Forskaren: Inspiring Surroundings

Forskaren: Stockholm’s New Life Science Landmark

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

Stockholm’s new life science centre, Forskaren, is located at the heart of the emerging Hagastaden district in the northern part of the Swedish capital.

Designed as a collaborative hub for life science companies, Forskaren offers a flexible working environment that includes large offices, co-working spaces, laboratories, a hotel, and inviting recreational areas both indoors and out. The ground floor opens up like a public square, welcoming visitors to its restaurants and exhibition spaces.

Architecture That Connects People

With its circular form, the building stands as a distinctive meeting point in contrast to the sharp high-rise silhouettes of Hagastaden’s skyline.

The centre was designed by the Danish architectural firm 3XN for Swedish research and was officially inaugurated on 7 May 2024 by His Majesty King Frederik of Denmark and His Majesty King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, marking a celebration of Danish–Swedish collaboration.

Designed for Wellbeing and Inspiration

A key ambition behind Forskaren has been to strengthen professional communities by creating inspiring surroundings where natural materials and abundant daylight foster wellbeing, creativity, and innovation.

Staircases are a recurring design element in 3XN’s work, and at Forskaren the main staircase takes centre stage within the circular atrium. Its sculptural, spiral form connects the natural stone flooring of the ground floor plaza with the timber-clad upper levels, creating both movement and visual harmony.

A Celebration of Craft and Material

Wood is the defining material throughout the interior - seen in the walls facing the offices, in the slatted fronts of the landings, and in the floors and staircases themselves. The solid oak floors from Hørning tie the building together, from the sweeping spiral staircase and informal landings to offices, laboratories, and the centre’s hotel.

The deliberate use of profiled wood surfaces and warm, solid flooring accentuates the building’s circular geometry while bringing a sense of calm, reflection, and focus - qualities essential to spaces dedicated to research, learning, and progress.

Author and photographer: Bjarne Lund Johansen