There is the five-storey arts centre itself with its almost S-shaped plan form and a hotel tower with a further eight storeys rising above that. An unusual façade encloses both parts, the visual idea of which is closely linked with Umeå’s nickname, the “city of birches”. Like the white bark of the trees, bands of white glass shingles wrap themselves around the building in an offset arrangement. Depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions, these bands take on different shades of white. Achieving the effect of the façade exactly according to the architects’ vision required seele to laminate a special opaque white foil into the panes of laminated safety glass – the first time this had been done.
Project images: © Lindman Photography
