 81 10

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

At King Oskar's Bridge, a few hundred meters north of Lund C, we are designing two residential blocks and an office building for the property development company Sjöson. The blocks are given a strong character, great variation in expression and high quality materials.

Aromalund will be an attractive and urban neighborhood with a focus on a sustainable lifestyle and people at the center. The site where the neighborhood is emerging has historically been part of northern Lund's plantations and apple orchards. The history of the site together with the Aroma apple, Skåne's landscape apple, is the basis for the name Aromalund.

The development consists of an office block in the southern part and two residential blocks with green courtyards and a common square. The residential buildings consist of 165 homes in ten different buildings oriented around raised courtyards. FOJAB's ambition is to give the neighborhoods great variation in expression with facade materials consisting of brick and light-colored plaster.

- The idea has been to create a variety of selected characters - classic, minimalist, earthy and innovative. The different characters will reflect everything from facade design to floor plan. The residential courtyards will also draw inspiration from the different characters, which will contribute to a great variety in the courtyard environment," says Joachim Lundqvist, commissioned architect for the residential block.

A solitaire in the middle of Aromalund
The office block consists of a character building made up of several interacting volumes. The building height is varied to meet both the higher existing buildings adjacent to Kung Oskars bro and the adjacent lower housing in the east. At Kung Oskars väg in the southeast there is a welcoming entrance square and the main entrance to the office. The entrance square is connected by an atrium which is the communicative node of the office section, with a walk around the atrium encouraging spontaneous and planned meetings. The office floors can be subdivided for different actors, with views and interaction with the atrium setting the tone. Up on the roof there is a penthouse with unobstructed views of Lund, as well as terrace areas and green roofs.

With an interesting play of volumes in different heights and indentations and a homogeneous facade material, a solitaire is created in the middle of the new neighborhood.

Joachim Lundquist is the architect responsible for the residential block, while Kjell Adamsson is responsible for the office building. The project team also includes architects Karin Andersson, Mattias Åström, Andreas Jentsch, Haydar Alward and Emma Carlbom, project manager.

For further information:
Joachim Lundquist
joachim.lundquist@fojab.se
+46 705 – 90 24 18

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

What's going on right now? Here Rebecca Saaby Mehlum talks about exciting projects, developments in Helsingborg and her thoughts on FOJAB Helsingborg.

Hi Rebecca! You are responsible for FOJAB Helsingborg, tell us about your office!
We are a rather small office, currently 12 people with a good local presence in Helsingborg but also with assignments all over Skåne and a bit up along the Halland coast. The office has an ideal mix of staff with both older experienced and younger architects and engineers. We have a broad competence and work with many different types of projects. With our expertise and all of FOJAB's resources, we create a strong offer to the market. We have been around for four years and are located on Drottninggatan, in the center of Helsingborg.

What is going on right now?
A lot is happening in Helsingborg and we are involved in developing everything from housing to retail and office buildings. Among other things, the city is working hard to improve the area south of the city park. There, together with Jefast, we are developing the former Söderpunkten mall into a natural central point for Söder. As an extra spice, we are complementing the block with a 20-storey apartment building opposite the new hotel. The proximity to everything that happens in the H+ area is exciting and the entire south area is in a dynamic development process for the benefit of all citizens of Helsinki.

Other assignments in Helsingborg we have on the drawing board are a new office building at Drottninghög, conversion of Helsingborg's sewage treatment plant for NSVA and new housing in Pålsjö. Elsewhere, we are currently designing housing in Kävlinge and Borstahusen. In Falkenberg, we are involved in two major projects: the new cultural and educational center at the high school and the redevelopment of the mall opposite, supplemented by about 100 new homes.

We also work with animal health care through an extensive assignment for Evidensia with efforts in various places throughout Sweden, the largest right now is a major rebuilding and extension of the animal hospital in Malmö.

Tell us about a project you are proud of!
A fun project that I have been working on since 2014 is the new football stadium in Kristianstad - which was actually inaugurated a few weekends ago! It is an example of a very good collaborative project where we have worked together with Kristianstad municipality and NCC. We have had a good dialog and a common thread throughout the design process and the users are very satisfied.

How do you hope the Office will develop?
As architects, we can and want to contribute to the city's development and take responsibility for creating sustainable, stylish and exciting architecture in the region. FOJAB has become a strong player in the city. With our different competencies and broad experience, we can handle small and simple, as well as large and complex projects.

For further information:
Rebecca Saaby Mehlum
rebecca.saaby@fojab.se
+46 706 – 81 58 30

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

In Kopparlunden, an old workshop and industrial area right next to Västerås city center, FOJAB architects are doubly involved in an extensive urban transformation project that will contribute to new exciting and sustainable living environments for residents, workers and visitors alike.

Kopparlunden is characterized by both large- and small-scale industrial architecture in brick from the late 19th century onwards. Environments that today are worn, exciting, beautiful and ugly by turns and that over time have developed into a business and commercial area. An area that will now be transformed into a mixed city with streets, squares, housing, courtyards, workplaces, preschools and culture.

The planning work in Kopparlunden is divided into four different detailed plans, where FOJAB arkitekter has been entrusted with a dual role in the work on detailed plan North. The planning work is carried out as a so-called developer plan, which means that FOJAB both works with the basis for the detailed plan and produces the actual planning documents. We work partly to produce sketches, ideas and urban development studies for the landowner SveaReal and the developer's agent RED Management. We are also a planning consultant, which means that we produce planning documents in the form of plan maps, plan descriptions and are responsible for ordering the necessary investigations. To keep the different roles separate, FOJAB has created a project structure with different staffing for the two parts.

- Designing a neighborhood and managing the planning process at the same time requires an ability to really see the big picture. We weigh up interests and find creative solutions that benefit everyone, both the landowner and the city. It's great fun and a good way to enable really good and qualitative urban environments," says Samuel Rizk, managing plan architect at FOJAB.

Kopparlunden as a place is a tough environment with many urban development challenges. Above all, it is about noise and dangerous goods on the E18 that passes right next to the planning area, but also about soil contamination and the management of the old cultural environments.

- Both the property owners and the city want to create a district with sufficient density to support a vibrant urban environment. "The challenge here is to build densely and urban, but at the same time to incorporate high quality living spaces, green areas, large courtyards and rooms for children," says Samuel Rizk.

For further information:
Samuel Rizk
samuel.rizk@fojab.se
+46 766 – 77 08 21

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

The sun was shining and a positive atmosphere spread over an almost full stand when the new stadium in Kristianstad was inaugurated on the weekend of April 14-15. FOJAB arkitekter has worked on the design of the entire sports area, where the football stadium is the main building in the project. By late summer 2018, the new athletics field and new tennis courts will also be inaugurated.

FOJAB arkitekter was commissioned to work on the conceptual work for the entire sports area. The current sports area has been expanded to include new football pitches, refurbished athletics facilities and new tennis courts. The new football stadium, with 1200 seats, meets the requirements for football and American football at an elite level.

The project is a turnkey contract with partnering, where the client Kristianstad Municipality, the contractor NCC, users and the operating organization contribute with their experience and help design the project.

- We are very happy to be involved in this major project. 4 years ago we drew the first line for the sports area and today the grandstand is ready. The conceptual sketch corresponds well with the result and the users are satisfied. The new sports area will be a fantastic green oasis for sports and recreation," says architect Rebecca Saaby Mehlum, who is responsible for the design.

The football stand has been designed with a heavy base in raw concrete on the ground floor, with associated facilities for players and officials. Levels two and three contrast with a light character and are intended for the audience. The surface of the new stadium is hybrid grass, where natural grass is reinforced with artificial grass. This means that the playing feel of natural grass can be combined with many hours of play.

Kristianstad Arena was completed in 2010, but the sports ground as a whole was old and worn out. South of the arena was a run-down industrial area. Now that this area has been demolished and included in the plan, there is a nice connection to Björket - a lovely green area with running trails.

For further information:
Rebecca Saaby Mehlum
rebecca.saaby@fojab.se
+46 706 – 81 58 30

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

Last autumn, the organization Engineers Without Borders in Lund organized a student competition for a childcare center on Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. The competition was organized in collaboration with MYM, a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives and conditions of children in Tanzania. Teams of students studying architecture and civil engineering were able to apply.

The teams were tasked with producing architectural and construction drawings. The village where the center is planned lacks access to electricity and safe water sources, presenting major challenges and innovative solutions. The students therefore had to work extensively on the site conditions, the needs, capacity and potential of the village.

The competition has been running since October and was concluded in March. FOJAB architects are sponsors of the competition and have provided guidance for the students as well as financial support. Anna Lavén and Elise Lindahl, architects at FOJAB, have been involved in the project.

The winning team will now finalize the drawings. This will be followed by a trip to Tanzania to work on the proposal on site with local workers and the MYM organization.

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

The city of Landskrona is known for its thriving roundabouts. Here they want to give visitors a beauty experience when they meet the city from the entrance streets. As one of the host cities for SM-week 2018, the city wants to create a modern and innovative summer flower planting in Kuskahusrondellen. Caroline Lindqvist and Ylva Petersson, landscape architects at FOJAB, have therefore been commissioned to design the planting for the SM Week.

Tell us about the design, how did you think about it?
We wanted to create an interesting and detailed planting that feels modern, which is also in line with Landskrona's ambition. The plantation has been designed with bands of plants in different heights and colors that create a living wave movement when you drive around the plantation. Flowers with vertical spires contrast with flowers with a more horizontal growth pattern. The framework consists of plants in blue and yellow that flirt with the SM-week logo. Summer flowers have been supplemented with ornamental grass that waves in the wind and reinforces the movement of the planting.

The existing ash trees in the middle of the planting create an airy middle layer that provides visibility through the roundabout and highlights both the trees and the planting. The tree trunks are also proposed to be illuminated in alternating yellow and blue to create an exciting effect in the evening.

When can we enjoy the thriving roundabout?
SM Week starts on July 2, so the planting should be in place by then!

For further information:
Caroline Lindqvist
caroline.lindqvist@fojab.se
+46 724 – 02 21 66

Press:
Emma Schöön
emma.schoon@fojab.se
+46 702 – 49 11 57

MIPIM - Europe's leading real estate and investment fair is held annually in Cannes. An important arena for the industry and FOJAB participates for the 8th year in a row.

We look forward to rewarding seminars, meetings and discussions and to networking with industry players.

Those going from FOJAB are Daniel Nord, Magdalena Hedman, Kjell Adamsson, Joachim Lundqvist, Jens Larsson, Mattias Hedberg-Ek, Karin Fagerberg, Stefan Johansson.

We will be there on March 13-16. Please contact us for a meeting!

Daniel Nord, architect SAR/MSA, CEO,
daniel.nord@fojab.se
0706 – 87 88 82

Joachim Lundqvist, Architect SAR/MSA, Head of Architecture
joachim.lundquist@fojab.se
0705 – 90 24 18

Jens Larsson, Architect SAR/MSA, Office Manager Stockholm
jens.larsson@fojab.se
0761 – 65 61 63

Karin Fagerberg, Architect SAR/MSA, Operations Manager & Office Manager Skåne
karin.fagerberg@fojab.se
0705 – 27 46 15

Kjell Adamsson, Architect SAR/MSA, Business Development Manager & Deputy CEO
kjell.adamsson@fojab.se
0708 – 83 80 82

Magdalena Hedman, Landscape Architect & Marketing Coordinator
magdalena.hedman@fojab.se
0708 – 47 05 50

Mattias Hedberg-Ek, Architect SAR/MSA, Head of Mission
mattias.hedberg-ek@fojab.se
0702 – 18 43 32

Stefan Johansson, Architect SAR/MSA, Creative Leader
stefan.johansson@fojab.se
0706 – 64 23 02

Small-scale and beautiful housing with a focus on greenery and good quality of life. FOJAB is designing housing on the Mässhaken 1 site in Pålsjö, Helsingborg, together with Åstorps Byggnads AB after winning an announced land allocation competition.

The plan area is located between two beautiful green areas about three kilometers north of Helsingborg city center with proximity to Mariastaden, Pålsjö forest and Pålsjö cemetery.

The proposal is based on the lush green area where the attractive view and evening light in the west has been a focus in the design. The goal has been to create small-scale housing with good qualities that offer both private and communal patios.

- We believe in a small scale with a good quality of life where the residents feel a strong sense of neighborliness and community, but still have the opportunity to retreat to their private zone. Here we have captured key words in the city's quality of life program that we have worked into our proposal," says Rebecca Saaby Mehlum, responsible architect.

The residential building is a white plastered stone house with a total of 12 condominiums, including 4 ground floor apartments and 8 townhouses on 2.5 levels. The white plaster creates a calm base where green gardens and wooden bars surround the building, thus linking it to the surrounding green areas. Towards the street, a common garden is built for the residents, which creates a pleasant green reception on arrival.

- A community garden creates a strong sense of belonging to the neighborhood and a meeting place where people can play and socialize. Here we want to encourage initiatives and activities by working with simple elements such as a place to set a long table, a fire pit, grow boxes, and a lawn for kubbing," concludes Rebecca.

The FOJAB working group consists of Rebecca Saaby Mehlum, Staffan Premmert and Jennie Tyrberg.

The Sabbatsberg 24 property is located in one of Stockholm's most central locations along Torsgatan. Until March 2016, the property was used as Stockholm Vatten's head office. The building was designed by architect Ferdinand Boberg and was completed in 1906 as an administration building for the Gasworks, which was later transferred to Stockholm Vatten.

Castellum acquired the property in spring 2017 and the ambition is to develop Torsgatan 26 into a completely new meeting place in Stockholm, a destination with international appeal in a unique environment where historical values meet modern innovation.

FOJAB arkitekter has been involved in the acquisition process and is now working on concept work, program and system documents, tenant sketches, etc.

- It is an incredibly exciting project with a high level of ambition. The building is built in the Art Nouveau style with fantastically well-preserved details. The focus is therefore on refining and highlighting the qualities of the property and looking at its history and origin. To support the project, we are collaborating with a building antiquarian," says Jens Larsson, the architect in charge of the project.

The property will contain premises grouped around several public courtyards. The idea is that the block will be opened up towards Torsgatan to make the new courtyards accessible to visitors and businesses. New fantastic places will be created in this historically valuable environment.

Read more

FOJAB continues to develop its business. As of January 1, 2018, the ownership group was strengthened with eight new partners.

The following employees are new partners: Andreas Jentsch, Anna Belfrage, Elise Lindahl, Eva Ocklund, Ida Stavenow, Magnus Lundström, Niklas Sonestad, Petra Jenning.

- The new partners have qualifications to develop the company and a broad competence that is highly appreciated, both internally and by customers. We are very pleased that they are now entering as partners," says Daniel Nord, CEO of FOJAB.

FOJAB is one of Sweden's leading architectural firms with around 160 employees and offices in Malmö, Stockholm and Helsingborg. Our business is based on place, people and form where strong ideas form the basis for our creative processes.

Andreas Jentsch, architect SAR/MSA, Dipl.-Ing is educated at Bauhaus University in Weimar and Chalmers in Gothenburg. Andreas is deputy studio manager and works mainly with knowledge and office environments. Andreas' projects include the Mobilia shopping and district center in Malmö (urban development award 2014), Axis offices in Lund and the Kung Oskar office building in Lund.

Anna Belfrage, architect SAR/MSA, trained at the LTH School of Architecture in Lund and ETSAM in Madrid. Anna has international experience and works mainly with real estate development, interior design and office projects. Some selected projects are the development of Sperlingens backe at Stureplan, Sanofi Pasteur MSD and Bluefish Pharmaceuticals Stockholm office and Brio's headquarters in Malmö.

Eva Ocklund, architect SAR/MSA trained at the LTH School of Architecture in Lund. Eva is a studio manager at the Stockholm office and has worked with housing for the past ten years. She is responsible for the housing project Tegelbränneriet in Uppsala and Magnoliatomten in Sköndal.

Elise Lindahl, architect SAR/MSA trained at LTH School of Architecture in Lund and AHO School of Architecture and Design in Oslo. In her role as Deputy Studio Manager at FOJAB, Elise is involved in the development of the Office and Mobility business areas. She works mainly with real estate development and transformation projects such as S:t Larsparken in Lund, Reimersdal in Lund and Högvakten in Malmö.

Ida Stavenow, architect SAR/MSA trained at the LTH School of Architecture in Lund. Ida is deputy studio manager and works with housing issues at FOJAB. Ida has been involved in housing projects such as Torrdockan in Malmö, Arkivet in Lund, Hyllie Boulevard in Malmö and the wooden house project Trummens strand in Växjö.

Magnus Lundström, architect SAR/MSA educated at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. Magnus has extensive experience of urban development projects both in Sweden and internationally. Magnus has, among other things, been responsible for the development of the new district Sigtuna Stadsängar, the structural plan for the densification of central Nacka and the in-depth master plan for the district Knytta in Östersund.

Niklas Sonestad, architect SAR/MSA trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture in Copenhagen.
Niklas works mainly with residential and office projects and is responsible for the office building Isblocket in Hyllie, Axis offices in Lund and the wooden house project Trummens strand in Växjö.

Petra Jenning, architect SAR/MSA is educated at the LTH School of Architecture in Lund. Petra is an internationally recognized expert in computational design and responsible for FOJABcode, a development platform for new methods and models in digital design at FOJAB.

In the middle of the bustling city of Kunming, in southern China, there is a meeting place between East and West. Since 2000, TCG Nordica, a Scandinavian-Chinese cultural center with the goal of creating an opportunity for experiences and reflection on life, art and people. The activity has attracted attention both nationally and in Scandinavia and is regarded as a model and innovator of cultural life in China.

TCG Nordica hosts art exhibitions, dance, lectures, study circles, film nights, and concerts of all genres. A large part of the activity is education and cultural exchange. It runs a folk high school course for Swedish students, and dance courses in both contemporary and traditional Chinese dance. There are also active exchanges between Swedish and Chinese artists both in Kunming and through visits to Scandinavia. The work is based on the vision to "stimulate reflection on the value of the human being expressed in different art forms". It welcomes all art forms and people from different contexts and backgrounds who want to meet in dialog and exchange through creative expression. TCG Nordica has quickly become one of Kunming's premier galleries and a popular meeting place for the city's residents. TCG Nordica's former General Manager Wu Yue Rong was recently awarded the Royal Order of the North Star for this work.

TCG Nordica is now facing a move from its existing premises. In connection with the move, FOJAB arkitekter has been entrusted with developing a concept proposal. This includes the floor plan, materials, surfaces, furnishings and basic technical solutions for the new premises in a completely new area.

The design will be characterized by Nordic materials and simplicity, inviting multi-use of the space. All floors, not just the stage floor, in the public areas will be adapted for dance and all walls for hanging art. The space will be changeable and welcoming, encouraging repeat visits. The premises will also house a bakery with a large café for visitors.

The aim of the project is for the architecture to contribute to TCG Nordica's further development and continue building the brand. The architecture can help consolidate their good reputation and position them more strongly in the market. The move means that TCG Nordica's operations will be more accessible, visible and placed in a larger context. For example, it creates opportunities to offer Scandinavian companies to bring their customers there and show the exchange between Chinese and Scandinavian culture.

"Through its architecture, TCG Nordica could broaden the cultural encounter and provide Chinese and Swedish companies with a meeting place in a cultural and inspiring environment."
- Viveca Rosencrantz, responsible architect

For the 8th time, the Stockholm Office organized the Architecture Salon, this time with the theme "Different models for a good city".

Since the office started in Stockholm, architectural salons have been organized. The aim of the salon is to create a forum that can promote good architecture, inspire stakeholders and generate discussion and debate on various issues.

The Stockholm office's eighth Architecture Salon debated "different models for a good city". The salon was opened by architect Robert Lavelid who described how modern Paris was built during Haussmann's period in the second half of the 19th century. This evidence-based art of urban design then became an inspiration for the panel discussion.

Lars Marcus, Professor of Urban Planning at Chalmers University of Technology, said that the university also works with facts and evidence as a basis for urban planning. This is also the case in the City of Gothenburg, which was highlighted when Agneta Ericson Hammer, Director of Urban Planning, presented how Gothenburg works with these issues. Johanna Wiklander, city architect in Linköping, emphasized the importance of working with architecture and form as well. There was then an intense, interesting discussion and, as always, the audience was invited into the conversation.

The conclusion was that it is difficult to find a model that can apply everywhere, but that many facts can still form the basis for building cities and neighborhoods.

FOJAB arkitekter and BSK Arkitekter are jointly responsible for the major transformation of Helsingborg Hospital's main building. The first phase is now complete and the eastern wing is getting ready for occupancy. The first to move into the new premises is the eye clinic.

Helsingborg Hospital is being rebuilt to meet future requirements for modern care units and treatment methods. The aim is to create a general and flexible structure that will be able to function for different types of activities in the future.

The first phase has included program, system and construction documentation for the 12,000 m² East Wing of the hospital's characteristic cruciform building. The wing has been completely renovated both internally and externally, all technical systems have been replaced and the facade is new. The Eye Clinic/Operation on the 15th floor is the first to move into the new premises, followed by a phased move of wards.

An important starting point in the project has been the orientation and light in the premises. The eye clinic has a simple and clear floor plan with large glass sections that let in daylight from all directions. Colors and material choices are consistently light with wood elements, and permeate the entire wing. More and better spaces have been created for both staff and patients.

- As architects, we can make a big difference for patients and staff. The soft values are very important. I am thinking of views, daylight, beautiful colors and good materials. The physical environment should be both beautiful and functional," says Anna Hjort, commissioned architect at FOJAB arkitekter.

Work will now begin on emptying the North Wing, which will undergo an equally extensive renovation and is expected to be completed in 2019. Similar work is planned for the South and West wings in 2019-2023.

FOJAB arkitekter was commissioned to design the new verandas of the Grand Hotel in Lund. In close cooperation with Grand's owners, two new glass verandas, an outdoor terrace and a back pocket have now been built adjacent to Bantorget. The new verandas have been given their own character from the building and become a natural part of the adjacent square.

Grand Hotel is one of Lund's oldest and most classic hotels and also has a restaurant. The hotel was designed by the city architect in Helsingborg Alfred Hellerström and was built in 1896-98. The building and verandas have undergone several renovations over the years.

The assignment involved the addition of glass verandas, a back pocket and an outdoor dining area adjacent to Bantorget. The ambition has been to give the verandas a modern expression and functionality, while at the same time linking to the hotel's history and meeting the high requirements for antiquarian preservation. To support the careful handling of the building, FOJAB has collaborated with an antiquarian expert.

- An honorable and extremely interesting assignment. It is about preserving and modernizing, without destroying the historical values," says Mats Molén, the architect in charge of the project.

The verandas have high opening glass sections that create good contact with the patio and the square. In the western veranda, outside the Piraten foyer, there is space for a small stage. Large level differences in the ground gave us the opportunity to utilize the area and create a back pocket under the western porch. The back pocket will serve drinks to the outdoor terrace. Guests will be able to sit on wall-mounted benches with tables below the two verandas, as well as on an outdoor seating area facing Lilla Fiskaregatan.

The verandas are built with sustainable and character-building materials that age beautifully. The granite base interacts with the copper plate of the windows and the sandstone facade of the building. The verandas have their own character from the building and become a natural part of the square, creating movement in the surrounding urban spaces. At the same time, Bantorget is being rebuilt to be an inviting entrance to the city and contribute to a vibrant city center.

The working group at FOJAB consists of Mats Molén, Mikael Pettersson, Christina Sammer and Matilda Emgård.

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Charlotte Kristensson is an architect responsible for knowledge environments at FOJAB arkitekter. On October 18-19, she will speak at the conference "School and preschool environments of the future 2017". The theme is strategic planning of sustainable school and preschool environments adapted to modern ways of working in schools.

The municipality of Lund has developed a new standard and program that will apply to all new primary schools in the municipality. Charlotte talks about a solid work with functional programs where, among other things, new calculation models based on the curriculum have been developed. She also talks about how they have worked with participatory processes to create influence and participation in the design of the municipality's new primary schools.

Read more about the conference

Last autumn, Växjöbostäder AB arranged an idea competition regarding a concept for how the future housing for the elderly in Växjö should be designed. FOJAB, together with the real estate company APP Properties, has developed a unique neighborhood for the target group 55+.

The design is based on the basic idea of letting the park and the green environment characterize living in Hofs Park. The park creates community for the residents and promotes a social and active life in the neighborhood. Green paths, walkways and outdoor environments interact well with the sculpted buildings and the surroundings. Adjacent to the park and square are the neighborhood's common facilities, such as a restaurant and café, gym, indoor and outdoor pool. Together with the boule and tennis courts, the pensioners' house, medical center and shops form a whole. The block will also include a preschool, which contributes to a vibrant neighborhood.

Hofs Park has high environmental and sustainability standards from a social, ecological and economic perspective. The idea is to install solar cells and meters for electricity, hot and cold water where residents can compare their consumption with an average for the area. This will further enhance the attractiveness of the neighborhood and contribute to Europe's greenest city. Construction of Hofs Park is planned to start in the fall of 2018.

We are nominated in the category Consultant of the Year 2017 for our work on the design and planning of the central shopping area Hansa in Malmö.

The nomination reads:

"In a tough retail market and with a history in good old commercial areas in Malmö, they have managed to lift a department store to new modern levels.

Good retail space planning and appropriate design allows both new and old concepts to succeed in limited spaces and premises.

Hansa in Malmö has been given a dignified new life thanks to the careful architectural work of Fojab."

In close cooperation with the client AREIM and HEA Property Partner, we have worked to refine both of Hansa's blocks into a modern and attractive commercial area in the center of Malmö. The neighborhood has a mixed-use character where shopping, restaurants and cafes are mixed with offices, schools, medical centers and housing.

- "Let's gild Hansa" was the basis of the design idea - gilding has indeed permeated the entire project. From the facades, which are almost finished, to the gold-colored construction helmets at the workplace. "Thanks to good cooperation and clear goals, we have succeeded very well with the project together with the client," says Per-Aage Nilsson, commissioned architect.

The bicycle is a convenient way to get around. But it is more than that. For many, cycling is as much about design and aesthetics as functionality. For many, it is a lifestyle. The benefits of cycling are also many - less congestion, better environment, better public health and attractive urban environments. Architect and cycling enthusiast Lars Nilsson became interested in bicycles when he bought his first bike at the age of 16 for SEK 535.

Lars Nilsson speaks at a fast pace, you can tell he is enthusiastic. We took the opportunity to ask him some questions.

How did you become interested in this?

- One early summer day about 15 years ago, I got the idea to start cycling to work. I took over an old bike from a colleague. Then I got two more and thought I wanted to do something with them. I wanted to add a personal touch. That's when I started buying parts and accessories on eBay - and that's where my interest in bike design was born.

You have built around 20 bikes over the years, almost exclusively for colleagues and friends. Where do you find inspiration?

- Sometimes I am given a free hand, but mostly I build the bikes according to the customers' wishes and requirements. I am very much inspired by old models and today you can find lots of inspiration on the Internet. It usually starts with me running into a nice part - a nice saddle or handlebar stem. Then I start from there and come up with an idea. At home I have a large stock of parts.

Do you benefit from your professional role as an architect?

- The creative side and the desire to create is something I have with me. Assembling a bike is a fairly large project. You can compare it to a construction process where you "assemble a house" but on a much smaller scale.

Lars advocates the environmental and urban aspects of cycling, among other things. How can we get more people to cycle?

- We need to plan the city for increased cycling. Cities like Copenhagen and Malmö are leading the way. Copenhagen tops the list of the world's best cycling cities. Sixty percent of people there cycle to work, while only fourteen percent take the car. "By expanding cycle paths, making sure that pedestrians know where to go and creating more cycle parking, we can increase cycling in cities. And I believe that rental bikes are the future - Malmö is doing a great job.

How many bikes do you own?

- I have eight bikes of my own! But I'm close to work so I prefer to walk. But there was a time when I cycled between the office in Malmö and my home in Lund.

FOJABcode is our computational design initiative to develop digital design processes. A strong team is now in place to explore how digital developments are changing our role as architects, the built environment and the construction process. This means that we can analyze and drive the design from several parameters that are crucial for our clients' projects.

Hello Petra Jenning, Jens Jacob Jul, Henrik Malm and Elin Daun from FOJABcode!

What are you working on?

- We work with design research and method development in the field of computational design. This means that we look broadly at the design process to explore new possibilities that open up with a digital approach to architecture, from the first sketch to manufacturing. We work on projects at different scales to find solutions to everything from specific problems to advanced design. It can be about how people move, solar radiation and energy but also materiality and spatiality. We model behaviors and processes and identify data that can drive a digital design process.

What are the benefits of computational design in architecture?

- Computational design allows us to handle more facts in the design process than before. This creates opportunities to find new solutions that better meet the needs and functions required. We can allow the computer to generate solutions where interaction and feedback between different functions and systems are baked into the design process. We usually say that the computer can give us more senses - we can understand more of what we do and create. When we link this to a digital manufacturing logic, it opens up new possibilities for the built environment.

What is the objective of the initiative?

- We want to take a holistic approach to what digitalization means for the entire chain of the construction process - from design to production to finished house - and beyond. We work to develop methods where digital thinking supports innovation. Architecture tends to become increasingly general - by using new digital tools and data collection, we can resource-efficiently create architecture that is more unique and meets the specific situation of each building.

Edvin Bylander is an architect at FOJAB arkitekter and has collaborated with artist David Svensson since 2012. Together they have worked on artworks for the Citybanan in Stockholm, the New Karolinska Hospital in Solna and the hospital in Angered. Their first project is Citybanan's Odenplan station, which opened in July.

Edvin and David's collaboration is based on a shared understanding of the relationship between art and architectural expression. Many of David's artworks are in the public space and he identified early on a need to find an architect who could help with drawings and visualizations.

- 'We work very well together and have found a working process that works. Edvin helps to provide an understanding of spatiality and scale," says David Svensson.

The artwork 'Life Line', which adorns the escalator room at Odenplan station in Stockholm, is a 350 square meter light piece inspired by the heartbeat of David's son Isaac.

- For the Citybanan station at Odenplan, I have endeavored to develop an artwork with a clear identity and a tangible presence, in harmony with the station's architectural spatiality and function. The work is based on the pulse of my son Isaac before his birth in the summer of 2012. The luminous lines showing the baby's pulse become a metaphor for life. I see a train station as the pulse of a city and its life, so it also becomes a nice metaphor," David continues.

- It is a unique piece of art and an incredibly exciting project. David had a clear idea of how he wanted to design the artwork. I have then worked on modifying the art in a spatial context, in this case a 400 square meter rock room, says Edvin Bylander.

A challenge with the artwork has been to manage the complexity and make it buildable. Edvin has coordinated with the architect of the city railway, who among other things provided a 3D scan of the entire cavern.

- At FOJAB we have a special competence to deal with this kind of complexity. We work with digital design and based on a 3D model of the room, we do it on a spatial scale. We focus on how it will be realized and relate to the surrounding architecture," says Edvin.

David and Edvin advocate the importance of integrating art and creating a holistic approach to design. They want to work on larger projects together, where art and architecture can be integrated at an early stage. David also emphasizes that art must enter the building process and work as early as possible. Too often the artist only comes into the picture once the building is completed. They both agree on the important role of art in the design of public spaces today.

- We will only see more art integrated with architecture. Public art can help create new and exciting architecture and places you want to stay. The place is given an identity with content and meaning," concludes David.

Architects Sweden has nominated the City of Stockholm's planning work with Kolkajen for this year's planning award. We are very happy and proud that FOJAB arkitekter is involved in the project.

Kolkajen is part of Stockholm's major investment in the development of Stockholm Royal Seaport and one of Sweden's largest development areas. Stockholm wants to create good conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, and the ambition is to create a neighborhood that is as car-free as possible. The number of parking spaces per apartment is low. The most sustainable and climate-smart district in Sweden will be built.

The nomination in Kolkajen concerns, among other things, the work on the detailed plan and design program. FOJAB arkitekter is currently working on developing all detailed plans, design programs and programs and system documentation for street and play environments in the area. Through a previous prequalification and parallel assignment, FOJAB has entered into a framework agreement with the City of Stockholm for the continued work. Karin Fagerberg is a planning consultant on behalf of FOJAB in the Kolkajen N Djurgårdsstaden project.

The Plan Prize is awarded to stimulate and disseminate good examples of good Swedish urban planning or urban design. It was established in 1992 by the former SAR, the Swedish Architects' Association, and has been awarded by the Swedish Architects since 2002.

The winner of the Plan Prize will be presented at the Architecture Gala on November 28 at Cirkus in Stockholm.