Swedbank Headquarters by 3XN

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Danish architecture studio 3XN has created for Swedbank, a modern office with emphasis on transparency, Scandinavian simplicity and a dynamic social environment. The design focuses on the core values of the organization: openness, simplicity and care.

Image © Adam Mørk

The architectural design concept was developed around a folded triple-V structure that breaks up volume and creates an inviting environment in and around Swedbank’s new headquarters office building. The triple-V solution ensures that employees are located closer to each other, making use of shorter distances, good internal communication, visual contact and knowledge sharing between departments. The location of the atria on the outside emphasizes the organization’s extrovert attitude, bringing daylight in and providing a view out from the offices. A compact building is also created with a smaller overall surface, reducing energy consumption.

Image © Adam Mørk

The legs of the Vs are linked across the atria by open footbridges springing from floor to floor, to create variation between floors, add visual contact, and offer extra office space. The entire office space thrives on openness and varying spaces designed to ensure a healthy working environment.

Image © Adam Mørk

The two lowest floors incorporate a restaurant, conference facilities, and a reception area. The glass facade emphasizes the company’s semi-public functions and creates an openness to its surroundings. The central hub of the building is marked by two sculptural spiral staircases, facilitating interaction and visual contact, plus the opportunity to see the building in a different perspective.

Image © Adam Mørk

The triple-V structure with up to 7 floors of offices is built over the two lowest floors, creating a partially covered portico, where it extends over the base. The division of the facade complements this functional arrangement and decoratively breaks up the vertical surface into more compact geometric units. The trading floor is the very heart of the building and is placed directly above the public areas. The high intensity and condensed interior of the trading floor is contrasted by the high ceilings.

Image © Adam Mørk

The other floors of offices are open plan in the tips of the Vs, organized as desk islands, with service facilities grouped in a central axis running through the building. The axis provides a natural corridor, and creates a natural division into smaller spaces as a room within a room. By grouping kitchenettes, wardrobes, lounge areas etc. into the axis, spaces for informal meetings and discussions are created.

Image © Adam Mørk

The offices feature three types of office environment: traditional, fixed office spaces, a number of flexible office units used as temporary workstations for visiting colleagues, and a series of touch-down spaces for quick, informal team meetings. The flexible and varied interior design creates dynamism throughout the day, ensuring that the best possible facilities are provided for changing professional and even social requirements.

Image © Adam Mørk

The building also boasts 3 roof terraces, to provide Swedbank staff with a recreational zone with a fantastic view. Swedbank’s sustainability strategy is highly ambitious. The new Headquarters has received a Gold certification from the Swedish sustainability rating system, the ‘Miljöbyggnad’. This supports Swedbank’s core value ‘care’ that furthermore covers social sustainability.

Image © Adam Mørk

Image © 3XN

Image © 3XN

Image © 3XN

Image © 3XN

Image © 3XN

Image © 3XN

Image © 3XN

Facts:
Architect: 3XN
Client: Humlegården Fastigheter
Tenant: Swedbank
Engineer: P O Andersson Konstruktionsbyrå AB, Ikkab, Hillstatik
Landscape architect: LAND Arkitektur
Interior design: Tengbom (3XN has been responsible for the foyer, the restaurant and the café)
Project Manager: Forsen Projekt
Local collaborator: BSK Arkitekter
Lighting design: Black Ljusdesign
Address: Landsvägen, Sundbyberg
Function: Headquarters
Area: 45,000 m² with up to 2.500 office spaces (35,000 m² office, 10,000 m² parking)
Floors: 9 (2 basement floors for parking)
Construction: Concrete and steel
Facade: Aluminum and glass
Floor: A black stone floor in Swedish Diabas in the foyer, wooden floors at the office floors
Construction start: April 2011
Construction finish: May 2014
Inauguration: May 20, 2014, Swedbank moved in June 2nd.