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Halmstad Library -
schmidt hammer lassen Building PR Feb07:

Building Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media
230207
SHL complete new library in Halmstad, Sweden
Halmstad Library is set within a parkland setting overlooking the River
Nissan and the towns historic centre. The architectural form was
predicated by a mature chestnut tree which now forms the focal point of
the circular atrium. The librarys long curved glass façade
creates an immediate sense of connection with the librarys parkland
context whilst the building also acts as a link between the historic centre
and the newer districts beyond.

Building Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media
230207
The buildings internal layout is essentially one single open space,
flexible and highly legible: the light and airy structure creates a synergy
between the structural columns and the trees outside. The atrium functions
as a fulcrum for the entire scheme and also provides vertical connection
for the librarys three floors. Surrounding the atrium is the information
plaza: an active zone containing reception, computer terminals, exhibitions,
a café and a stairway to the balcony floor, and to the stacks in
the basement. Set around this zone are the librarys various subject
zones, each imbued with a sense of tranquility and light, affording users
generous space in which to reflect, read and be inspired.

Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media 230207
Constructed using a simple palette of materials - concrete, glass and
Nordic larch flooring the new librarys sculptural form has
created a landmark for the cultural life of Halmstad and the wider community.
Halmstads new library joins SHLs growing portfolio of distinctive
cultural buildings. Other libraries by the practice include the Royal
Library in Copenhagen, the Cultural Island in Middelfart,
Denmark, the library at the ARoS art museum in Aarhus, Denmark, and Växjö
City Library in Sweden.

Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media 230207
Client: Halmstad Municipality
Area: 8,000m2
Construction Sum: EUR 12m excl. VAT
Award: 1st prize
Design 2001 2004; Construction Period: 2004-2006
Engineer: Rambøll, Sweeden
Turnkey contractor: Traditional procurement
Halmstad Library Sweden: Building PR from ING Media 230207
Swedish Architecture
Halmstad Library architects - schmidt hammer lassen
In 1986, Morten Schmidt, Bjarne Hammer and John F. Lassen founded the
architectural practice schmidt hammer lassen in 1986. Subsequent partners
Later in 1998 Kim Holst Jensen became a partner in 1998 and in 2004 Morten
Holm in 2004.
schmidt hammer lassen now has more than 130 staff and has become one of
Denmarks leading architectural practices with award-winning projects
in Denmark, Scandinavia, Europe and Asia.
The practice has a distinguished track record with a broad portfolio of
cultural buildings, sports centres, educational complexes, corporate headquarters,
large-scale retail and housing schemes (often within complex urban contexts)
as well as interior and product design. Many projects tap into the complete
spectrum of shls expertise from initial masterplan to buildings
to interior fit-out.
Many shl projects have been awarded Danish and international prizes. These
include the new Royal Library in Copenhagen, AROS Aarhus Art Museum, Greenlands
Arts and Community Center, Nykredits headquarters in Copenhagen,
Halmstad Library in Sweden, Alta Cathedral in Norway, Amazon Court in
Prague and Chongqings new urban quarter in China.
New schemes include the University of Aberdeen New Library (shl are leading
architects in a multi-disciplinary design team including Engineers Arup
and Quantity Surveyors Davis Langdon LLP) and a large new Technical College
in Larvik in Norway.
shl has been short listed this year in an international architect competition
for the new headquarters for The Scottish Ballet in Glasgow; the practice
is also on English Partnerships shortlist of practices selected
for the Framework Agreement for masterplanning, urban design, architecture
and landscape architecture.
shl is currently in the process of designing a series of Scandinavian
Furniture Houses for ILVA in seven major cities in England. This work
carried out in collaboration with the UK architects Wilson Mason. shl
is in the process of establishing a long-term presence in the UK and is
officially registered as a UK company - schmidt hammer lassen ltd
shl places great emphasis on design methodology a number of key
themes run through shls architectural strategy:
the importance of the relationship between the physical, social,
climatic and environmental context
the synergy between the brief and the functionality of the architectural
response, between the project and
its immediate context/ community
internal milieu character and atmosphere are devel.oped
through the juxtaposition of materials and colour
and the meticulous interplay between light and spatial relationships
the practice has developed fully integrated design processes which
ensure buildability, attain high levels of
sustainability, implement risk management procedures, respond imaginatively
to site constraints, and deliver projects within a tight economic framework
shl prides itself on communication, clear design process, full client
participation and focused teamwork.
Halmstad
Library architects: schmidt hammer lassen
World Architecture : e-architect
- a guide to key buildings across the globe
Another building by Halmstad
Library architects: Aberdeen Library
Comments / photos for the Halmstad Library Sweden page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk
Halmstad Library Sweden
: page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt
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