Segerstedthuset

A building in the park. That’s the description of the concept for Segerstedthuset in the Botanical Garden in Uppsala. The outside flora and the geometric forms of the façade act in symbiosis with the interior.

The angular structure of Segerstedthuset in the Botanical Garden in Uppsala has laid the foundations for the modern idiom that accompanies the visitor in through the entrance doors. Over 600 people from Uppsala University’s management and administrative operations (previously spread between nine different locations throughout the city) have been brought together under one roof.

“The building and interior design work together. The modern idiom from the façade follows through to the inside, providing continuity between inside and outside,” says Kristin Östberg from Indicum, which undertook the interior design for Segerstedthuset on behalf of Uppsala University and in collaboration with Input interior.

Geometric and natural expressions

The heart of the building comprises a bright, open atrium and an attractive oak staircase linking the various floors. It’s a place of life and movement. Visible thoroughfares lead to social functions such as lounges, meeting rooms and coffee stations. Workplaces requiring a quieter location have been sited further out in the wings of the building.

The sculptural and graphic idiom from the character of the façade has been picked up in the furniture and can be seen in the form of photo prints and cross-laid veneer in meeting room tables.

“It’s a triangle-shaped building and many of the rooms have acute angles. We have chosen to acknowledge this and take the concept further with geometric shapes in both furniture and textiles. At the same time we know that it is difficult to orient yourself when the angles are not square, which is what we are used to. Therefore we have incorporated a lot of colour coding, with accent colours on the various floors,” explains Kristin.

Green shades serve as a basis in this project, and tie in with the Botanical Garden and the park concept. Subsequently, the remaining base colours, red, blue and yellow, have been picked up in both furniture and flooring and in work lounges and meetings rooms. The materials also flirt with nature and outdoor life. Stone floors and wool carpets provide a pleasant feel, and oak has been brought to the fore to create a timeless impression. This classic species of wood lends a certain weight that matches the profile of Uppsala University. Large living walls complete the park concept and also contribute to a beneficial indoor atmosphere.

Future-proof

The university management has opted to incorporate all types of workplaces at Segerstedthuset. There are individual workrooms, open-plan offices and departments employing activity-based working. The building layout also provides scope for wholly converting to an activity-based environment.

“If in the future you want to employ activity-based working, it is possible to switch without having to rebuild. For example, workrooms can serve equally well as meeting rooms, and all common areas such as cloakrooms, personal storage and cafés are already in place. It’s future-proof, quite simply,” concludes Kristin.