Lund District Court

Commissioned by the Swedish National Courts Administration, Tengbom created an interior concept that balances calmness, dignity, and functionality. Courtrooms, offices, and meeting rooms feature a coordinated palette of materials and colours, reinforcing a sense of order and serenity.

The design manual, which ensures consistency across the building, builds on the courthouse’s distinctive materials, focusing on copper, brass, and ash wood. The team custom-designed many furnishings to meet the building’s unique security and functional requirements.

Earth, fire, water, and air

The colour scheme is inspired by the four elements, with deep, grounding tones bringing warmth and contrasting light materials creating a sense of openness. The use of ash wood and lustrous textiles enhances the interplay between these elements. Each office features a consistent base design of desks, storage, and seating, but varies in colour to introduce subtle differentiation. Meeting rooms have distinct colour themes, yet remain visually cohesive. In common areas such as the library, archives, and copy rooms, the palette shifts to more monochrome tones, with custom-designed furniture enhancing the refined atmosphere.

“The high-level meeting room, Knutsikten, is the building’s pride, offering a panoramic view. To highlight its unique shape, we designed a large, custom-made rug in contrasting colour blocks, creating a striking central element in the space,” says Elin Alm, interior architect at Tengbom.

Security meets well-being

Given the sensitive nature of court proceedings, the team prioritised security and discretion in every aspect of the interior. They carefully selected colours and materials to balance formality with comfort while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.

“Textiles, soft lighting, and upholstered furniture create a more reassuring environment, particularly in rooms designed for protected witnesses,”

says Elin Alm

Blending advanced security with refined design

Lund District Court incorporates fixed furniture, concealed technical installations, and reinforced structures for security. The team carefully designed the courtroom interiors to integrate microphones, alarms, and security systems without disrupting the architectural aesthetic.

The custom horseshoe-shaped desks in the courtrooms hide state-of-the-art technology. They combine white-stained solid ash with thin metal inlays, reflecting the courthouse’s copper-clad façade.

“Despite the building’s scale, the coordinated colours, varied furnishings, and carefully chosen materials create a sense of cohesion and comfort. Staff and visitors notice it. They appreciate it, too,” concludes Elin Alm.