(Felix Gerlach)
Argus Knowledge and Cultural Center
Falkenberg, Sweden
- cliente Falkenberg Municipality
- architetto paesaggista Fojab Arkitekter AB / Caroline Hjalmarsson
- lighting designer Fojab Arkitekter AB / Caroline Hjalmarsson
- pianificazione elettrici Ledel AB
- fotografo Werner Nystrand
- project.representation Selux Sverige
In the town of Falkenberg in Sweden, the new Argus Learning and Cultural Centre was completed last year. Located in the city centre, it is designed as a space for creativity, curiosity and for enjoyment of learning. The building complex houses the municipal library, a school, the tourist information centre as well as a cultural school and cultural centre. Situated between the historic market square and the new municipal park, the centre acts as a natural meeting point.
Together with the municipal centre and town’s theatre, the learning and cultural centre forms a strong cultural cluster connecting the existing centre of the town with its northern part, thereby increasing attractiveness of the district. The goal of the building design by architects Fojab Arkitekter AB was to contribute to versatility and social sustainability in the town. It represents the largest investment ever made by Falkenberg municipal authority to date, comprising two buildings, the newly built Argus cultural centre and the upgraded, extended building of the town’s secondary school.
From the market place, visitors enter the foyer through the welcoming main entrance — the windows of which are those of the children’s library and a café with an open-air seating area. As well as a reception and information centre, the library is located here, extending for almost 2800 square metres over two levels and surrounding a large, uncovered inner courtyard. A greenspace for use as a seated area for presentations and a children’s area with a fairy tale cave invites visitors to stay for a while and linger. The renovation has lent the school building an entirely new character, changing it from an old, dusky school into a bright, airy centre for learning. A pedestrian bridge links the grammar school with the cultural centre, thereby enabling access to the municipal park even when it is closed.
(Felix Gerlach)
For the lighting design, Fojab Arkitekter AB collaborated with Caroline Hjalmarsson, landscape architect LAR/MSA, who has used Olivio Grande, Medium and Spot luminaires to illuminate the public space in front of the cultural centre. Using Olivio gobo projectors, it has been possible to create artistic lighting accents. The luminaires create a pleasant environment for any visitors who wish to stay for longer in this bustling location.
(Werner Nystrand)
