The design of the new building is inspired by three concepts that are most important for this financial institution: openness, simplicity, and indifference. The architects supplemented them with equally important transparency, Scandinavian (!) Simplicity and a dynamic social environment.
This affected, first of all, the volume of the building: instead of a certain monolith, a solution that was open to the outside was chosen, in the plan resembling three letters V placed side by side. Transparent facades develop the theme of openness; in addition, semi-public spaces such as the dining room and conference rooms on the lower levels are visually accessible.
Simplicity is expressed through an easy-to-navigate layout: seven floors are connected by two spiral staircases, and the operating floor serves as an easy-to-read center of the building, located directly above the public spaces of the lower tier. The plan also shows the main axis along which the kitchens, changing rooms and living rooms of the office floors are concentrated.
Care is shown through the creation of a "supportive social environment" with opportunities for communication and interaction between all employees. The "3 V" plan reduces the distance between different parts of the building and the people working there (there will be about 2,500 in total). Natural lighting through windows and atriums will create a pleasant atmosphere and save energy.
Swedbank plans to open its new headquarters at the end of 2013.
N. F.
