Ready for large investment in the Ångström Laboratory
Akademiska Hus and Uppsala University are engaging in the largest joint initiative ever through the expansion of the Ångström Laboratory. Today the Board of Directors of Akademiska Hus decided to invest about SEK 1.2 billion in the project. The initiative includes two additions of 30,000 square metres, where the centre of education’s internationally renowned research and education can expand in an interdisciplinary environment.
The existing Ångström Laboratory currently consists of 72,000 square metres that are used for research and education in space physics, mathematics, innovative energy, materials science and nanotechnology.About 5,000 researchers and students work here daily, but the facility is now overcrowded and in need of larger premises.
“We are pleased that we have been able to make progress with the plans for the new Ångström lab and the continued development of the campus. The investment will improve conditions for students and researchers, which strengthens the university and the campus around the Ångström lab. It’s also an important initiative for all of Uppsala,” says Peter Bohman, market area director at Akademiska Hus.
The development of the Ångström Laboratory will begin with the addition of a new wing to the south that will primarily include classrooms and office space. The next step will be a new cube-shaped main building to the north that will house about 1,200 students and 400 employees, including the Department of Information Technology, which will move from its current facilities at the Information Technology Centre. In this way the new additions will make it possible for IT research to work more closely with the other activities at Ångström.
“In order to continue to teach and conduct research, it is important to continue to develop the knowledge environments we have. The internationally recognised Ångström Laboratory has an excellent reputation and this initiative will make Uppsala University even more attractive internationally,” says Eva Åkesson, Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University.
A new entrance to the Ångström Laboratory will be created in the main building that will facilitate entry into the facility. A reception desk, student services, meeting areas, cafe, library, atrium, auditorium and display areas to highlight the activities at Ångström will also be located here. The physical environment should promote the educational philosophy that the occupants will work with in the future, in terms of both teaching facilities and meeting places. Students, teachers and didactics researchers have therefore been involved in the planning process.
“This aggressive initiative will enable Uppsala University to maintain its position among the top 100 universities worldwide. For example, new interdisciplinary environments in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence will be created,” says Johan Tysk, Vice Rector for Science and Technology at Uppsala University.
Construction work on the wing is planned to begin in spring 2018, with occupancy expected in spring 2020. Construction work on the main building is planned to begin in fall 2018, with occupancy expected in spring 2022.
Anneli Waara