schmidt hammer lassen composes series of twisted towers for malmö cultural center

schmidt hammer lassen composes series of twisted towers for malmö cultural center
photography by adam mørk

after 4 years, the new cultural center in malmö, sweden has been completed. the project, by schmidt hammer lassen architects sees a masterplan which includes a concert hall, congress, hotel, housing and commercial use. soon to become a landmark within the swedish city, the building, malmö live, demonstrates contemporary scandinavian aesthetics- focusing on an open spatial layout and a clear, functional organization- and hopes to embody the spirit of the diverse city. 

standing like a series of homogeneous sculptures, the structures are composed of several twisted, cubic volumes at different sizes and heights, orientated depending on the surrounding scape. like its own micro-city, each entity contains its own different facilities, all connected by a lobby running through the ground floors and bringing together all spaces. simultaneously communal areas on the ground floors encourage visitors to gather, sit and enjoy the view if the canal and park. 

facades are designed with a homogeneous expression to appear as one architectonic sculpture
image © adam mørk

internally, the refined material palette consists of rough dark concrete, stone, wood and brass. refined brass elements and subtle detailing is continued throughout the entire scheme, adapting as the function of the space changes. a grand symphony hall is housed within three volumes where continuous detailed elements have set the tone for the musicality of the building.

kristian ahlmark, senior partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects comments: ‘the idea was to create a ‘house of the city’ incorporating the architectonic expressions of malmö to develop a building that will contribute to existing urban life, the context inspired our choice of materials and colours as well as the various sizes of the building’s areas, yet the building design itself points to the future.’

the masterplan also includes 27,000sqm for housing and commercial use
image © adam mørk

different functions of the building are organised as separate elements to resemble a small city
image © adam mørk

image © adam mørk

image © adam mørk

image © adam mørk

in the concert hall, the mood changes, fitted in oak and brass
image © adam mørk

‘we worked in very close cooperation with akustikon to achieve two things: an absolutely world-class sound and a room with a musicality that works with the music, like sitting inside an instrument. the result is a composition of cubic elements. each surface has a function, angle and size that supports the acoustics. light is integrated into the walls so the mood can be changed depending on what is being performed in the hall,’ concludes kristian ahlmark.

black concrete and brass detailing
image © adam mørk

hotel room
image © adam mørk

image © adam mørk

the building will become a focal point and landmark in malmö
image © adam mørk