The construction of the new building for the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg has been underway since 2021. The central location in the middle of Gothenburg's inner city makes the work complex and places high demands on planning, safety and coordination. Now the structure-bearing inner slab of concrete is in place throughout the building, which means that the house is protected from the elements. At the same time, the so-called dense building marks the transition from extensive foundation and frame work to the next phase of the project, when the façade and windows are installed and the interior work begins.
"It feels fantastic that we, together with the School of Business, Economics and Law and Peab, have reached this milestone when a dense building stands in place and gets its clear shape in the cityscape. This means that we can now take the next step towards completing modern and functional research and education environments for the School's students and staff," says Jan Henningsson, Project Manager at Akademiska Hus.
Photo: Isac Lundmark, School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg
Gather all activities
The new building comprises approximately 10,800 square meters spread over eight floors above ground. Among other things, there will be a new welcoming main entrance, two auditoriums, student services, a café, offices and student workplaces. All in all, modern and more flexible spaces are created, while the new building makes it possible for the School of Business, Economics and Law to gather all its operations under one roof.
"After many years of planning and construction, we are looking forward to being able to take the new premises into use. With modern auditoriums and pedagogical environments, we can develop the quality of education and give students more and better study places. The building also opens up new opportunities for meetings, conferences and collaboration with business and society," says Måns Söderbom, Dean of the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg.
Sketch: Johannes Norlander Arkitektur
Entrance to the West Link
One of the most unique aspects of the construction is the interaction between the new building and the station entrance to the West Link station Haga deep underground. The project combines advanced underground construction with a modern educational environment above ground – all in one of Gothenburg's most central and vibrant areas. The entrance to the West Link is located at the corner of Vasagatan – Haga Kyrkogata and means that the School of Business, Economics and Law will become an even clearer part of the city with improved commuting opportunities for students and employees, while the green Vasaallén will be preserved intact as an attractive strolling and cycling route.
"This is a technically and logistically very complex project where construction above ground is combined with advanced work far underground, in the middle of central Gothenburg. Carrying out such a project in a dense urban environment places high demands on planning, safety and coordination, where we have a very good collaboration with Akademiska Hus," says Susanne Lundberg, Project Manager at Peab.
Akademiska Hus is investing SEK 529 million in the new building for the School of Business, Economics and Law, which is planned to be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2027.
