Profit for office block in Norrköping

A neighborhood that takes advantage of Norrköping's strong industrial identity and at the same time reflects the new open city that is emerging along the water. Mannersons Fastighets AB and FOJAB win the municipality's land allocation competition with an office block in Inre hamnen.

Inre hamnen is one of Norrköping's largest urban development projects and is located in the borderland between the city's industrial heritage and the new waterfront neighborhoods. Here, Mannersons and FOJAB are proposing an office block that draws on the site's history and strengthens urban life.

In the land allocation competition, the Municipality of Norrköping asked for proposals that demonstrate solid knowledge and perseverance in developing a multifunctional building stock and a strong commitment to urban and site development.

- "Our proposal, Hamnporten, will be a new node in the city, where work, everyday life and meetings can coexist. Through public ground floors and open paths, a place is created that is active throughout the day and strengthens the connection between the city and the water," says Stefan Johansson, architect at FOJAB.

The block consists of two complementary buildings: Hamnhuset and Murverket. The architectural idea is based on Norrköping's clear duality between the massive masonry of industry and the movement of the water, between weight and lightness, history and the present.

The harbor house is closest to the quay and opens up to the harbor promenade with cafes, restaurants and other public activities on the ground floor. Generous glass sections and entrances from several directions make the building an everyday hub in the movement along the water. A rooftop bar with a view of Motala ström is planned on the roof, bringing life to the area even in the evening. The slightly curved volume and the ceramic and metal facade catch the light and reflect the movement of the water.

The masonry, on the other hand, is a robust and rhythmic volume with a more urban character, which ties in with the brick architecture of the industrial landscape. The material palette - brick, ceramics and copper - is the same for both buildings but interpreted in different ways. An atrium courtyard creates bright working environments and gives the block an exciting inner world. New public spaces and green environments are created between the buildings. A park opens up the block to the quayside and provides space for people to spend time, meet and recreate.

- "We are very pleased to have another opportunity to contribute to the development of the Inner Harbor. New construction of flexible offices in the area strengthens Norrköping's fantastic city center and enables even more people to work and live directly adjacent to both the water and the central station," says Carl-Fredrik Grönhagen, CEO, Mannersons Fastighets AB.