Claesson Koivisto Rune Architectural Office
Södermalm, Stockholm
Claesson Koivisto Rune

Young, minimalist designers step out boldly with their offices

© Patrik Engquist

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Located on a side street in central Stockholm, these architects’ offices more closely resemble a minimalist workshop than offices. The firm chose this location so they could have a noticeable street presence and contact with city life would invigorate their space. The long and narrow footprint of their new offices was divided in a front room, which became a meeting room, and an inner room, which serves as the hub of office activities. Two large double-etched glass sheet walls were placed between the rooms, letting in natural light from the outside as well as creating privacy by obstructing the view to the back. One can pass between the sheets on either side. A floor of glass lets light down to the lower level beneath. UV-colored fluorescent tube lighting was installed behind the glass sheets, turning on at night for dramatic effect. Painted white, the office provides a neutral background to the architects’ youthful and forward-thinking design work.

In the inner room one finds computers, faxes, telephones, bathrooms, a kitchen with a small dining area, and stairs down to the lower level. The library, drafting areas, and storage are located downstairs. Under the front room is the model workshop area. The office is open with no doors (except for storage and bathrooms), yet the division of space is clear. The architects wanted to be able to choose how intimately their clients would share in the design process through their space—nothing in their practice is separated from its context. Sometimes clients come only as far as the front meeting room, other times all the way into model production. The room hierarchy is also one of order, mitigating the often messy business of design.

Formal name of Project:
Claesson Koivisto Rune Architectural Office

Location:
Södermalm, Stockholm

Gross square footage:
1,400 sq ft

Architect:
Claesson Koivisto Rune
St Paulsgatan 25
118 48 Stockholm
phone +46-8-6445863
fax +46-8-6445883