Students’ ideas will inform the new D block

How can the large staircase in the new D block become a place for studying, meeting others and taking a break? During a workshop, students shared their needs and ideas with those working on the new building.

The workshop was planned and led by Tengbom and LINK. Tengbom is designing the building on behalf of Akademiska Hus, while LINK is working on the interior design on behalf of Luleå University of Technology. Representatives from the University and Akademiska Hus also took part.

During the workshop, students discussed how they would like to use the staircase and what could make it pleasant, welcoming and practical in everyday life.

Ideas included a water refill station, more power sockets and additional greenery. The students also highlighted the importance of the lighting and how warm-toned light could affect the atmosphere of the space.

“It was interesting to have the opportunity to influence the design of the staircase in the D building. After all, students are the ones who will spend time there, so it is important that we have a say in what our future meeting places will be like. I felt that our views were genuinely listened to and will be taken into account as the work continues”, says Elias Rantala, vice chair responsible for the study environment at the Student Union of Technology.

The workshop was a very informative and valuable opportunity for us to help shape the plans for the staircase in the new D building. By being involved early in the process, we could help ensure that students’ needs are taken into consideration. The workshop gave students and the project team an opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas about everything from major questions, such as the design of the staircase, to smaller details, such as the colour of the cushions. It was clear that we are all working towards the same goal: creating a welcoming D building where everyone can feel comfortable”, says Fanny Säter, Vice President of the Luleå Student Union.

For LINK, the discussions provided a clearer picture of students’ everyday lives and how they would like to use the new space.

“The workshop gives us a better understanding of students’ needs and wishes. This is valuable knowledge to take into the next stages of the design process,” says Caroline Asserlind, Group Manager and Architect SIR/MSA at LINK.

Tengbom will also take the students’ perspectives into the continued development of the D block.

“Meeting the students gives us a better understanding of how they want to use the space and what it needs to work well in everyday life. Their perspectives will be valuable as we continue developing the design,” says Eyvind Bergström, Design Lead at Tengbom.

For Luleå University of Technology, the workshop is also a way to involve those who use the campus every day in its development.

“It is important to us that students have a voice and can help shape the new space. They are the ones who will use it every day, so their experiences and needs are an important part of the continued work”, says Mona Haydar, project manager at Luleå University of Technology.

The ideas raised during the workshop are not confirmed solutions. Instead, they will form part of the basis for the continued development of the staircase and the D block. The same group of students will be invited to a follow-up meeting later this autumn to see how their feedback has been taken forward.

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