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.

The MAX IV laboratory in Lund is one of five nominees for the Steel Building Award 2017. The Steel Building Prize is awarded every two years to a building that uses steel in the load-bearing structure in an innovative, environmentally sustainable and architecturally appealing way.

In 2010, FOJAB arkitekter was chosen to design and plan MAX IV for Lund University with Fastighets AB ML4 as the developer. Snøhetta arkitekter was chosen as landscape architect. The project strives for a symbiotic relationship between landscape, external building form and internal form. The large experimental hall's roof lantern with its brushed aluminum surface, the office building's white sheet metal cassettes and horizontal sun protection for windows, the other buildings' white concrete facades together with the undulating landscape have made the MAX IV laboratory a distinctive landmark at Lund's northern entrance.

The Steel Building Prize will be awarded during the Steel Building Day, Thursday, October 26, at Stockholmsmässan in Stockholm. The aim of the award is to encourage the efficient use of steel in construction and to generate new ideas and inspiring solutions.

Cecilia Pering has been the new chair of Sustainable Business Hub AB for a few months now. The network works to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish environmental technology and stimulate the development of sustainable societies.

The network brings together over 100 members from business, public sector and academia with technological solutions as well as ambitions for a more sustainable society. The Sustainable Business Hub provides members with a platform for innovation, development and business for sustainable solutions. By connecting urban challenges with academic and business solutions, the network helps to drive the development of sustainable societies forward.

Cecilia is an architect at FOJAB arkitekter with extensive experience as a project manager for large architectural assignments. She was previously CEO of FOJAB and is now active as a Senior Partner with a focus on strategic management issues.

- "I am delighted to be entrusted with this position and look forward to taking part in the innovation work going on in the region. I hope to contribute with my experience and support interesting projects in sustainable development," says Cecilia Pering.

After a parallel design assignment, Castellum, in collaboration with the Swedish National Courts Administration, has now chosen to proceed with FOJAB's proposal for a new court building in Jönköping.

A unanimous jury selected FOJAB's proposal as the winner, highlighting its strong architectural design and qualities in the urban space.

From the jury's statement: "FOJAB presents a consistent facade design with vertical elements that nicely holds the different facade lives - the different volumes - together as a whole. The building is slightly set back from the property line, which is used for public spaces. They are located towards the park and Lake Munksjön and are considered to be a positive addition to city life....Fojab's proposal is considered to best meet the expectations we have of a court building".

- "We are extremely proud and happy about this prestigious assignment. At FOJAB, we have extensive experience of working with court buildings and the special functional requirements associated with this type of project. This, in combination with a strong idea, has paved the way for a high quality proposal," says Kjell Adamsson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

The new Court of Appeal building fits into the existing structure and connects the buildings along the western shore of Lake Munksjön. The building volume is built up with different scales in relation to its context and the surrounding urban environment. The building is pulled back from the plot boundary, which creates areas for the public to stay and move around the new court of appeal. The urban spaces are also activated by distributing several different entrances around the building, which creates life and movement.

The façade is designed with light sand-colored vertical and horizontal elements. The vertical elements limit the direct solar radiation and enhance the design of the building. The building has been specifically designed with the availability of daylight and the high environmental ambitions in mind. The building is designed to meet the requirements of the Miljöbyggnad level GOLD certification system.

- Based on a strong idea, we have developed a project of high architectural quality. The new court building has a strong character and dignity that takes advantage of the unique location and urban space at Munksjön," says Stefan Johansson, architect and creative director at FOJAB.

The competition team consisted of Stefan Johansson, Mikael Pettersson, Catarina Boström, Natalie Adelhoefer, Jonas Ruthblad and Kjell Adamsson.

After an architectural competition, FOJAB has been commissioned by Melin Förvaltning to design a completely new neighborhood on the old sugar mill site in Ängelholm. The block includes about 110 apartments close to the station, the sea and the city. Construction of the new residential buildings is planned to start in 2019.

The proposal meets the vision for the Ängelholm station area of an attractive residential area with improved connections between the city and the sea. The block's clear target points are the station, the sea and the city, and the block structure opens up towards these. Small scale and the advantages of small town life are clearly reflected in the proposal.

- Our 'Quartet' proposal draws on the best of the traditional block structure and the point house. The result was a hybrid - two different house types with a triangular plan shape surrounded by greenery and built around a common courtyard. "We wanted to create a vibrant neighborhood with courtyards and spaces for social life," says Ulrika Sellin, architect at FOJAB.

- "FOJAB has produced an attractive and innovative proposal on how to make the best use of valuable land area," says Håkan Svensson, CEO of Melin Förvaltning.

The building volumes vary between five and eight storeys and are built around a raised communal courtyard, which offers spaces for cultivation, greenhouses and play. The brick buildings are architecturally linked to the older buildings in the sugar mill area and contribute to the dignity and durability of the buildings. The apartments are open plan and most have a balcony or terrace. The large buildings have generous "balcony rooms" facing south and west.

The architecture is characterized by simplicity and clarity with a natural variation, as the buildings are perceived in completely different ways depending on the direction from which they are viewed. Despite the open block shape, there is a clear structure with private and public spaces.

FOJAB's architectural team consisted of Ulrika Sellin, project manager, Nina Torstensson, design manager and Catharina Hansson, contributor.

Gängtappen has been named a finalist by the City of Malmö in the Green Lance 2017, the city's award for environmentally sustainable and climate-smart construction.

FOJAB was commissioned by Wihlborgs Fastigheter to be responsible for the renovation of the characterful office building. The project involved a complete renovation to create modern and flexible office space. The focus was on retaining and preserving the original qualities.

Motivation of the jury: "After a thorough clean-up and careful renovation, a piece of Malmö history is stepping into the future. A new climate shell and smart energy systems, together with sound material choices and flexible workplaces, have resulted in an impressive improvement in the building's energy performance and sustainability. Through the architectural and environmental improvements, Gängtappen is an important model for the necessary environmental adaptation of the existing city."

This year, the committee has chosen to nominate three finalists, with one of the projects taking home the Green Lance, which will be awarded during the Urban Development Day on September 1 at Malmö Börshus.

FOJAB arkitekter and Fler Bostäder AB have signed an agreement with Sigtuna stadsängars exploaterings AB and will build two blocks in the new district. The blocks are characterized by high sustainability goals and innovative architecture.

Sigtuna stadsängar is a completely new district located just north of the old town center in Sigtuna with the goal of being Sweden's most sustainable district. FOJAB and Fler Bostäder will develop and build two blocks of approximately 60 tenant-owned apartments in blocks 17 and 18.

High sustainability goals have set the tone for the project idea, which fits well with Sigtuna stadsängar's ambitions. FOJAB and Fler bostäder will focus in particular on social sustainability.

- We are pleased to be entrusted with the development of Sigtuna Stadsängar together with Fler Bostäder. Based on a strong idea, we are developing a unique project with high architectural quality. By taking greater responsibility for the whole, we are deepening our expertise," says Kjell Adamsson, architect and business development manager at FOJAB.

- We look forward to being involved in developing a new exciting neighborhood. Fler Bostäder has the ambition to create long-term sustainable housing environments for more people from a social, ecological and economic perspective, says Magnus Knutsson, CEO of Fler Bostäder.

The project idea is based on the idyllic city center of Sigtuna with its qualities in terms of neighborhood structure, materiality and scale. The mix within the neighborhood is shaped by different typologies; the townhouse, the apartment building and the villa, stacked on top of each other. Ground floor dwellings open up to the street with multifunctional spaces. Greenery grows on the facades facing the courtyard. The block has direct contact with the city and common spaces for socializing, linked to nature and lush courtyards.

- FOJAB and Fler Bostäder have well met the expectations of a sustainable, innovative and exciting project in line with our development strategy and sustainability levels, says Kim Hultén, operations manager for Sigtuna stadsängar Exploaterings AB.

FOJAB and Fler Bostäder are forming a joint project company for the development of the blocks in Sigtuna stadsängar. The cooperation is strategic and long-term and the ambition is to have more projects in Sigtuna and other nearby locations.

Work is now beginning on the design of the properties. Sales are expected to start in January 2018 and construction will begin in spring 2018.

FOJAB arkitekter has made a strategic decision to expand its business and is now focusing on project development under the name FOJAB development. This is a platform for entering into partnerships and developing projects in-house. Initially, a collaboration is entered into with Fler Bostäder AB.

With the desire to take greater responsibility and develop its own projects, FOJAB is broadening its activities. The aim is to further sharpen our architecture and gain greater experience and knowledge of project economics, feasibility and the construction process. Through an increased understanding, FOJAB will create added value for customers and clients in all its projects.

Kjell Adamsson, architect and business development manager, will be responsible for the development of the new business.

- FOJAB development is a natural step in our business. By developing projects in collaboration with different actors, we can take greater responsibility for the whole and influence all parts from finance to design. This will make us a better partner for all our clients," says Kjell Adamsson.

Initially, a partnership is being established with Fler Bostäder, a relatively young company with a lot of experience and commitment to housing development.

- We are very pleased to be working with FOJAB arkitekter. They have an extremely broad knowledge in the various areas of architecture combined with an understanding of the conditions of the projects. Through the collaboration, we benefit from our shared commitment and create new interesting business opportunities, says Magnus Knutsson at Fler Bostäder.

FOJAB's focus on project development also creates the conditions for architecture to take on a greater role. Joachim Lundquist, Head of Architecture at FOJAB, comments:

- High-quality, idea-based architecture creates long-term value and sustainability. We bring this driving force into all our projects. Now that we can influence processes and decisions to a greater extent, we are more likely to create strong ideas and concepts that last all the way to execution.

Almedalen Week is fast approaching. We will be on site and are happy to talk about architecture, urbanization, challenges in the dense city, future housing and digitization. We are looking to the future, sharing experiences and providing insights.

We will be there from 3 to 7 July and participate in 5 events:

MONDAY 3/7 - SWEDEN'S MOST SUSTAINABLE DISTRICT GIVES LAND DISCOUNT FOR INNOVATION POWER
Participants from FOJAB arkitekter are Kjell Adamsson.

TUESDAY 4/7 - CITIES AND URBAN LIFE OF THE FUTURE
Participants from FOJAB arkitekter are Edvin Bylander.

TUESDAY 4/7 - CONSTRUCTION AND DIGITALIZATION
Participants from FOJAB arkitekter are Petra Jenning.

WEDNESDAY 5/7: ALMEDELA - HOW DO WE WANT TO LIVE IN 2030?
Participants from FOJAB arkitekter are Ida Stavenow.

FRIDAY 7/7: HOW DO ARCHITECTS SOLVE THE HOUSING CRISIS?
Participants from FOJAB arkitekter are Edvin Bylander.

On site from FOJAB are Anders Eriksson, Cecilia Pering, Daniel Nord, Edvin Bylander, Emma Schöön, Ida Stavenow, Jens Larsson, Joachim Lundquist, Karin Fagerberg, Kjell Adamsson, Magdalena Hedman, Magnus Lundström, Petra Jenning.

Together with Bonava, FOJAB is the winner of the land allocation competition for Rosendal phase 3 in Uppsala. The proposal is based on the municipality's vision for the area: In Rosendal everything is close, Everyone is welcome, A smarter district.

Rosendal is a completely new and rapidly growing district close to the center of Uppsala. The district will be an area with a mix of housing, commerce, services and proximity to green parks and nature areas. The assignment was to create a vibrant residential district with a focus on sustainability.

- "Uppsala Municipality has a high level of ambition for the area and it is gratifying to participate in this major initiative in Rosendal together with Bonava. We have presented a strong proposal with clear urban qualities where the green surroundings are really woven into the block," says Jens Larsson, office manager and architect responsible for the project at FOJAB in Stockholm.

The winning proposal, "Kvarterskalaset", is based on a vibrant ground floor with courtyards and paths that encourage a social, sustainable and active lifestyle. Common functions are gathered around a central lobby that serves a variety of purposes. The courtyard opens up to the park in the east and the parkway in the north. The block is given a strong design with facades of brick and wood that contribute to creating character in Rosendal.

- We wanted to create a neighborhood full of life and movement. It creates opportunities for people of different ages to meet, socialize and interact. For us, form is always central, so we have created a long-term sustainable architecture - a design that stands the test of time," says Jens Larsson.

FOJAB has also proposed a sustainability concept focusing on mobility services, smart technical solutions and green building. Through a technical platform, residents can meet their neighbors, share resources and keep track of their homes via phone or computer. Functions that contribute to community and inspire a social and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

The competition proposal will now form the basis for further work on the program and building permit documents. If the work goes as planned, construction of the block will begin in 2019.

During the spring, we organized two well-attended architecture salons in Malmö and Stockholm. In Malmö, there were interesting discussions about Virtual Reality where visitors took the opportunity to look into the future and deepen their knowledge. At the Stockholm office's seventh architecture salon, 'The beauty of the city' was debated. This is an urgent issue in a time of intensive construction and many large-scale projects.

FOJAB arkitekter's Malmö office organized architecture salon #2. on the theme Virtual Reality - experiences and visions. Some fifty visitors took the opportunity to explore the future and deepen their knowledge of VR. There was mingling and food followed by an illuminating and interesting panel debate. There were also test stations where visitors could visually step in and experience ongoing projects.

Petra Jenning, architect and responsible for FOJABcode moderated between exciting contributions from Mats Eliasson, CEO of One Reality, Ulrika Hallengren, Head of Development at Wihlborgs, Per Sikö, Studio Lead at Jayway and Mimmi Tegnér, Business Developer at Science Center Malmö Museer.

The panel agreed on the importance and possibilities of VR for architects and the construction industry. Partly in the visualization work but also to streamline work processes, develop future construction projects and technical solutions. The democratic process was highlighted and the opportunities provided in the form of an increased understanding of the final product.

- As architects, we work to create information and understanding. Being able to have a spatial and real experience of the building before it is actually built is a fantastic opportunity," said Petra Jenning.

At the Stockholm office's seventh Architecture Salon debated 'The beauty of the city'. A pressing issue at a time of intensive construction and many large-scale projects, the engagement of both the invited speakers and the audience was unmistakable. During a few intense hours, the issue was highlighted through introductory speeches and in a subsequent debate, led by FOJAB arkitekter's Robert Lavelid.

First up was Torleif Falk, newly appointed City Architect of Stockholm, who emphasized that the city has been full of unbridled life since the time of Gustav Vasa and that the success factor lies in balancing sustainability, function and beauty.

Tatjana Joksimović, Head of Planning at the County Administrative Board, highlighted cultural heritage as intimately linked to sustainability development and emphasized the County Administrative Board's desire to provide advice and guidance at an early stage. Anna Nyberg, Vasakronan's Head of Real Estate Development in Stockholm, also saw the cooperation between real estate developers, the City of Stockholm, the County Administrative Board and the Beauty Council as valuable in achieving a mixed and safe city with life and movement.

- The Beauty Council is unique in its independence as a municipal body, said its secretary and head of office Henrik Nerlund, describing its mission as advisory, reactive, initiating and educative.

- Plan community buildings first and not last, he told the Salon.

Jesper Wallin, CEO of Byggnadsfirman Erik Wallin, highlighted the need to stick to the core values throughout the project:

- Together, we need to stay focused on the purpose of the project - this is where architects have an important role in finding the balance in the process.

FOJAB arkitekter recruits interior designer Patrik Bengtsson. This further strengthens the architectural office's expertise in interior architecture and design.

- We are very pleased that through Patrik we are now strengthening our capacity in interior design where the demand for services is constantly increasing, says interior designer Lisa Mannheimer, FOJAB arkitekter.

Patrik Bengtsson is a furniture design interior architect with a focus on specialized interiors and has a craft background in fine carpentry and building conservation. Since 2013, he has run his own business, Patrik Bengtsson Design Studio, where he has mainly designed furniture for Swedish furniture manufacturers and public environments.

Patrik has previously worked at Creo arkitekter in Stockholm, where he mainly designed special interiors for the Swedish Court of Justice. Patrik has also worked with various consulting assignments and teaching furniture design at the School of Architecture in Lund.

- It will be very fun to be part of a larger context and exciting to be involved in developing the interior design side of FOJAB arkitekter, says Patrik Bengtsson.

FOJAB arkitekter continues to design street spaces and a playground in Kolkajen, Stockholm's new waterfront district at Lilla Värtan.

The street spaces are important links in the new district and will be designed with stormwater, greenery and quality of life in focus. On the waterfront, we are designing a large playground with a natural character, where lush trees and undulating wooden structures create a stimulating play environment.

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.

FOJAB arkitekter has also worked on a quality program that forms the basis for the detailed plan for the area and for the continued design. Through a previous prequalification and parallel assignment, FOJAB arkitekter has entered into a framework agreement with the City of Stockholm for the continued work.

Sara Schlyter is a landscape architect at FOJAB and is passionate about public space and the importance of greenery. We took the opportunity to ask Sara five questions. Among other things, how landscape architects can contribute to a good outdoor environment in connection with densification.

What is the hottest issue for you right now?
It is difficult! The landscape is everything - it is city and nature and the interaction between them. Landscape architecture is very much about wholeness and relationships between different elements. On the large scale and the small scale....

Urban densification is on everyone's lips and construction is taking place like never before. How can landscape architects contribute to a good outdoor environment in connection with densification?
Landscape architects create quality in the outdoor environments of the dense city. The denser the city, the higher the demands on the design of the spaces in between, and more functions must be combined in the same areas. The denser the city, the more important greenery is from several aspects. It manages stormwater and balances the city's microclimate, creates a human scale, an attractive cityscape and opportunities for recreation. The city should also be a social arena, where there should be space and opportunities for everyone, not least for children.

Many of these values are difficult to measure, and we are unfortunately seeing the effects of this in many newly planned areas around the country, from flooding issues to microscopic preschool playgrounds. Density comes at a price. We need to find new ways of counting. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the municipalities to monitor and pursue these issues, but we also need to be better at spreading knowledge about the city as a whole to everyone involved in building society.

Flexibility and multifunctionality become key words when we landscape architects work with individual places in the city. Examples include playgrounds that are combined with floodplains and create opportunities for water play, the parking lot is a ball field at certain times of the day, biofilters are combined with comfortable green seating and rooftop parks. We see the increased need to address climate change and the environment as an asset and believe that making natural processes visible adds value to the urban environment.

You are particularly passionate about public space, in what way is it important and what do you think it will mean in the future?
Public space in the city - squares, streets and parks - is a big part of a city's identity and soul. It is where we move and stay, where we walk and meet friends. Caring for public space reflects a city or community's care for its inhabitants.

Interestingly, public space is used to put a new area on the map. Then parks or places are established before the buildings take shape. This has been done, for example, in Carlsberg in Copenhagen and also the Jubilee Park in Frihamnen in Gothenburg. This shows the importance of public space for the attractiveness and branding of a city or district.

There is no doubt that people feel better when they spend time in natural environments - shouldn't more effort be put into this?
Absolutely! Proximity and access to nature or green spaces has a major impact on both health and quality of life. There is research that proves this. The problem may be that it is a socio-economic investment where the return does not end up in the wallet of the person paying for it.

Fortunately, it seems that awareness of this is increasing, both among developers and end consumers, i.e. home buyers. There is currently a demand for both nature-based housing and perhaps even more urban housing that can offer proximity to greenery and even opportunities for cultivation in the dense city.

Finally, what project are you currently working on?
Right now I'm working with Kolkajen in Norra Djurgårdsstaden in Stockholm, where we are doing system documentation for a large playground right on the water. I am also working on a concept to renew the pedestrian streets in Landskrona with greenery and living environments. I am also working on several exciting office and housing projects and a new football stadium in central Uppsala, Studenternas. It's great fun with that variety and breadth!

In 2016, the National Property Board appointed Mattias Hedberg Ek as house architect for the Kristianstad residence. The appointment is for six years with the possibility of a three-year extension.

As house architect and general consultant for the Residence in Kristianstad, Mattias Hedberg Ek is responsible for the building's maintenance and development. In close cooperation with the National Property Board, the house architect ensures that the architectural, artistic, antiquarian and technical views are met and that quality and continuity are achieved in the ongoing care of the building. House architects have a six-year appointment with the possibility of a three-year extension. The assignment is personal.

- House architect is an honorable and extremely interesting job. It is about preserving and refining, without destroying the historical values. Architecture on a small scale that has a big impact," says architect Mattias Hedberg Ek.

The residence in Kristianstad was designed by architect Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander and built in 1857-1860. At that time, the building was the residence of the county governor and premises for the county council. It was later expanded with, among other things, several floors. The residence, which has been a listed building since 1935, is today partly empty and is used as an office for the Swedish National Land Survey, among others.

Conservation of a national monument
Over the next few years, the residence will be renovated and adapted for new functions and tenants. A facade renovation is currently being carried out in collaboration with another architect. The representation floor will eventually be converted into office space.

- It is desirable to modernize and attract businesses. Much work lies in preserving the room structure but at the same time adapting the premises to today's modern needs," says Mattias Hedberg Ek.

Close cooperation is crucial
Old houses and buildings require skilled designers and close cooperation is therefore essential. The house architect is responsible for the overall project and for coordinating the necessary skills. For example, specialists in fire, plumbing, lighting, coloring, environment, sheet metal and painting.

In March 2017, ambitious architecture students had the opportunity to meet FOJAB architects and other industry representatives at the Arkipelago labor market days in Lund and Stockholm. Questions about what a day in the life of an architect looks like and the key skills available in the office were discussed, and the fair also gave FOJAB architects the opportunity to meet the talents of tomorrow.

Arkipelago is a collaborative project between Sweden's architectural education programs and arranges lectures, mingling events, workshops and annual labor market days in Lund, Stockholm, Karlskrona, Umeå and Gothenburg. FOJAB arkitekter has participated in the days in Lund and Stockholm since the start in 2011 and so also this year.

At Arkipelago in Lund, Camilla Henricson, Kristina Kember, Caroline Lindqvist and Axel Stolt from FOJAB arkitekter participated. On site, they exchanged ideas and thoughts, tips on how to best design their portfolio, and how students can best get a foot in the door to working life after graduation. Three students also won the opportunity to visit FOJAB's office in Malmö for breakfast, an inspiring lecture and an insight into life at an architectural office.

- Arkipelago is an important meeting place also for us architects as it gives us an opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas with architecture students with fresh eyes. It also gives us an opportunity to find the new talents that we are constantly looking for in our growing industry, says Camilla Henricson, Architect MSA at FOJAB arkitekter in Malmö.

FOJAB arkitekter has made a strategic decision to develop the area of Computational Design under the name FOJABcode. This is a long-term investment in design research in a testbed environment to develop new methods and models in digital design. FOJAB is now recruiting to get a strong team with a focus on both design and programming.

Petra Jenning, an architect at FOJAB arkitekter and internationally recognized expert in Computational Design, is responsible for the development work.

- "The digital approach we are exploring differs from the current one in that we model behaviors and processes instead of static geometry," says Petra Jenning. Various activities are now underway around the world to understand how this can work in practice, and what changes it brings at different stages. These activities take place both in academia and in industry. We want to be at the forefront here.

The development work will be done internally but with exchange and cooperation with other companies and organizations moving in the same direction. The aim is to test models and methods, which when mature can be applied in the projects.

- FOJAB arkitekter started in Lund with close links to LTH and research. Over the years, that relationship has remained on many levels, says CEO Daniel Nord. "What is new is that we now work proactively and methodically with the practical application of what new research produces. This can benefit all of FOJAB's customers.

Petra Jenning describes current construction methods as a consequence of a reductionist process; each requirement, such as climate protection, strength and ventilation, has its own solution and is considered individually. This means that we quickly become limited by increasing complexity as new requirements are added. New technology offers opportunities to think about problem solving in new ways. It is possible to let the computer generate solutions in which interaction and feedback between different functions and systems are incorporated into the design process.

- The result will be integrated solutions that can respond to a variety of local and unique requirements and still be practically and economically feasible," says Petra Jenning.Within FOJABcode, we will look broadly at the design process. Digitalization brings completely new opportunities. The mission is about exploring those opportunities and finding synergies. We need 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.

FOJAB's vision proposal was selected in a parallel assignment in Koppargården, Karlslund in Landskrona. This early vision will now show the way in the continued work with the area where the goal is to achieve a denser, more varied building and new attractive spaces, while preserving a large part of today's apartments and streets.

The city of Landskrona sees great opportunities for the Karlslund district in northern Landskrona and is now, in cooperation with the property owners, taking a comprehensive approach to the development of the area. The goal is to improve the environment in the area and develop an attractive residential area in the growing city. In a parallel assignment for the Koppargården sub-area with Landskronahem as the client, FOJAB has developed an early vision for the area.

- "We are very pleased that Landskronahem chose to proceed on the basis of our ideas about Koppargården's potential. Our proposal is called Årstidsparkerna after the four smaller parks with strong seasonal characters that have been created in the central parts of the proposal," says Karin Fagerberg of FOJAB.

Seasonal parks are a cross between a square and a park. They are intended to complement the area's generous green spaces and sports facilities and help develop the area's identity. The vision includes 1600 homes, including the existing ones, and two new pre-schools. The new housing consists of a mix of apartment buildings in an open block structure and terraced houses. New, diagonal streets lead into the recreational area. A consistent idea is that the area should be easy to navigate and that residents should always be close to a park or other meeting place.

- FOJAB's idea proposal is the one that best matches our ambitions for the area. The proposal will therefore guide the work together with the city, other property owners and tenants on the transformation, says Helena Fremle, CEO of Landskronahem.

The architectural team at FOJAB consists of Karin Fagerberg, Kjell Adamsson, Pia Månsson, Mikael Pettersson and David Kisch.

As of March 1, FOJAB arkitekter has appointed three new studio managers.

In Helsingborg, Rebecca Saaby Mehlum takes over from Staffan Premmert. Staffan will continue to work as a commissioned architect.

In Stockholm, the office is split into two studios due to the strong growth. The studios will be headed by Eva Ocklund and Cecilia Jarlöv respectively, with Jens Larsson continuing as Office Manager.

"I am pleased that we had three such competent, internal candidates for the positions and look forward to the continued development of the studios", says Karin Fagerberg, Operations Manager at FOJAB arkitekter.

Since 2015, Hansa, the large department store between Stora Nygatan and Södra Promenaden in central Malmö, has been undergoing extensive design changes. We at FOJAB arkitekter are responsible for the design and planning with a focus on refining this central meeting place. Naturally, the ambition is for the old NK building to once again become a strong commercial center. The inauguration will take place in the fall of 2017, but large parts are already ready.

Hansa opened already in 1963, but then as NK. In the 1990s, the department store changed its name to Hansacompagniet. Now Hansa is undergoing a fundamental change. In close cooperation with the client AREIM and HEA Property Partner, FOJAB arkitekter is working to refine Hansa's two blocks into a modern and attractive shopping area in the center of Malmö.

Kv. Stadt Hamburg, Hansagallerian, has already been largely rebuilt with several new players and a completely new design. The block has changed with more shop entrances and major facade changes to open up for a more active urban life around the buildings.

Kv. Lybeck, the Hansa department store, will go back to being a more open department store of the NK character, with more entrances than today and a new facade. With this concept comes changed opening hours and thus more people in the evenings.

At the same time, the blocks contain much more than just the retail space in Hansa. There are also offices, housing, a parking garage, a school and a medical center. Many of these activities are being designed and built in parallel with the redevelopment of the shopping area.

The whole is expected to be completed in the fall of 2017 when the grand opening will take place.

Read more about Hansa

A new training center for farmers will soon be completed in Tanzania. This is after a project competition organized by Engineers Without Borders and Architects Without Borders. Engineering and architecture students at LTH collaborated to design a center with space for both educational facilities, common rooms and housing. FOJAB arkitekter sponsored the competition, which took place in spring 2016.

In addition to the sponsorship, Elise Lundahl, architect at FOJAB arkitekter, participated as supervisor to the winning team. The team, which consisted of Axel Stolt, intern at FOJAB architects, Alexander Rundlöf, Henning Stenbäck and Petter Streijffert presented an idea and drawings for a training center that, when fully developed, can accommodate 100 student farmers. The site of the center is located in northwestern Tanzania in the Karagwe region. The organization Kaderes, which works to develop and improve the lives of farmers in the region, will construct the building.

- Given all the uncertainties about the conditions, we worked primarily on the basis of an idea and a principle about how to arrange the buildings rather than a detailed solution. Now we take the project further, and look forward to seeing the education center take shape in Tanzania, says Axel Stolt, a student at LTH and now an architectural intern at FOJAB arkitekter.

This summer, the winning team will travel to Tanzania to hand over the proposal to a local architect and designer. It is hoped that the Kaderes organization will now have sufficient funding to begin construction.

Now it has a roof over its head, one of the ten best rooftop bars in Europe. Landscape architect Johan Paju of FOJAB arkitekter is taking his successful project at the top of Sveavägen 44 one step further. For a few years now, there has been 3000 square meters of mountain nature in the middle of central Stockholm. The existing outdoor terrace is now being supplemented by a pavilion building in wood and glass that can accommodate about 60 seated guests.

Since the roofscape opened two years ago, at least 50 000 people have wandered around the walkways and piers, mingling and hanging out at the bar. On summer evenings, the queues are long, but during the day and the rest of the year, the 3000 people working in the office building can take their sandwiches upstairs and enjoy the view.

The landscape is special in its own right and Johan Paju enlisted the help of fellow expert Pelle Nyström for the implementation.

- What Pelle does not know about extreme plant beds is not worth knowing. The usual green roofs are often like green deserts, there are 3-4 species you work with, of course they work, but they are not biodiverse. We have three different biotopes with plant beds and a myriad of life," says Johan Paju.

The new rooftop pavilion, designed by Johan Paju together with landscape architect Sofia Fors Szuba, will be an integral part of the complex with a wooden frame, sliding glass panels in solid wood and a light, floating roof. The pavilion stands in the landscape surrounded by the piers so that the floor continues in, with a projecting pergola reinforcing the lightness. With its 150 square meters, it can accommodate a really good mingle or 50-60 seated guests plus a bar and preparation kitchen. Several new toilets have also been built, accessible to everyone on the terrace.

Johan's idea from the outset was for the roof to be public and generous. Quite unusual too - a private property turned into a public place for part of the day. Skandia Fastigheter (formerly Diligentia), the property owner, was on board and found a partner in Urban Deli, whose profile and brand matched well with what they wanted to do with the project. Urban Deli is responsible for the operation of the rooftop bar and reception, business center, café, restaurants and grocery store that are located at street level and create pulse and activity. They also run a hotel in the basement with the concept of dark, quiet and central with a good breakfast.

Johan Paju is driven by a passion - a desire to make an impact on the world:

- As an architect, you simply have to be a little ahead in your market focus and constantly challenge. It's about creating benefits and building a brand for the customer," says Johan.

- Architecture is only as good as what is built. There are many good projects sitting in drawers that have not been fully implemented. The best project is either the one you do well together with a committed property owner, or the one you never do. For me, this is a responsible and resource-efficient approach.

The new rooftop pavilion will be completed by late spring. Then Stockholmers and tourists will be able to enjoy an informal and comfortable watering hole in the middle of Sweden's barren mountain nature.

In February 2017, FOJAB was nominated for the Real Estate Øresund Award in the category Real Estate Partner of the Year.

The award recognizes companies that through knowledge, competence and courage contribute to their client's success and results, which for us at FOJAB is central to all our customer relationships. We see the nomination as a confirmation of our competence and endeavor. Other nominees are Project BID and IKEA Group. The winner will be announced at a gala at Malmö Börshus on February 8.

Motivation of the jury: "FOJAB stands for broad expertise in the inscrutable principles of architecture, combined with an understanding of the commercial conditions of the projects. With its insight into the complex relationship between architectural design and economic sustainability, FOJAB has assisted a number of real estate players to success, including victories in several municipal land allocation competitions."

There are many social challenges in Sweden today that need to be met innovatively and where good architecture plays a central role. FOJAB arkitekter therefore works continuously on projects where social innovation and social sustainability are in focus. One of them is the R:ekobyn in little Röstånga in Skåne, where we participate as an architect and co-financier.

The project is a local initiative and is run by a newly formed economic association. The aim is to maintain and develop services, housing, schools and public transport in the area so that more people can live and work there. R:ekobyn aims to build an ecovillage for around thirty new households in Röstånga based on a sustainable plan for a new, alternative and vibrant living environment. Linked to this is an open learning process that engages both residents and other interested parties.

FOJAB arkitekter is participating as one of the co-financiers and is developing proposals and a new detailed plan for the property. Part of the assignment includes working with the client to investigate and discuss building technology, energy solutions and forms of financing. It is a combination of knowledge building, customer benefit with a broader societal benefit.

- R:ekobyn is a project that can mean a lot to a rural town like Röstånga. Based on a local commitment, not only the final result but also the process will create value. In addition, we as an office have the opportunity to test a new model for co-financing and participation in a project with a clear focus on social sustainability and community benefit. We see great development opportunities with R:ekobyn, both for us and for Röstånga," says Sara Ericsson, responsible for social innovation and sustainability at FOJAB arkitekter and managing architect for R:ekobyn.

The detailed plan for R:ekobyn will be completed and submitted to Svalöv Municipality in July 2019, and the ecovillage itself may then become a reality after a few more years.

In the fall of 2016, FOJAB arkitekter decided to carry out a merger between the parent company FOJAB AB and the subsidiary FOJAB arkitekter AB.

The merger has now been completed, which means that all employees and all commitments in FOJAB arkitekter AB are taken over on completely unchanged terms by the parent company. The parent company FOJAB AB is renamed FOJAB arkitekter AB and the organization number remains 556689-6980. The CEO of the company is Daniel Nord.

For you as a customer, the merger does not make much difference. New project agreements will be written against the new organization number. Our existing project agreements will not change. You keep the same contact persons at FOJAB arkitekter as before.

The merger means that we can simplify and streamline the organization internally, leading to a clearer and more transparent organization. This allows us to focus on our ambitions to create high-quality architecture that has value over time for our clients.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your contact person at FOJAB arkitekter or directly to CEO Daniel Nord.

With kind regards,
Daniel Nord, CEO of FOJAB arkitekter AB

- Social housing policy is an objective without a strategy. The central question, to which there is no answer today, is how it should be financed and by whom. This is how Lennart Weiss, commercial director at Veidekke, began his speech when FOJAB arkitekter's Malmö office held its first architectural salon on December 8.

He continued:

- All newly produced rental housing is 50 % more expensive than owner-occupied housing. So it's not surprising that 70 % of Swedes currently live in owner-occupied homes, an increasing proportion of which - naturally - are newly built. We Swedes are the worst in the world at housing policy and the politicians have no financial strategy in the housing issue, said Lennart Weiss and called for a well-made analysis of the current situation to increase knowledge and thus be able to make well-founded decisions in the future. He also pointed to Norway as a good example.

Some fifty visitors took the opportunity to deepen their knowledge on the theme "Social Housing in Sweden? ". Mingle and food surrounded several short expert presentations and a panel debate, moderated by FOJAB arkitekter's Nils Philip Påhlsson. Lennart Weiss was succeeded by Ulrika Palmblad, head of property development at Älvstranden AB, and her colleague Kristian Käll, process manager for social sustainability. They described the work towards the goals set in Gothenburg's gigantic urban development project to reduce segregation and "social inclusion", in a situation where new construction risks making the situation worse.

- There is a political clarity in Gothenburg to fall back on, a stated goal that everyone should be able to settle in Älvstranden, said Kristian Käll. "The challenge for us is to find creative business models to make this possible.

- 900 homes, representing 25% of the stock, will be financially accessible to all if we succeed. The idea is that the combination of affordable housing and public spaces designed as communal living rooms will provide the basis for social sustainability.

Christer Larsson, Director of Urban Development in Malmö and the government investigator behind the architectural policy report 'Gestaltad livsmiljö', argued that urbanization will slow down.

Cities are simply not up to the task. The deregulation of the housing market means that we cannot meet the needs of the weakest social segment. It is pure nonsense to believe that we will be able to build 700 000 new homes, said Christer Larsson. "It will not happen, because it is too expensive.

Christer Larsson pointed to both a renewal and transformation of the good utility architecture from the 30s, 40s and 50s, and Skåne's multi-core structural model as possible solutions to the housing problem.

He was supported in the subsequent panel debate, where the speakers were reinforced by FOJAB's market coordinator Magdalena Hedman. The panel called for a national housing policy, not least to be able to weigh heavy accounts against each other, such as housing and the labor market. The need for collaboration was also emphasized.

Several audience voices were heard in the discussion, which also focused on the challenge of building cheaply with good architectural quality. Good examples were highlighted, such as the slender lamellar houses and star houses of the 1950s, as well as fine Danish examples. The importance of a good architectural policy that understands how to make use of architects' skills was also emphasized. Several panel members agreed that architects need to be active early in the debate and create alliances with many different actors in the field of urban development in order to meet the challenge we all face.