New entrance square at KTH

In 2015, the School of Architecture in Stockholm moved from their own address to the large Campus KTH. The newcomer was greeted by a new entrance square specially designed for them by Tengbom – a meeting place for the people who study and work on Campus.

For more than 25 years, we have partnered with Akademiska Hus and Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan, working on projects such as new constructions and renovations and a vision of an academic country road through campus, that improves creases the road safety and ties together the entire university campus all the way up to Albano. The project on the new School of Architecture included the task of creating an inviting entrance square, a so-called shared space area where the pedestrians have priority and where cars take third place after pedestrians and bicyclists.

Design – new construction meets a classical environment

We designed the square to connect the newly built School of Architecture, by Tham & Videgård, with the existing classical surroundings. The goal was to create a transition that felt both dignified and understated. To let the striking building stand out, we chose a high-quality paved surface. At the same time, the design had to integrate the School of Architecture into KTH Campus. Granite became the main material. It complements the Corten steel façade of the main building. Together, they create a cohesive and unified impression.

“The new entrance offers people a chance to stop and feel that there is a context linking these important buildings together.”

Jörgen Orback, landscape architect

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

An oasis on Campus


Our landscape designers have played a key role in nearly every new construction and renovation at KTH for the last 25 years. Their work includes designing and planning land, yards, terraces, streets, and squares. They have also developed care and maintenance plans. Several of these renovations received the ROT award in 1996 and 2002.

For the entire new entrance area, we have been involved throughout the planning process. From the initial application to the final stages, we have contributed at every step. We have also prepared the necessary construction documents to ensure a seamless execution.

“KTH Campus covers a vast area, almost like its own little municipality,” says Jörgen Orback. “We designed the square in front of the School of Architecture as an inviting entrance and social meeting place. An oasis for students and staff.”

In 2015, the Kasper Salin Prize, one of Sweden’s most prestigious architecture awards, went to the KTH School of Architecture. For this project, we collaborated with the Royal Institute of Technology, the City of Stockholm, the Student Union, and Akademiska Hus.