Of central concern was the matter of how to address the site’s multiple levels and make the urban space easier to navigate both for visitors and residents. The smaller scale of the pavilion, in conjunction with the visible edges of the joists and its placement next to the new staircase, contributes to clarify and elucidate the connection between the lowered Sergels Torg, the Hamngatan street and the higher situated Malmskillnadsgatan street. The red colour scheme creates a clear contrast to the adjacent brown and grey tones and transforms the building, seen from a distance, to an orienting landmark.

The façade design in dyed, red concrete has been developed in close collaboration with artist Gunilla Klingberg. Different matrix materials, colours and patterns have been tested and several test castings were performed. Sun screens in the form of exterior awnings of the same colour as the concrete lend the building a light expression and produce a sustainable indoor climate. The focus has been on developing an open building without a rear that adds a smaller, more intimate scale to the otherwise large-scale city space.

The façade has been awarded the LEED Core and Shell Platinum certifications. Artist: Gunilla Klingberg Landscape Architects: Karavan Client: Vasakronan Contractor: Zengun