2_3_ScanMagazine_Issue_81_Oct-Nov_2015_Scan Magazine 1 15/10/2015 21:35 Page 40
Jakobsberg bus terminal by Ahlqvist & Almqvist opened in 2011.
Three decades of added value The architects at Ahlqvist & Almqvist always aim to exceed expectations and add something special to their projects. One example is the residential neighbourhood of Malmudden in Luleå, where future tenants will be able to enjoy a communal sauna and grow vegetables in a shared greenhouse. The firm turns 30 this year, but they have been too busy to celebrate.
A wide scope The office expertise covers areas ranging from infrastructure to urban planning and
40 | Issue 81 | October 2015
New landmark by the sea
construction projects. Seeing the bigger picture helps when solving problems. “You can’t do urban planning if you don’t have knowledge about the smaller elements and vice versa. If you work on a building it helps to have an understanding and sense of the context,” says the CEO.
Earlier this year, the firm won against some of the largest architecture offices in Sweden in the running for Luleå’s new residential landmark, Malmudden. “We want to create something that has not been found in Luleå to date: residential houses located right by the sea and unique flats with double the ceiling height in the living room, opening for new ways to use the room,” Almqvist explains.
The goal has always been to stay innovative and add something unexpected while finding a lasting solution for the customer. “The problem-solving part of the job is the same, but the tools have changed,”
The social dimension and the idea to create natural meeting places throughout the neighbourhood are important features. The local pre-school could stay open in the evenings and plans are
By Ellinor Thunberg | Photos: Ahlqvist & Almqvist
The Stockholm-based architecture office was founded by Bengt Ahlqvist and opened in 1985. Britt Almqvist, now CEO and principal owner, first came on board as an employee that same year. 30 years later the office is still going strong, but they have not celebrated their anniversary yet. “No, we’ve been too busy, but we might celebrate 31 this spring instead,” says Almqvist.
she says about the modern technology used today, adding that the industry collaboration has in many ways improved.