Widerströmska Upper Secondary School
From lab to creative learning environment
A mix of natural sciences, technology, health, and entrepreneurship. A foundation for collaboration and innovation. A modern school and an inspiring workplace. That’s the essence of Widerströmska Upper Secondary School in Huddinge.
Just like the NEO and Technology and Health buildings, Widerströmska is part of the life science cluster that has taken shape in Campus Flemingsberg in recent years. Tengbom has been the lead architect for approximately 50,000 square metres here between 2012 and 2019.
The school, named after Karolina Widerström, Sweden’s first female medical doctor, now occupies one floor of the NEO building. Here, future researchers and entrepreneurs learn in close collaboration with the academic and healthcare institutions surrounding them.
A life science hub for future innovators
Bright and inspiring classrooms
Inside, light, space, colour, and openness define the NEO building—and these qualities also shape the school’s interior. While the upper floors house cutting-edge research labs for Karolinska Institutet, the Widerströmska floor is designed to be a creative and inspiring learning environment.
Students and teachers can write directly on the walls, and large glass partitions ensure that natural daylight reaches every corner of the study spaces. A yellow-green carpet, running through all the classrooms, enhances the brightness even further.
“It has been incredibly exciting to help create a new upper secondary school that, through collaboration and synergies with academia, has become the first school with a life science profile.”
— Anna Morén Sahlin, lead architect
Design details create a cohesive identity
In collaboration with LINK Interior Architecture, Tengbom developed a material and colour scheme that aligns with the identity of the rest of the NEO building. Subtle design details connect the school’s interiors with the upper floors, including spiral staircases and accent colours in ceilings, doorways, and furniture.
A safe and social learning environment
Beyond classrooms and lecture halls, the school features a central gathering space known as Arenan, as well as a gym, science labs, café, multipurpose hall, and staff rooms.
A key priority in the project has been to foster a sense of social security and community. The spatial layout encourages interaction between students and teachers, with transparent environments and open sightlines.
“There are no hidden corners anywhere. Staff rooms are evenly distributed throughout the school, where students naturally spend their time.”
