This is an extension of the existing World Maritime University building in Malmö. The design takes into consideration the necessity of carrying out a new landmark at the same time as having a sustainable design, which would bring the energy consumption of new and existing premises to zero.

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The site is located in the town centre and near the coastline, very close to the central train station and just in front of the city’s only canal. The site is a very important architectural point since it lies on the threshold of new urban areas and Old Town Malmö; an invisible line representing the change between new and traditional architecture. The site’s dynamics are very strong due to its position in front of one of the main arteries of communication between the old city center and the new urban areas of recreation, dwelling and education.

 

The fissure going through the centre of the building doesn’t only let in daylight and allow for natural ventilation. The choice of facade material relates to the original buildings brick character, but with a strong relation to the port and the port industry.

 

The facade is perforated corten steel, filling various functions. It refers clearly to the site’s history, while being a modern and interesting element in the area. The façade’s materiality was elected by the site’s conscious historic understanding. Corten steel brings back the industrial memories at the same time as providing a façade free of maintenance. The corten steel doesn’t only have an aesthetic function but controls with its perforations natural light, ventilation and temperature in the building. The corten steel also functions as blinds for the rear windows that faces the exciting landscape and the future concert hall.

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The structure is a living organism, that reacts to its environment and circumstances. It opens and closes to allow the exact amount of light into the building, depending on weather. Through its function as a double skin, it also allows for the building to breathe and ventilate. The sunlight is caught by the solar panels on the roof, and they rotate according to the sun’s position, to maximise use this energy resource.  The building has zero consumption due to passive ventilation and by strategic positioning of shaders and photovoltaic panels.

 

On one side you see the original building's heavy and massive brick wall and openings, and on the other side you experience a more modern, dynamic and transparent building in concrete and glass. The effect of moving between two different kinds of facades, gives the building urban qualities - evoking the sense that you are moving through urban space rather than in a building.

The existing building is introvert while this modern addition is extrovert. One is cool and calm, the latter expressive and dynamic.

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