Architecture students tested the wings for the Arctic Design Center

Four LTU students were commissioned by the Arctic Design Center to develop proposals for a traveling pavilion building. “I have learned a lot from this assignment. I have never worked so hard, but it has been extremely fun,” says Cornelia Löwenberg, one of the participating students.

The proposals were developed by students from the Master of Science in Architecture program. The four proposals for the design and concept of a traveling pavilion building were developed within the course Architectural Typologies at advanced level at Luleå University of Technology. Now there is an opportunity to see the proposals at the new Slöjd- och formcenter in Shopping, Luleå.

– We hope to realize one of these alternatives. The next step now is to look at it practically, how to implement it, how is it possible to have such a traveling pavilion? says Carolina Lundmark Weinz, project manager for the Arctic Design Center in Norrbotten.

Temporary meeting place

The idea is that the 15-20 square meter pavilion will be able to function as a temporary physical meeting place with exhibition opportunities. The pavilion will, for example, be able to be used for dialogue about designed living environments and as a showroom for development work on our living environments. It will be able to be transported and set up on streets and squares or in a mall.

We in Norrbotten have an enormous need to develop the work with designed living environments. We need to both build a lot of new things and take care of what already exists.

Carolina Lundmark Weinz herself studied civil engineering with a specialization in architecture at Luleå University of Technology. She is now project manager for Arctic Design Center.

– When we talk about designed living environments, it is not only about function but also about experiences. Also that there is a robustness, that it is sustainable. We should not only think here and now but also a longer time perspective. You students will gain good skills with you to meet these types of questions, says Carolina Lundmark Weinz.

None of the four students are from Norrbotten, and their potential employers and colleagues were invited to the presentation of the proposals: actors in community planning, construction and housing.

“Retain the talented and ambitious”

– It is very important to retain the talented and ambitious people that we have in Norrbotten today, she said, highlighting the possibility of using the opportunity to talk about thesis projects or summer jobs.

The assignment included developing a design inspired by shapes in nature. Cornelia Löwenberg was fascinated by the seashell and came up with her proposal Coastal Canopy.

– The seashell is one of the most iconic and well-known shapes found in nature, the golden ratio provides balance. The seashell can also be linked to the nomadic way of life. It is the perfect symbol for this type of architecture. A simple shape that can be interpreted in different ways, she says.

Cornelia Löwenberg's model Coastal Canopy.

Inspired by the Northern Lights

Lovisa Glavare Carlsson has been inspired by the northern lights and created a play of light with her proposal Aurora Pavilion. She has played with paper and explored how she can create space through combinations of curves, waves and arches. The result is a pavilion of 20 m2 where each slat is unique. Designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble.

– Daylight can enter and create shadows on the floor and ceiling. During the day, the shadows change so that it becomes a play of light just like the northern lights are a play of light. It is a work of art that encourages curiosity and encounters between people.

Lovisa Glavare Carlsson's pavilion creates a play of light, just like the northern lights.

Surrounded by leaves

Linn Sundström drew inspiration from the mountain sorrel when she designed her pavilion Rumex Acetosa.

– Mountain sorrel grows in rich meadows in our mountains. It has incredibly beautiful leaves, heart-shaped and deep green with small hints of red.

Linn built several models of the mountain sorrel – Rumex Acetosa in Latin. The leaves form a roof and create a sense of space.

– It will be a natural room surrounded by large leaves, with varying light during the day.

Linn Sundström's Rumex Acetosa was inspired by the mountain sorrel, but also by the waves of the ocean.

Meeting with hedgehog

Dania Hussain is a fourth-year Master of Architecture student. Her proposal is called The hedgehog pavilion.

– I moved here four years ago and have been exploring Norrbotten's rich nature. I came across a hedgehog for the first time in Norrbotten, they seem to thrive there. They have a unique shape and ability to adapt. My pavilion should represent protection, sustainability and inclusion. Be a gathering point that encourages community and interaction.

Dania Hussain's round and at the same time spiky pavilion is inspired by the hedgehog.

Dania Hussain has a great interest in sustainability issues and highlighted the architect's responsibility.

– By taking an active step towards sustainability, both within new and existing structures, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Text and image: Sara Stylbäck Vesa

Would you like to know more about the Arctic Design Center and the policy area for designed living environments? Read here!

Would you like to know more about the Crafts and Design Center? Read here!