Groupings exhibition at the Southern Sweden Design Days 2022

We are opening our Work Shop in Malmö between 19 – 22 May, presenting the ’Groupings’ exhibition as a part of the Southern Sweden Design Days 2022. The exhibition displays precedents by invited Swedish and UK practices: Mae Architects, Mareld Landskap, IF_DO, Mole Architects, We Made That and Fisher Cheng.

The theme for this year’s Southern Sweden Design Days is ‘Proximity’. KS’s exhibition highlights how do we experience urban settings at various scales. Could local affiliation and identity have a positive impact on how we use the public realm? Is the ‘we experience’ based on geographical proximity or is it a community founded on shared culture and values? The notions of ’group’ and ’groupings’ are examined on different scales such as neighbourhood, district, block, institution, urban park, workplace and home.

Southern Sweden Design Days is an international annual design festival in Malmö, focusing on sustainability, collaboration, development and innovation. For four days, a platform is created showcasing a full range of design disciplines through seminars, workshops, exhibitions and networking events.

Opening hours:
Thursday 19 May, 13:00 – 17:00
Friday 20 May, 13:00 – 17:00
Saturday 21 May, 12:00 – 16:00
Sunday 22 May, 12:00 – 16:00

Kjellander Sjöberg
Engelbrektsgatan 7
211 33 Malmö

Image: Henley Halebrown / Kjellander Sjöberg / 6A Architects / DK-CM / JCLA / Plan A

Urban regeneration competition Sugar Factory

Kjellander Sjöberg, in an international team with KOGAA and Open Fabric, in the top 3 of the concluded second phase of the urban regeneration competition in the city of Slapanice in Czech Republic. It was organised by the council in two stages, seeking to revitalise a former sugar factory area, transforming it into a new social and cultural centre for the locals.

The point of departure for the proposal was the distinct industrial heritage of the site, its conditions and relationship to the surroundings as well as immediate needs of the local community. Through high-quality placemaking, gradual phasing and introducing public content and greenery to the site, the concept creates an attractive destination for the public with a wide range of services for the community that is both just and economically feasible.

Excerpt from the jury report:
‘The proposal is characterised by a very strong concept based on gradual phasing and, among other things, a participatory approach to its realisation. It can be seen as a creative concept utilising the existing industrial atmosphere of the area informed by community planning. […] The refurbishment of the silo building is well envisioned, thoroughly designed also from the structural perspective […]’

Strategies for the countryside

Stefan Sjöberg has been invited to present strategies for a vibrant, liveable countryside at the 2022 Swedish Land and Environment Court annual theme days in Stockholm on 4th May. Featuring the masterplan for Little Haldens in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire as the point of departure, the lecture will provide insight into the work and creation of new, attractive communities in the countryside that are both sustainable and viable in the long term.

The Engineering Days take place 3-4 May with ‘Meeting Place in City and Countryside’ as the main theme.
The event is initiated by the Swedish Land and Environment Court.

The masterplan for Little Haldens was developed in a wider design team with Periscope, Mae and Useful Projects for Human Nature.

On urban regeneration and social dynamics at the Polytechnic University of Milan

How can we approach design and transformation of our cities to generate new social contexts while creating iconic and complex buildings? Ola Kjellander has been invited to give a lecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan on 28th April. Titled ’Urban renewal and social dynamics’, a series of KS’s projects employing a variety of urban planning strategies will be presented, giving examples of both Swedish and international projects.

The lecture is a part of the New European Bauhaus Festival, featuring renowned architects such as Karim Nader, Yves Moreau and Kazuyo Sejima.

The event is open to public and will be broadcasted online.
Watch the lecture here: https://politecnicomilano.webex.com/meet/matteo.motti

Time and place:
28th April, 16:30 – 17:15
Piacenza Campus
PoliMi, Via Scalabrini 113
Piacenza, Italy

Read the invitation here.

KS arranges a seminar about wood construction in Malmö

The construction industry in the Nordic countries has always been closely related to wood. How did we build before the modern construction techniques such as cross-laminated boards, glued laminated timber frames, steel brackets and CNC milling machines?

In collaboration with Tränätverk A, KS organizes a seminar to discuss fundamental questions associated with wood construction, such as assessing the quality of wood and various types of joinery informed by the terms and conditions of wood as a material. The invited guests are Sofie Campanello from Fabel Arkitektur and Jakob Nilsson from Gögalunds Såg & Hantverk.

Tränätverk A is a platform for architects and other specialists to bring up and discuss topics. By sharing inspiration, experiences and projects across different professions, the whole industry benefits and the development of wood construction can advance.

The seminar is free of charge and open to public.
RSVP to [email protected]

Time and place:
21st April, 17:30
Kjellander Sjöberg
Engelbrektsgatan 7, Malmö

Read the invitation here (in Swedish)

KS launching a new urban studio focusing on masterplanning and urban design

Kjellander Sjöberg has developed a reputation for making inspiring buildings and places dedicated to positive social and environmental change.

No Border Studio is part of our latest evolution; the formation of a specialist spatial design agency that reflects our profound interest in the future of urban places. Synthesizing the interdisciplinary principles of sustainable city-making with the design of streets and spaces, No Border Studio makes highly granular creative masterplans to shape new neighbourhoods and communities at a human scale. With our shared planetary boundaries as the only borders we recognize.

As a hands-on platform for driving a broader discourse on spatial practice to tackle current challenges at a larger city scale, No Border Studio operates cross-sectionally within Kjellander Sjöberg and engages in a rich and constructive discourse with clients, community groups and bespoke design teams on key projects, where we contribute with rich experience in the design and delivery of visionary urban and masterplanning projects on all scales both within the public and private sectors.

No Border Studio works out of the Kjellander Sjöberg studios in Stockholm, Malmö & London. It is led by Angela Woda and Astrid Gabrielsson.

Read the Press Release here
Read more about No Border Studio

KS’s contribution to the future of the Stadion area

Kjellander Sjöberg, in collaboration with the City of Malmö, has developed a vision for the future of the Stadion area in central Malmö. The sports district, well established in the city since the 1950s, will be transformed into a prominent neighbourhood, focusing on sport, recreation, events and meetings. The vision will deliver student housing and accommodation for athletes as well as a main multi-purpose stadium, a mobility hub, an entrance square, offices and commercial facilities. KS has adopted the core ambitions of the City of Malmö to create a vibrant, safe urban environment for all.

The first of three stages was finished during the autumn 2021.
The second stage is currently ongoing, focusing on the multi-purpose stadium, mobility hub, concept homes and office.

Floor Plans catalogue

KS brings floor plans into the spotlight. The new ‘Floor Plans’ catalogue highlights layouts as an important tool and presents drawing examples from 30 projects of various types and scales. Asking questions about flexibility, context and inclusion, KS is approaching a design process focusing on meetings between people and social interaction. A layout can act as an instruction as well as a description. It is an attempt at order and a clear arrangement of exterior and interior spatial sequences, aspiring to provide conditions for a viable, sustainable, vibrant society for all.

‘Floor Plans’ is the latest catalogue in the KS series, comprising the previously published ‘Hand Sketches’, ‘Commoning Kits’ and ‘Kjellander Sjöberg 1998-2018’ publications.

Read the catalogue here.

What can we do right here, right now? (Hope from Wood blog article)

The Museum of Finnish Architecture has published a blog article written by Stefan Sjöberg, based on his lecture ‘Adaptive Use: How to use the already built as a resource’ given in November 2021 as a part of the Hope from Wood Discussion Series. The text stresses the importance of immediate action and attempts to address the climate crisis in the everyday activities. It offers reasoning regarding challenges and possibilities through highlighting essential principles for recycling and resource-conscious construction, presenting KS’s Gjuteriet transformation project as an example. Embracing the utilisation of the existing and striving to do as little as possible that may harm our planet, the article introduces a methodology that promotes projects that are fundamentally sustainable.

‘The choice of materials for any new construction must be based on what is available locally to minimise impact on the climate. This intrinsically defines a vocabulary and a tectonic language, a format and framework of specific conditions, rather than giving a total freedom for one’s vision. More ethics, less aesthetics.’

Hope from Wood Discussion Series was organised by the You Tell Me Collective in November 2021 as a part of the main Hope from Wood exhibition at the Museum of Finnish Architecture.

Read the article on the website of the Museum of Finnish Architecture
Read more about Hope from Wood

Innovation within the Circular Economy

KS has been invited to give a Pecha Kucha talk at the New London Architecture (NLA) in London. With circular economy in the building industry as its point of departure, the event seeks to highlight innovative and sustainable projects that can help London to transition into a zero-energy and zero-waste city.

Joining a panel of London based practices, Stefan Sjöberg will discuss circular economy strategies and present the Gjuteriet transformation project in Malmö, which minimises use of resources and reduces its impact on the climate by preserving building components, complementing them with recycled materials collected in the Varvsstaden material library.

NLA is the world’s leading centre for excellence for the built environment. It explores and spreads knowledge about London’s future opportunities and challenges through research, exhibitions, events and publications.

The event is free of charge and open for public.

Time and place:
2nd March 2022
18:00 – 20:00 (GMT)
New London Architecture
London

Kjellander Sjöberg architects launch London practice

After several years of active participation in the capital’s development, we are very happy to announce that we are launching our London practice. Recognized and awarded for outstanding architecture and urbanism, we aim to bring the best of Scandinavian innovation, design & climate smart intelligence to the UK.

KS London will be headed by Stefan Sjöberg, Founding Partner and London Director, providing continuity, creativity, and experience across our Scandinavian and UK practices. Stefan will be joined by Irfan Alam, Associate Director, with a background of working with some of the most renowned award-winning architectural firms in London. Irfan will lead UK projects with a focus on design quality and excellence and drive the development of the studio.

We are very pleased to be working closely with Periscope in shared Dalston studios to collaborate on urban design, public realm strategies, spatial narratives, and architectural design.

Read the Press Release here
Read more about Periscope

Build for Water Copenhagen

’Build for Water’ is a new conference calling for immediate action and promotion of knowledge concerning climate change adaptation amongst key actors within the civil engineering sector. For two days, leading professionals will discuss the role of water in the city, sharing specific examples of how future requirements and changed hydrological conditions are combined in development projects.

Stefan Sjöberg and Daniel Rea from Periscope will present the emerging Meridian Water masterplan for the London Borough of Enfield, titled ’Climate, character and localism; Challenging Convention at Meridian Water’.
Meridian Water is characterised by the natural green and blue landscape of the Lee Valley Regional Park crossing the area, a unique asset challenging and accelerating the core issue of climate change adaptation. Based on existing structures, this major regeneration project aims to create good living environments for the residents and stakeholders in Enfield. Providing more jobs, educational opportunities, culture, meeting places, play and food & beverage, supported by parks and recreation areas, is essential for Meridian Water being one of London’s most deprived areas.

’Build for Water’ is organised by Building Green and takes place 6-7th December 2021 in Copenhagen in Denmark.

Speakers:
Stefan Sjöberg, Founding Partner, Kjellander Sjöberg
Daniel Rea, Director, Periscope

Time and place:
7th December 09:45-10:35
Vandværket, Copenhagen
Denmark

KS shortlisted for Oceanön

Kjellander Sjöberg, in collaboration with ELF Development, appointed as one of the three finalists in the land allocation competition for Oceanön, a new island in Helsingborg. The competition is organised by the City of Helsingborg and calls for a man-made island in the Oceanhamnen district southwest to the city centre. The team comprised of KS, ELF Development, J+S Projektutveckling, CG Jensen, FOG Innovation and WSP Sverige AB has developed a proposal that utilises the site using rational solutions, sustainable technology and innovation, creating a completely new harbour environment.

The scheme delivers excellent residential qualities promoting a sustainable lifestyle in varied city blocks, creating a lively urban environment and attractive destinations. Adopting the biophilic design methodology, the island provides generous amounts of startling greenery with planting on the ground, on facades and roof terraces. The varied massing juxtaposing smaller scale in the centre with taller buildings along the quays creates a interesting contrasts and unique experiences.

Hope from Wood discussion Helsinki

‘Hope from Wood’ is a series of conversations for everyone to partake in and contribute to. The second discussion will be led by Stefan Sjöberg from KS, joining online. A fair, active and open discussion is guaranteed!

The debate will start with an introductory presentation titled ‘Adaptive Use – how to use the already built as a resource?’, presenting KS’s regeneration project Gjuteriet, followed by a dialogue with the participants in Helsinki. Gjuteriet is located in the industrial harbour of Malmö, an area undergoing a transformation into a vibrant neighbourhood Varvsstaden.
By adding new timber structures and recycled elements to the existing building, the historical landmark will become an innovative, open public meeting place.

The Hope from Wood Discussion Series is curated by the You Tell Me Collective that interrogates the themes of the Hope from Wood exhibition at the Museum of Finnish Architecture through various scales.

Time and place:
11th November
17:00 – 19:00 (UTC +2)
Museum of Finnish Architecture
Helsinki

Woodlife Symposium Turkey

Woodlife Sweden is being exhibited at Müze Gazhane in Istanbul between 19th October – 30th November. The exhibition presents how Swedish architects work innovatively with wood as a timeless and renewable material using latest technology. A series of digital events takes place in parallel, exploring sustainability and timber architecture. For three days, Woodlife Symposium will highlight various perspectives on timber construction as a means of achieving the global goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. KS has been invited to participate in the ’Adapting and Adding to the Existing’ panel discussion on 10th November, and Stefan Sjöberg will present Gjuteriet and the Magnolia restaurant.

The event is free of charge and open for public.

Woodlife Sweden in Turkey is initiated by the Swedish Institute, The Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul, Embassy of Sweden in Ankara in partnership with Architects Sweden, Swedish Wood, The Circle, Nobon, AnkaraAks, In-Between Design Platform and in collaboration with Turkish Timber Association, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Müze Gazhane, CerModern and METU ArchLabs: FabLab.

Time and place:
10th November
12:00 – 13:00 (CET)
The Circle / Hopin.com

The super social block

KS’s proposal Syskongårdarna, The Twin Yards, for Torparängen in southern Sweden is based on the idea of a super social building structure providing opportunities for interaction within the block. The design comprises 5 small timber buildings with common spaces open towards the adjacent streets, promoting a sustainable lifestyle focusing on mobility and sharing. Two inner courtyards constitute the heart of the block, designed as lush arbours with various smaller places defined by lavish greenery. Both are open towards the west to let sunlight in, creating an environment for the residents as well as visitors from the whole Torparängen neighbourhood.

‘The Twin Yards’ is the title of the design proposal for a land allocation competition in respect of the ‘Fotbollen 1’ plot in Torparängen in Växjö. It was developed by KS in collaboration with Santhem Fastigheter for the Växjö council.

Building sustainable communities for the future

We are excited to announce that in a stiff competition, KS has won a framework agreement with Framtiden byggutveckling, Sweden’s largest public sector housing provider, aiming to support the future development of Gothenburg by providing new housing and improving existing neighbourhoods.

The commission comprises establishing strategies to create attractive, safe urban environments with new businesses and housing in varied forms of tenure. Framtiden Byggutveckling currently has over 12,000 homes in various stages of development, ranging from initial concept to full completion. 5,500 of those are either in planning or delivery phases. All projects are developed to generate better living environments and to provide a wide range of housing alternatives, bringing new sustainable buildings concepts and affordable homes.

KS has won the framework agreement in a team with MARELD landscape architects, Urbanista Stad and FOG Innovation.

Photo: Göteborgs Stad

Town square and vibrant city centre

Kjellander Sjöberg leads the transformation of the Bagaren block, also known as Paushuset, located on the town square of Enköping. The project seeks to provide the city with a lively centre and identify the square as an important place for the whole town.

The design vision transforms the immediate context into a new, vibrant and inviting destination with low thresholds as well as creates a genuine meeting place both indoors and outdoors.

The new Paushuset will offer retail units, food & beverage, exhibition spaces, workplaces, housing, rooftop bars and outdoor restaurants facing the square.

The transformation of Paushuset is a collaboration between Kjellander Sjöberg, ALM Småa Bostad, Andersson Company and Enköping Municipality. The initiative is a part of the council’s strategy to become the City Centre of the Year 2025.

The council has decided to present the proposal in a public hearing between 25th October and 5th December 2021.

CGI: Darcstudio