The New Building

a architect(s)
18 Firm Scheiwiller Svensson arkitektkontor AB
19 Project Architect Inger Lindberg Bruce (Architect, Project Manager construction and interior), Pyret Paulander (Interior design), Lena Sjöberg Nilsson (Architect, construction manager)
20 Type of project renovation
b aims of the new building
21 Short description of the main objectives and purposes of the project Stockholm University Library was designed by architect Ralph Erskine and inaugurated in 1983. Stockholm University has always been considered as a modern university in contrast to older, more traditional universities and the library building reflects that by its openness and comfort. Erskine designed the library to resemble an inviting living room with comfortable furniture, balconies to soak up the sun and a café next to the entrance. The concept of honour for Erskine was flexibility. No walls within the building, but movable modules in glass and bookcases built rooms within rooms within rooms.
Now, thirty years after the inauguration, the facilities will be renovated and adapted to the library’s new functions. New areas for group study will be added through reconstruction of the entrance floor. The worn-out carpet will be replaced on all floors and new equipment and better sound insulation and ventilation installed in group study rooms. The sense of open space is accentuated by the lighting design and by increasing the light intensity.
Workspace for staff will also be renovated and changed from cellular offices for individual work to flexible offices for several people, where collaboration on joint projects will be made easier. As the corridors disappear and the space is used more efficiently, more space with natural light will be freed up for student needs.
Architects at Scheiwiller Svensson arkitektkontor, the architectural firm involved in the renovation, have previously collaborated with Ralph Erskine. Their vision is to provide the university with a library that can handle future demands and to preserve and enhance Erskine’s basic concepts.
Erskine’s inspirational environment with light, space and interaction with the surrounding nature will be preserved. Modern, functional facilities that meet new needs will strengthen the library’s role as a central meeting point and increase the appeal of the already busy building.
c special features
22 Site The library is centrally located on campus and connected to the main university building.
23 Architecture Stockholm University Library was designed by architect Ralph Erskine after an invited competition and consecrated in 1983. The facade consists of precast concrete panels, with visible aggregates like wooden sections and low window strip. The facade towards the university building consists of brown corrugated iron with an arched roof. The main floor's windows are angled outwards and downwards. On the facade facing west there are some peculiar balconies facing south. Eaves and roof structure are made of stainless steel.
The frame is a deck of pillars of concrete cast in situ with a distance of 6 meters between pillars. The body is capable of carrying bookshelves in all parts of the building. Stairwells and elevator shafts of concrete stabilize the body.
All roof areas are drained by internal drainage.
All parts of the building are accessible to the disabled. Elevators have automatic doors which, like other doors have a width that allows the passage of wheelchairs. On each floor there are a number of accessible toilets and on three of the floors also rest rooms.
Energy consumption is measured per hour. Measuring includes heating, electricity and water consumption. Energy is generally bought from companies producing energy from renewable sources.
The building has fire alarm and evacuation alarm. Automatic fire-fighting equipment is installed in archives and partly in public areas.
Energy audits carried out in 2008:
The library building uses 79 kWh/m2 per year, 32 kWh/m2 of which is electricity.