Architect/Design
Schmidt hammer lassen Architects

Location
Malmö, Sweden


Interior
Kvadrat upholstery textiles: Hallingdal, Remix 2, Clara
Kvadrat curtain textiles: Dawn, Daybreak, Haze
Kvadrat rugs: East

Malmö Live is a 54,000 square metre complex that combines a concert hall, a congress centre and a hotel complex. Located in Universitetsholme, it consists of twisted cubic volumes covered in glazed tiles, which appear as one architectonic sculpture. The design of Malmö Live is in the modern Scandinavian tradition. It is focused on clear, functional organisation and offers an accessible, open ground floor layout.

Furthermore, the mutual composition of the three elements sets a tone that reflects the building’s musicality. While the design is contemporary, the different functions of the building are organised in a way that is reminiscent of a medieval city: for instance, the lobby becomes the street, which runs through the entire ground floor and ties everything together.

Kristian Ahlmark, Senior Partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects: ’The idea was to create a ‘city in the city’ incorporating the architectonic expressions of Malmö, which contributes to urban life. The context inspired our choice of materials and colours, as well as the various sizes of the building’s areas.’

Hallingdal is used in the concert hall. Dawn is utilised for curtains, as is Daybreak in a custom colour. Bed covers are made from Haze. Desk chairs are upholstered in Remix 2 in a colourway that precisely corresponds with the colours of the hotel rooms. In addition, Clara is used for bed covers, cushions and Moroso chairs. East, a Kvadrat rug also plays a role.