Swedbank's new international headquarters applied luminaires from acdc, creating statement illuminaiton for the architecture. (All Photos Courtesy of acdc)

Summary

Swedbank’s new international headquarters by architectural firm 3XN is an innovative interpretation if the core values of the organisation: openness, simplicity and care. These have been translated into a modern architectural space with an emphasis on transparency and the creation of a good social environment. Stretching across an entire block, the building takes the form of a triple V structure – a design concept intended to both break up the volume and make it easier to connect both people and spaces. The largely transparent facades bring in plenty of daylight, highlighting the spectacular semi-public atrium spaces.  Natural wayfinding is another key part of the design, with two spiral staircases providing key orientation points.  Social spaces are placed around a central axis facilitating interaction and good internal communication for employees.

 Project brief

 As appointed lighting designer, Black Ljusdesign was given the freedom to create a scheme to enhance the dramatic architecture. They worked closely with the architects to bring out the key aspects of the design, supporting the central concepts of transparency and simplicity, as well as using light to aid orientation both by enhancing key features and creating changes in atmosphere to signal different uses of space. Lighting equipment is concealed as much as possible to allow the architecture and materials to remain centre of attention; and to retain the simple, clean feel.

acdc’s solution

 In order to realise the lighting effects within the context of budgetary requirements, Black Ljusdesign spent time researching the market for the best product solutions for each area, as well as developing bespoke products of their own. Taking in to account the abundance of diffuse light in the open spaces, the designers wanted to create a contrasting rhythmic effect from narrow beam downlights in the connecting corridors, as a visual guide to bring people through the spaces. As well as being key transit routes, these corridors were also intended for use as display space for information and art. It was therefore critical that the downlights chosen for the space not only had great optical performance, but also were also fully adjustable to cope with changing requirements.

Having trialed a number of products in a full scale mock-up, the designers, architects and clients selected the acdc AZETA downlights for the majority of the corridors as well as selected meeting rooms, open spaces, and restaurants.

acdc AZETA LED downlights are fully adjustable and can be adapted to work in an ever-changing environment. Delivering high light outputs that are directly comparable to metal halide equivalents- they feature micro-adjustable tilt, rotate and lock mechanism and can be adjusted on site, while in use. The optics are also fully interchangeable, and the housing can accommodate up to two accessories for added control, allowing Swedbank maximum flexibility in use.

Black Ljusdesign also specified the acdc PLAZA 10  for use on the exterior of the building.  As with the AZETA, the Plaza 10 features high output LEDs, combined with integral dimming to fine tune the effect. The locking mechanism ensures that once commissioned, the lit effect on the Swedbank building stays as it was envisaged, while the pure understated aesthetics help to camouflage the equipment within the context of the contemporary architecture.