Karlskrona Culture House and Library, Sweden

The jury refers to our proposal as a “new icon” in the form of “an elegant interpretation of classical architecture”, and states that the building “has an evident Karlskrona identity”. With both theater hall, art hall, library, tourist information, maker space, study space and café, we too believe, that Karlskrona's new culture house will provide the setting for inspiring meetings between people, culture and science.

Characterized by prominent buildings of various architectural styles situated on top of a baroque city plan, Karlskrona’s city center showcases the 300 year-long evolution of the naval city. Our Culture House and Library design continues this stylistic and historic melting pot and ongoing development. We pay history respect by adapting to and strengthening the World Heritage Site. At the same time, we offer the citizens of Karlskrona a building representing modern times.

The Culture House and Library is designed for everyday life and cultural events. In contrast to the neighboring buildings, we wanted the Culture House to appear transparent and welcoming, yet well-defined, healing a neglected corner of the strict city plan. Thus, the façade consists of a great many smaller windows interrupted by larger openings framing carefully selected sights of importance to Karlskrona. The large, central staircase guides you through the house and becomes an “exhibit” of the city.

Due to its unique architectural character and naval past, central parts of the city have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site making the culture house our fifth World Heritage related building. The other four UNESCO-protected sites count the Wadden Sea Center in Ribe, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre in Groningen, the Trilateral Wadden Sea World Heritage Partnership Centre in Wilhelmshaven, and the Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat.