We are pleased to present this book which showcases ... - WSP Group
We are pleased to present this book which showcases ... - WSP Group
We are pleased to present this book which showcases ... - WSP Group
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PROPERTY<br />
Solna Business Park,<br />
Sweden<br />
TRANSFORMING AN ANONYMOUS<br />
INDUSTRIAL ESTATE INTO A<br />
CONTEMPORARY OFFICE ENVIRONMENT<br />
Client:<br />
Solna Business Park/CLS Holdings<br />
Project Size:<br />
Renovation of an existing 50 000 sq m building<br />
Status:<br />
Completed 2005<br />
<strong>WSP</strong> services:<br />
Architecture<br />
Solna Business Park just outside S<strong>to</strong>ckholm is an old industrial estate<br />
that is progressively metamorphosing in<strong>to</strong> an attractive contemporary<br />
office environment.This estate is very popular, largely because of its<br />
good public transport links.<br />
<strong>WSP</strong> has been appointed for the design of two major projects on<br />
the estate, preparing overall building and traffic management solutions<br />
from an urban planning perspective.<br />
<strong>WSP</strong> also designed the elevation of one of the estate’s major<br />
buildings, an assignment secured in competition against three<br />
other architectural practices.<br />
The 1970s building needed<br />
updating <strong>to</strong> meet contemporary<br />
flexible office standards.<br />
<strong>WSP</strong>’s proposal was based on<br />
re-facing the existing frontage<br />
with an external glass membrane,<br />
creating a signature main entrance,<br />
and highlighting existing entrances.<br />
New fully glazed meeting <strong>are</strong>as<br />
were incorporated in<strong>to</strong> the arches<br />
of the gable end, an attractive<br />
solution for optimising the space.<br />
Because the glass is gently inclined<br />
in different directions, the effect is<br />
an exciting array of reflections that<br />
create a sense of life and colour.<br />
Computer-controlled lighting varies<br />
the effect in twilight and darkness.<br />
A glass canopy over the shop and restaurant entrances from the<br />
street has been constructed <strong>to</strong> create a more sheltered feel.<br />
Previously the main building had only four staircases, <strong>which</strong> made<br />
it difficult <strong>to</strong> rent space <strong>to</strong> smaller tenants because of difficulties<br />
in meeting evacuation standards.<strong>WSP</strong>’s architects resolved <strong>this</strong><br />
issue by creating new staircases in the building’s three courtyards.<br />
37