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Ole.Fit Munkka gym, Helsinki

Strength in collaboration
Interior Design
Sports
Client: Ole.Fit
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Year of commission: 2023
Gross floor area: 1,544 m²
Photographer: Tengbom

The idea that workplaces should provide opportunities for exercise is quickly becoming a given, both in Sweden and Finland. Tengbom in Helsinki has developed a strong expertise in designing gyms, and Ole.Fit Munkka is no exception. Thanks to a solution-oriented process carried out in close collaboration with the client, we didn’t have to compromise on the result.

Ole.Fit Munkka is a fully equipped gym located within a six-story office complex. Formerly the headquarters of IBM, the building is now a business center under the Bloomsville umbrella. To make room for the gym, an auditorium and several office spaces were repurposed.

“More and more companies are recognizing employee well-being, and providing opportunities for physical activity, as a key factor for property developers,” says Niina Isojärvi, architect at Tengbom in Helsinki. “For us as architects, designing a gym requires both precision and adaptability.”

Acoustic and material solutions for good neighborly relations

Designing a gym in an office building demands thorough planning. It’s not just about meeting the client’s expectations, but also about managing how the gym affects surrounding tenants and operations. Gyms tend to generate noise: a dropped dumbbell, a treadmill pounding under fast intervals, a lively group training session that erupts in cheers. Noise levels and acoustics are thus among the biggest challenges when integrating a gym into a multi-tenant building. Flooring and material properties must also be considered — along with, not least, ventilation.

“In a renovation project like Ole.Fit Munkka, this equation is not always straightforward,” says Niina. “Another factor to consider is ceiling height, which is also crucial in gym design. There’s a lot of puzzle-solving involved.”

Ventilation and technical systems

One major challenge was integrating the ventilation and technical systems into the ceiling structure without lowering it too much. In the yoga room, we conducted detailed planning for acoustics and ventilation, carefully coordinating HVAC systems and insulation materials to fit within the ceiling.

“We considered leaving the ceiling exposed, which would have looked very refined and elegant,” Niina shares. “But due to the room’s acoustics, we ultimately decided to conceal the equipment above the ceiling.”

The floor soundproofing, however, posed no issues. Beneath the gym are not offices, but rather bike storage and staff locker rooms.

It must be allowed to make noise when exercising

Renovation for improved accessibility

In addition to the gym, the building, originally constructed in 1979 and 1985, is undergoing a full renovation, including a facade update. The completed Ole.Fit Munkka gym spans a total area of 1,544 square meters. It features an open free weights area, a cardio section with treadmills, a large group training studio, a smaller studio for functional training, and a yoga room. There are also private treatment rooms for physiotherapy and massage. Complementing these are showers, saunas, changing rooms, and both work and social spaces for gym staff.

Beyond the planned interior adaptations, the gym also received a new entrance. Previously, entry was from inside the building. During the renovation, we expanded a rear staircase that had served as a back door, transforming it into the main entrance and adding a new entryway from the outside. This also made the entrance accessible.

The interiors evoke a sense of luxury. The brown color palette on walls and ceilings pairs harmoniously with wooden wall and ceiling panels. The lighting design ensures the spaces feel ambient, not dark.

Gym projects require coordination

In close dialogue with the contractors, the gym chain Ole.Fit, and their interior design firm Sisustusarkkitehdit Kalliomaa Oy, we conducted a thorough assessment of the spatial character, functionality, lighting, and materials.

“There was a lot of coordination involved. We held many meetings to align Ole.Fit’s wishes with the timelines and needs of other parties,” says Niina.

The goal was to find solutions that would satisfy everyone — without compromising the final outcome. Despite a tight schedule, Ole.Fit Munkka opened in autumn 2023 and is now operational. Another gym project by Tengbom’s Helsinki office is Elixia Circus, which opened in November 2021. Elixia Circus is located in the former concert and nightclub venue The Circus on Arkadiagatan in Helsinki. For locals, the building is known as the Innotalo, designed by Einari Teräsvirta.

Contact person

Petrus Laaksonen

Head of Design, Tengbom Finland
+358 41 526 6537

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Goto 10 in Linköping

85% reused interior
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Internetstiftelsen
Location: Linköping
Year: 2022
Area: 700 m²
Photographer: Kristina Alexandersson

Here’s one for the internet lovers: Internetstiftelsen has now opened its third office hub, Goto 10, in Linköping. Here, tech, nature, and innovation meet. Wrapped in a reused shell, yet with the same strong brand identity as the other offices.

Stockholm 2017. Malmö 2020. And now Linköping — more precisely, Linköping Science Park, a growing hub for academia, tech companies, and innovation. At Goto 10, 16,000 members can work for free, host meetups, arrange events, 3D-print, record podcasts, and network. A natural home for an internet enthusiast.

700 square meters of tennis hall

We’re in a former tennis hall. The largest of the three Goto 10 spaces so far, with a truly unique character. The technical aesthetic of the space, with timber beams, exposed piping, and installations, became strong carriers of identity when we designed the space and developed the interior concept.

Together with Internetstiftelsen, our goal was to build a strong concept where innovation, digital presence, professionalism, and personality together put Goto 10 Linköping on the map — an inspiring and inclusive meeting place with smart functions that reflect Internetstiftelsen’s values and passion for the internet.

Interior (tech) meets nature at Goto 10 Linköping

The premises, with several levels and existing room structures, required a clear strategy for flow and zoning. As a contrast to the technical elements, and to enhance well-being, the zones were enriched with natural materials and greenery.

The entrance, designed for meetings and activity, offers openness and volume. In the “Digital Glades,” you’re surrounded by pixelated moss that dampens sound and encourages focused collaboration. Neon details and color gradients in the work lounge add playfulness, teamwork, and energy. Meanwhile, calm and focus prevail “Under the Cloud.”

The tiered seating area is designed for both casual hangouts and large events. The strong, distinct color palette, consistent across all Goto 10 offices, reinforces both the brand identity and the technological character of the space.

“Think sustainably in every step!”

The directive from Internetstiftelsen was clear, which led us to work extensively with reused furniture. In close collaboration with the reuse supplier Rekomo, who conducted a detective-like search to find pieces that matched the concept based on detailed product descriptions, we sourced furnishings that met our design goals. We also reused furniture from Internetstiftelsen’s other offices.

“At Tengbom, we actively work with climate-smart adaptations of interiors, and this project was particularly exciting. The sustainability focus gave us great freedom of interpretation. A challenge, but also an opportunity for development and experimentation,” says interior architect Johanna Garheden.

Working with reused furnishings requires quick decisions. Those chairs might not be available two weeks later.

The design boundaries must be clear, as you can’t control exactly which products you’ll end up with. We created detailed specifications describing function, desired look, materials, and dimensions, which were cross-checked with the supplier. The result is a cohesive whole that maintains both identity and expression. Wherever possible, we preserved, adapted, and reused existing elements of the space.

Successful collaboration through agile methods at Goto 10 Linköping

Many projects, especially reuse-based ones, require close and iterative collaboration. For Goto 10 in Linköping, we worked in close dialogue with Internetstiftelsen and Ciceron, allowing for fast, joint decisions throughout the process.

The Tengbom team produced cost estimates, layouts, the interior concept and proposals, and final construction documents.

Partners and suppliers

Internetstiftelsen (client), Ciceron projekt (project management), Idé design (carpentry), Go gently (scenography, installations, and robot), Rekomo (supplier of reused furniture), Senab (supplier of complementary new furniture), Castellum (property owner), Kron & Karlsson (construction).

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

+46 708 23 14 33

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Embark Studios

A game changer
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Embark Studios
Location: Stockholm
Year: 2021
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Fresh winds swept through the heavy façades along Kungsträdgårdsgatan when the game developer Embark Studios moved into its new premises. In the interior design, we combined a refined lounge atmosphere with the inventive creativity of the gaming world. A vision that took shape through a unique virtual design process in close collaboration with the client.

The grand former bank buildings on Kungsträdgårdsgatan are magnificent, but not particularly welcoming. They somehow represent the traditional hierarchy between employer and employee, between large corporation and client. That the old bank halls behind door number 16 now house the headquarters of a game developer can be seen as a sign of the times. The rapidly growing gaming industry is among today’s new power players, with Embark as a prime example of a technically innovative organisation. An organisation that invites its users in, blurring the line between developer and player.

Interactivity on all levels at Embark Studios

The new premises were designed in that same spirit. The multifunctional and elegant lobby on the entrance floor is the result of a close and creative collaboration between Tengbom and the gaming company.

“Embark was very involved in the process. They built up the environment in the 3D program Blender, the same software they use to create their games. We could then sit together with them and explore the different environments, especially the entrance lounge. It gave rise to some pretty wild ideas that still landed well in reality,” says Stefan Rydin, business development architect at Tengbom.

“Together, we built up virtual environments that we could walk around in.”

Stefan Rydin

The interactive concept succeeds in uniting imaginative ideas with the existing bank halls and cross vaults of the building. Embark’s own history is also reflected in the fact that nearly all furniture from the previous office has been reused. And this, entirely in line with the vision of an interior that balances the unexpected with an iconic, international atmosphere. Combinations that might at first seem incongruous have ultimately found their place in a sustainably cohesive lobby composed of velvet-soft seating areas, a bar counter, and a hall of fame celebrating the gaming world.

Super-curated window to the street

“We worked a lot with a coherent colour palette. When you think of brown and blue together, it might not sound like an obvious match at first. But by working with the subtle undertones – seeing the blue’s saturation and the brown’s hints of rust – we created a beautiful palette,” explains Stefan Rydin.

He compares the architect’s role to that of an art curator or a DJ – combining contrasts into a coherent whole. In this case, the goal was to reflect Embark’s identity. The lounge on the entrance floor features large screens that display the company’s work in progress. It’s a hub of inspiration for both employees and visitors. Colours from the screens echo in the ceiling, creating a shifting backdrop that reaches out toward the street. Together with the carefully designed lighting, the space stays vibrant long after closing time.

Contact person

Stefan Rydin

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Ellevio

An office with warmth and community
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Ellevio
Location: Karlstad
Year: 2021
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Warmth, togetherness, and reused interiors. At Ellevio’s office, they talk about “värmskap” (a combination of warmth and fellowship), a concept that’s reflected in everything from the smallest details to the overall design of this climate-smart interior that we helped create.

An interior that evokes associations with power grids, community, and nature. Ellevio’s new activity-based office captures this through deliberate design choices.

An environment for co-creation and creativity

From a traditional office layout to a varied space designed for togetherness. In close collaboration with Ellevio, we designed nearly 200 workstations, a reception, cafeteria, meeting rooms, and lounge areas. Employees can now choose between active zones for collaboration or bright rooms for focused work and digital meetings. The team carefully selected colors and materials to suit each room’s purpose and meet the needs of its users.

Värmland’s natural expression

Reused interior

We wanted to create a climate-smart interior that stands the test of time. Therefore, both the furniture and the premises are flexible and adaptable — easy to rearrange and use in new ways. A large part of the furnishings are reused, while most of the new furniture is eco-labeled. Altogether, old and new form a cohesive mix of woods and tones. A perfect fit for the office of the future.

“We based our entire design on the concept of värmskap. The result is a sense of warmth and community, with the Värmland nature as a connecting thread,” says Helena Wegerstedt Rask, interior architect at Tengbom in Karlstad.

Contact person

Elin Larsson

+46 702 75 67 66

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Kroatorpet

Updated coffee gem
Interior Design
Building Preservation & Restoration, Restaurants
Client: Huskvarna Hembygdsförening
Years: 2020-2021
Awards: Diploma for Good Building Conservation, Jönköping Urban Design Prize
Developer and partners: Huskvarna Hembygdsförening & Pålssons Bygg
Photographer: Jansin & Hammarling

Halfway along the E4 motorway between Stockholm and Malmö lies the classic rest stop Kroatorpet, with roots dating back to the 18th century. In a bold initiative by Huskvarna Hembygdsförening, we have updated the building with a new restaurant section, improving both the staff’s work environment and the guest flow.

Kroatorpet originally dates from the 18th century. When the motorway was built in the 1960s, it was moved a few hundred meters from its original location and became a coffee cottage for passing travelers and local Huskvarna residents. Today, it houses Landhs konditori, which serves both motorists and locals with meals and pastries.

“It was time for an upgrade.”

Anna Larsson, architect at Tengbom in Jönköping

“While carefully preserving the original buildings, we’ve improved the staff’s work environment and the flow for guests. The new extension with glass walls functions both as a barrier to the motorway and as an opening toward Huskvarna’s most beautiful feature. The view over Lake Vättern.”

The new dining room offers views — free from motorway noise

Because the two older main buildings were to be preserved, the most significant change took place between them. Here, a completely new restaurant section now connects the buildings, with a transparent dining room that captures the view while shielding against noise. Even outdoor café guests are now protected from motorway sounds thanks to the new section. This improvement makes it possible to host more events during the warmer months.

“We worked with wood interiors to retain the cozy and warm atmosphere, using white-stained wooden slats, panels, and glulam beams,” says architect Håkan Albeman. “The exterior façades of the older houses remain visible as interior walls. And despite the large glass surfaces, we managed to create a good acoustic environment.”

We love courageous investments

Local collaborations

Several local companies were involved in the transformation. The furniture, for example, comes from Karl Andersson & Söner’s furniture factory, located just a few minutes’ walk from Kroatorpet.

“The new dining hall has created a space that gives the business an entirely different economic foundation,” says Anna. “It was a courageous investment by the local heritage association, and now we can attract many more visitors. Many are travelers passing by, but we’ve also managed to strengthen an important meeting place for us Huskvarna residents.”

Kroatorpet awarded for building conservation

The design of the new section complements the older buildings. While it is clearly a modern addition, the gabled roof and classic Småland wooden construction—with its fine proportions—enhance the original houses and harmonize with the rich cultural setting.

In 2022, the city of Jönköping awarded the renovation of Kroatorpet the Urban Design Prize. The jury selected it in the category “Good Building Conservation.”

Contact person

Matt Patterson

+46 36 440 90 81

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Fyris Cinema

For film lovers and culture enthusiasts
Interior Design
Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture
Client: Uppsala Akademiförvaltning
Location: Uppsala
Year: 2021
Photographer: Tim Meier

Do you remember when you didn’t want to miss the commercials at the cinema? Neither do we – until we stepped into Fyrisbiografen in Uppsala. This cultural treasure, one of Sweden’s oldest and most charming cinemas, was in need of an update. By cleverly reimagining the limited space, we recreated a cinematic environment now ready to once again become a palace of entertainment for the people of Uppsala.

Photo: Ojan, Wikimedia

Fyrisbion is one of Sweden’s oldest cinemas. With roots dating back to 1911, this classic cinema, located in the historic Skandalhuset building, has been an important part of Uppsala’s cultural life for over a century – a timeless symbol for film and culture enthusiasts alike.

Creative play with space

Despite its modest size, we managed to transform Fyrisbion into an inviting and functional meeting place – especially in the small foyer. By installing mirrors in the ceiling angle, visitors are given an illusion of space and light, creating the sense of a larger, more open room. Materials such as oak, stone, and brass were carefully selected to combine durability with timeless aesthetics. The classic paneling is a nostalgic nod to the era when cinemas were true palaces of entertainment.

Accessible film enjoyment

A central part of the renovation was making the cinema more accessible to all visitors. New restrooms and connections to the lift now allow wheelchair users to easily enjoy everything Fyrisbion has to offer. The working environment for staff has also improved through the addition of a new office and kitchenette.

The classic paneling is a nostalgic nod to the era when cinemas were true palaces of entertainment

From Plengiér’s vision to a modern cultural hub

In 1911, cinema pioneer Hugo Plengiér founded Fyrisbion – a central figure in Uppsala’s early cultural scene. In the 1930s, David Annell took over, shaping the cinema’s profile by screening European films of high artistic quality – a repertoire that stood apart from the larger cinemas. Today, Fyrisbion is run by the non-profit association Föreningen Fyrisbiografen, a member of Folkets Bio. Thanks to dedicated members and volunteers, this venerable cinema continues to offer the people of Uppsala a place for film and cultural experiences.

The renovation of Fyrisbion was about more than preserving the past. We also wanted to create a modern and accessible environment for the film lovers of the future. With respect for history and an eye on what’s to come, Fyrisbion can now continue to shine – as a center for film art and culture in the heart of Uppsala.

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

Architect and business developer
+46 721 83 02 34

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Coup d’état

A peaceful palace coup
Interior Design
Restaurants
Client: Cou AB, Sharam Vahidtary, Lise Weinberg
Location: Stockholm
Year: 2021
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

At the Persian restaurant Coup d’état, raw and refined elements were fused for a peaceful coup. In both interiors and cuisine. In a creative collaboration with restaurateurs, artists, and graffiti artists, Tengbom designed the interior.

Food was the starting point when Tengbom crafted the interior for the new Persian restaurant Coup d’état in Östermalm, Stockholm. Just as classic saffron rice, lamb, and aubergine purée meet modern oysters with sorbet and an extensive cocktail list, the interior reflects the loving palace coup. Persian green meets neon and street art.

Learn Farsi in an unexpected setting

An intercontinental mix

Coup d´etat

Persian cuisine with French and Scandinavian influences is on the menu at Coup d’état – French for “state coup.” The nations referenced in the kitchen are echoed in Tengbom’s interior concept. This is a restaurant that aims to shake things up, even if the weapons on the walls have had flowers tucked into their barrels.

“To carry out a palace coup by elevating Persian cuisine was something I appreciated,” writes star restaurateur Erik Videgård, who developed the menu. “I want to evolve modern Persian cuisine into something new, something luxurious, something everyone can relate to.”

Creative (artistic) collaboration with Coup d’état

The restaurant spans two floors. A dinner club at street level, and in the basement, a bar and a cinema showing black-and-white Iranian films from before the revolution. In the restroom, a looped language course in Farsi plays, adding an unexpected layer to the experience.

“We created the interiors through a creative collaboration between us as architects and the restaurateurs. Two of whom are artists themselves,” says project lead architect and design director Katya Högberg from Tengbom.

“We commissioned a graffiti artist with a strong identity, resulting in an interior that’s quite raw yet elegant.”

Katya Högberg

The space previously housed a Lebanese restaurant, which made it possible to reuse some of the existing chairs and tables. The team also rebuilt and repurposed the bars to suit the new concept. As a bonus, the kitchen and logistical functions were already in place, allowing the new operations to get off to a smooth start.

Among others, partners and artists involved in the project included Jacob Erixon, Ali S, and Arman Sultani.

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

+46 708 23 14 33

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Kungshuset

A murmur of centuries
Cultural Heritage, Interior Design
Client: National Property Board of Sweden and Lund University
Location: Lund
Project years: Design 2015–2023, Renovation 2022–2023
Collaborators: Sweco, Bengt Dahlgren, Structor, Tyréns, Airson Engineering
Gross floor area: 1,600 m²
Photographer: Mads Frederik

The walls echo thick with history in one of Lund’s most iconic buildings, erected in 1580 as a county residence. Today, Kungshuset serves as a functional workplace for the management of Lund University. For us, this meant a renovation characterized by precision and sensitivity – with interiors inspired by the building’s persona.

Just over a hundred years after its construction (1580), Kungshuset became the academic main building for Lund University. Since then, the house has undergone numerous transformations. As general consultant for the National Property Board of Sweden, with Lund University as tenant, we had the opportunity to add another 300 years of use.

With traces from the 11th century

It would be untrue to say this was a small challenge. Requirements for accessibility, installations, and fire safety had to be met, while preserving the layout, materials, and cultural-historical values. By gathering all our specialists, we created solutions that endure over time while respecting the site’s history.

“Working with a building that carries so much of Lund’s and the university’s history requires humility. We removed later additions and highlighted what is truly unique, while carefully weighing each new intervention,” says Maria von Porat, Lead Architect.

During the renovation, remains of 11th-century buildings were discovered beneath the floor level. These findings serve as reminders of the site’s deep historical significance, making the demands for care even clearer.

A building for the 21st century

To avoid major interventions in other parts of the building, we placed the new staircase with elevator, restrooms, and main installation shaft at the core of the structure. Adjacent to it, we transformed a former window opening into a new, accessible main entrance. At the same time, we made a series of smaller but important decisions, from material choices to detailing – solutions that carefully and beautifully bridge old and new.

Home to the university leadership

In close collaboration with the university leadership, the interior design developed with solutions that resonate deeply with the building’s character and history. At the same time, they embody modernity, sustainability, and comfort in a work environment – balancing functionality and aesthetics.

Today, the whole – building and interior – reflects the building’s new role as offices for the university’s leadership. It is a representative, professional, and welcoming workplace where color, light, and furniture complement each other.

“The university leadership was highly engaged. We held trial sittings and discussions on both color and form, and the vision for a representative, beautiful, and functional office was clear. For us at Tengbom, this was an incredibly rewarding collaboration”.

Anna Allard Brorsson, Lead Interior Architect at Tengbom

Colors with a past

The color scheme of both walls and woodwork is firmly rooted in the historical palette once present in the house. Furniture was carefully selected with attention to detail, materiality, and sustainability – Scandinavian design with substance. Together with the Skissernas Museum, we then selected artwork that ties the interiors to the building’s academic aura.

“We wanted to create a calm and harmonious environment that also feels relevant and contemporary. The acoustics, colors, and furniture truly make it feel like a home for the leadership. And we’ve heard the same from those who work here, which is really gratifying,” continues Anna.

History demands humility

Today, Kungshuset once again pulses with activity. And just as in the past, the university uses the building for representation, meetings, and dialogue. Everyday work unfolds in the open-plan offices, private rooms, and social spaces. Kungshuset is not open to the public, but its presence in Lundagård is proof enough that the site’s history continues to be written – now with yet another compelling chapter in its book.

Contact person

Josefin Klein

Practise Director Skåne
+46 40 641 31 18

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Tietokuja 2

The 80s tech giant awakens
Tietokuja 2
Architecture, Interior Design
Client: Nordika
Location: Helsinki
Year: 2024
GFA: 6,000 m² (first renovation phase) (of a total: approx. 36,000 m²)
Photo: Anders Portman, Kuvio Oy

How do you transform a monofunctional headquarters from the techy 80s into a modern workplace? In Helsinki, we’ve gradually highlighted the qualities of this culturally classified building, adapted it to new needs, and let its history play along with the future. Tietokuja 2 has now come back to life.

Tietokuja 2
The office building, completed in the early 1980s, was designed by Osmo Lappo and has been owned by IBM.

The office building was designed by architect Osmo Lappo and opened in the early 1980s as IBM’s Finnish headquarters. With its 36,000 m², it was a giant of its time – but eventually, one that became too large for a single company. During the 2010s, parts of the property were rented out, and eventually, it was time for more substantial changes. Tengbom has worked with the property since 2012.

A characteristic waffle slab roof in concrete, typical of Lappo’s constructivist design language

Tietokuja 2
The first phase of the renovation of the office building at Tietokuja 2 in Munkkiniemi, Helsinki, included the main entrance, lobby, and restaurant

An upgraded lobby with respect for the original

The main entrance has received a new design with a wider staircase and a new roof – elements that make the space more welcoming and intuitive. The staircase now serves as a natural guide to the meeting rooms on the upper floor.

Otherwise, the lobby has been carefully modernized. Only minor structural interventions were needed, while surfaces, furnishings, and lighting have been updated. Beneath the new floors, the original tiling remains.

Waffle ceiling in a new color

During the renovation of the restaurant, we discovered a hidden design element: a characteristic waffle ceiling in concrete, typical of Lappo’s constructivist style. We chose to make it visible and painted it orange – a color that emphasizes the detail’s unique character.

The design team reintegrated the ceiling into the restaurant environment to give the room a strong identity. They used the same ceiling in the bicycle parking area, pairing it with social functions such as bike service and changing rooms.

A building in constant development

In addition to the restaurant and meeting areas, we’ve designed a new commercial gym (Ole.Fit Munkka gym), improved staff facilities – and ensured that the functions support a smoother everyday life and a more attractive work environment.

— At the same time, the new zoning plan has protected the building with an SR-3 classification. This means we preserve the historical values while bringing the building into the future, says Petrus Laaksonen, lead architect.

And the development continues: a veterinary clinic has already opened, and work is underway to transform other parts of the building into a hospital, a care facility for people with dementia, and an upper secondary school. We follow the transformation of Tietokuja 2 with curiosity.

Facts about Tietokuja 2

  • Architect: Osmo Lappo
  • Construction years: 1980–1987 (in two phases)
  • Origin: IBM’s Finnish headquarters
  • Protection status: SR-3 (zoning plan 2024)
  • Previous uses: Temporary schools and preschool
  • Ongoing transformation: From office to community property with high school, care home, and hospital
  • First renovation phase completed in 2024 (approx. 6,000 m²): entrance, lobby, restaurant, gym, bicycle parking. Focus on preservation and reuse
  • Upcoming phase: Facade renovation and new functions on the office floors

Contact person

Petrus Laaksonen

Interim CEO Tengbom Finland
+358 41 526 6537

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Forum Medicum

Learning, life and research
Interior Design
Education
Client: Lunds universitet
Years of construction: 2018–2024
Area: Area: 21,000 m² (12,000 sqm new construction and 9,000 m² renovation)
Collaborators: Bröderna Perssons Specialsnickeri
Certification: Miljöbyggnad Guld
Photografer: Mads Frederik

At Forum Medicum, Lund University’s Faculty of Medicine has gathered its education and research in medicine, health and care into one shared space. Situated right next to the university hospital, this is the first time Lund University has a unified home for its health sciences and biomedical programs.

Through a combination of new construction and careful renovation, 21,000 square meters have been filled with state-of-the-art classrooms, offices, study zones and social areas. It’s a place for 170 research groups, 1,600 employees and 2,000 students – a dynamic environment where knowledge and ideas are exchanged every day.

Spaces for different minds

The power of choice makes a difference.

“The students were clear – they wanted plenty of varied places to study. And that’s what they got. There are large tables for groups. There are also quiet nooks for solo work. Some study areas are located in the lively foyer. Others are tucked away in secluded corners to retreat to. It’s a great feeling to visit and see how the students use the space. They come here both to study and to socialize,” says Elin Alm, Lead Interior Architect.

An interior that lasts – for the eye, the body and the future

Forum Medicum is home to a broad mix of rooms and functions. These range from high-tech ALC classrooms (Active Learning Classrooms) to method rooms where students practice in realistic hospital environments. To connect it all, we developed a cohesive and sustainable interior concept that unites materials and colours throughout the building. The continuity in furniture and finishes makes it easier to adapt spaces over time – and extends the life of the furniture.

“The style is consistent across the building. We didn’t want it to be a big deal if a chair ended up in the wrong room at the end of the day. With so many students on the move, it will happen. So instead, we made sure that the materials and colours go well together – without everything looking the same,” Elin explains.

The scale of the project is worth mentioning: 8,700 pieces of furniture. Thanks to digital tools, we were able to organize procurement, layouts and adjustments along the way. As a result, we kept the process on track.

Custom interiors for a specialized environment

When research and education share the same spaces, smart solutions are essential. At Forum Medicum, we worked with pine plywood – a material that recurs throughout the building, creating warmth and a sense of unity. We chose linoleum for the tabletops to add both durabily and tactility. Custom-designed AV stands for screens and whiteboards are built into the architecture, solving technical challenges while adding character.

Art as part of the architecture

Here, art is integrated into the environment. Three monumental wall pieces by artist Ylva Snöfrid stretch through the building, created in collaboration with Public Art Agency Sweden. The colour palette, materials and furniture were all selected to highlight both the art and the architecture. Together, they form an environment that feels considered, vibrant and inspiring.

Forum Medicum is certified at the highest level of Sweden’s Miljöbyggnad sustainability standard – Gold. It’s one of Lund University’s largest joint investments with Akademiska Hus. A project that brings students and researchers together, and sets a new standard for flexible, sustainable learning environments.

Contact person

Elin Alm

+46 732 01 81 21

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