Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter

Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, Stairs, HandrailSelma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, KitchenSelma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Exterior PhotographySelma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, StairsSelma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - More Images+ 20

Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Lead Interior Architect: Annie Leonsson
  • Design Team: Lars Zackrisson, Jessica Kos, Christian Wahlström, Linn Roldin, Theresa Kjellberg, Jacob Nilsson, Jacob Lundqvist, Isabella Eriksson, Daniel Stenqvist, Natalie Blom, Samuel Michelsen, Britta Wikholm, Kristofer Jonsson, Martin Clase
  • Clients: Göteborgslokaler, Norra Hisingens District Administration
  • Engineering: Strängbetong
  • Acoustics: Cedas Akustik
  • Fire Consultants: FAST Engineering
  • City: Gothenburg
  • Country: Sweden
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Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Exterior Photography
© Åke E-son Lindman

Text description provided by the architects. Through its height, the Selma Cultural Centre creates a landmark point facing the neighborhood’s bustling southern streets. Here, all activities are united by one common entrance. Surrounded by an urban landscape, the building displays a unique expression that stands apart from the area's residential and commercial spaces. A uniform drape of corrugated concrete is intersected with gently sweeping openings that speak to the building’s range of cultural activities. The building can be considered as a stage where a rich range of cultural activities take place. 

Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, Stairs, Handrail
© Åke E-son Lindman
Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Image 17 of 25
Ground floor plan
Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, Glass
© Åke E-son Lindman

The heart of the building is the large entrance hall. It contains a series of stairs and pathways that are formed into a free composition. All vertical and horizontal paths that cut through the building meet in this space, which means that people and activities naturally come in contact with each other. Points of spectating are offered from all levels, making the building easy to register while still creating an experiential complexity.

Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Image 23 of 25
Axonometric - programme

All rooms are generic so that the building may adapt to future usage and program changes without having to be rebuilt. Additionally, a large degree of multi-usage was required in the design to keep the project’s budget in check.

Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, Wood
© Åke E-son Lindman

Material wise, we sought after a robust palette that was both durable and could constitute a foundation for the building's multifaceted operations. It has resulted in a studio-like atmosphere: the grey concrete of the frame forms the base, with a few white walls to complement it. This studio feeling was replicated in all the active spaces of the building except the dance, theatre, and music spaces. Those were designed as a much-needed contrast; with dark red theatre-like tones that make references to the spirit and essence of traditional theatre salons.

Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, Kitchen
© Åke E-son Lindman
Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, Concrete
© Åke E-son Lindman

The interior design of the building is made of nearly 100% recycled materials. We allowed in our design scheme for the varying origins of the reused furniture, which en masse created an incoherent and interesting unity. Different furniture was cut into pieces and reassembled together, much like rag rugs are made of different cloth to make anew. A very simple branding mark (Selma) on all 3600 furniture pieces brought the pieces together, gave them a context and completeness that communicates well with the building.

Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter - Interior Photography, Stairs
© Åke E-son Lindman

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Project location

Address:Gothenburg, Sweden

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Selma Lagerlöfs Cultural Center / White Arkitekter" 16 Jan 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/931981/selma-lagerlofs-cultural-center-white-arkitekter> ISSN 0719-8884

© Åke E-son Lindman

塞尔玛·拉格洛夫斯文化中心,交通空间的视觉统一 / White Arkitekter

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