The Great Northern
In the spring of 2015, The Lodge, in collaboration with Skellefteå municipality's business centre and Polaris Fastigheter AB, contacted Collage.
The assignment was to take an existing 1950s building and create a place that would promote creativity and offer a variety of workplaces which could, in turn, contribute to cross-sector collaboration. Above all, they wanted a clear, distinctive idea for the building's design that would serve as a symbol of its purpose on a global market.
Design
In terms of design, the project began by agreeing a basic palette that would allow period-appropriate details to emerge and be woven together with the new concept. In the final stage, a patchwork was created that worked both vertically and horizontally and contained different zones that could shift from public to private use. The main entrance, where the public and private spheres meet, is known as the Plaza – a place for relaying experiences and spontaneous meetings. From here, you are led further into a world of start-ups and incubators through to established companies and a stylish events arena.
"An inspiring project where we got the opportunity to be involved all the way down to detail solutions on the ground. A unique project to preserve and refine a building with a special place in the hearts of a lot of people in Skellefteå."
- Lina Persson Holmgren, Engineer A
Facts
Client: Polaris Fastigheter AB
Project: The Great Northern
Year: 2015-2016
AFRYs role: Renovering av 50-tals byggnad med utmärkande designidé
Competences: Arkitektur
Consultants: Arkitekter Isabelle Gyllengahm Flimel, Lina Persson Holmgren, Rolf Marklund
