2_1_ScanMag_69_Oct_2014_Text:Scan Magazine 1
6/10/14
12:03
Page 87
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture Sweden
firm was behind a new student building at Stockholm University. Back in 1995, Erséus and his previous firm were awarded the Kasper Salin Prize for the School of Business, Economics, and Law in Gothenburg. Various projects give fresh ideas The fact that Erséus Architects work across different types of projects not only makes the work itself more fun, but everyone gets new energy and ideas from other projects to bring to the table. “We believe that you get impulses in one field that you can use in a whole different context and in the best case scenario with exciting and unexpected results,” says Erséus, further highlighting that projects are ‘healthier’ when the person working on them has varied previous experience. The CEO describes every new project like a blank sheet, waiting to be filled. The team never knows what will happen along the way, for good and for bad, and it never gets boring. Why does someone like it in an apartment or work place? It is hard to put into words, but Erséus is certain that architecture plays a vital part. “I am convinced that good architecture and urban development have major impact,” he says.
LEFT: Peter Erséus, CEO at Erséus Architects. TOP RIGHT: Residential flats in Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm. Photo: Sten Jansin. BOTTOM RIGHT: Residential flats in Malmö, Sweden. Photo: Sten Jansin.
most important part for Erséus is to take inspiration, create something unique and put his own mark on it. He points out, however, that it is almost inevitable for someone who grew up in Sweden to add a Scandinavian touch to things. When travelling, Erséus keeps returning to Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal to explore the architecture there.
“I only last for a few days,” he says. “After that I cannot wait to get back home and draw up sketches, because I am so full of inspiration I simply have to get started straight away.”
For more information, please visit: www.erseus.se
“My passion is more towards the artistic aspect of the profession, rather than the technical,” he continues, admitting that architects need both. “The most interesting aspect is to combine good functionality, economy and aesthetics with a belief that it matters how things look and function for people’s well-being.” Global influences The firm was founded in 2002, and today the two offices, in Gothenburg and Stockholm respectively, have nearly 50 employees divided between them. Study trips are frequently arranged to explore architecture in other cities, an education form much appreciated by the employees. Architecture becomes more and more global by the day, as people travel more and find inspiration in magazines. The
The student building Frescati in Stockholm. Photos: Sten Jansin
Issue 69 | October 2014 | 87