Forskaren

Forskaren is a new centre for health and life sciences, bringing together spaces for industry, research, academia, and the public in a striking new building. Sited prominently at the heart of Stockholm’s Hagastaden district, an emerging quarter for innovation and entrepreneurship in health and life sciences, the landmark building provides a centre of activity and a knowledge sharing forum for the whole district. By combining public and private functions Forskaren opens a door into life sciences helping to nurture a wider interest in the subject and inspire the next generation of scientists. At street level a fully glazed façade visually connects the interior and exterior spaces and invites visitors into the building. Accommodating a cafe, deli, restaurant, event spaces, and an interactive exhibition, the public ground floor is the social heart of the building where people from all backgrounds can mingle in a hive of activity. The interactive exhibition occupies a unique position at the nexus of industry and the public, providing a tangible link between the two typically separate groups and acting as a showcase for the life sciences in a ‘live’ environment. Internally, spaces are arranged around an impressive full-height atrium bringing daylight into the building and allowing visitors a glimpse of the activity above, further strengthening the connection between the public and industry. Upper floors contain flexible office spaces where tenants can choose to rent one or more floors, or simply take advantage of the co-working spaces. Recognising that innovation does not happen in isolation the workspaces are designed to bring people together, encourage collaboration, and facilitate chance meetings. Each floor benefits from a laboratory that is shared by both permanent and co-working tenants, and more informal spaces such as break-out areas, a rooftop terrace, and a sculptural staircase, further reinforce the collaborative atmosphere. Facilities for conferences and seminars also allow Forskaren to host industry events, to bring people together from the whole community and reinforce Hagastaden’s reputation as a world-leading district for innovation in health and life sciences. Pursuing the highest standards of sustainable design and LEED Platinum certification, Forskaren incorporates systems to minimise its energy and resource consumption. A bank of rooftop solar cells provide energy for building systems such as ventilation, heating, and cooling, while rainwater is collected and used for watering plants and flushing toilets. The internal temperature is regulated by a heat pump which utilises the energy stored in the ground below the building, helping to cool the building in the summer and heat it in the winter. The building is also designed to IWBI WELL standards, reflecting its commitment to providing exceptional workspaces that focus on occupant wellbeing. In this way, Forskaren stands as an exemplar of sustainable office design, not only for the life sciences but for workplaces of all types.