Studying Under the Stars

A starry sky and dark calm shape new study spaces

Opened in 2019, Uppsala University Library’s study halls at its Centre for Economic Sciences transform a former war shelter into flexible, atmospheric learning spaces. Designed by Sweco, the rooms Insikten (Insight) and Utsikten (Outlook) balance ergonomics, acoustics, and lighting. Rockfon Color-all Special and Rockfon Blanka acoustic ceiling tiles support the vision, creating tranquil yet innovative environments for students to comfortably study and immerse themselves.

Campfire seating, acoustic comfort, and starry skies

Sweco’s library design in Ekonomikum was a pilot project for future learning spaces, developed collaboratively with the university and contractors. The reading rooms offer distinct atmospheres tailored for various study needs. “We’ve created different areas with varying types of furniture. In the middle, we have placed 14 specially designed armchairs around a gas fire, which we’ve named ‘campfire,’” explains Jonas Kjellander of Sweco Architects.

To enhance concentration, the main room uses dark finishes and carefully balanced light levels. “We have worked a lot with the light – we have gone with 500 lux in the work area, 300 lux just around the work areas, for a maximum of 100 lux in general,” says Jonas Kjellander. Rockfon Color-all Special acoustic tiles in Charcoal help manage noise while maintaining the room’s moody atmosphere, supporting the sense of focus.

An innovative touch greets students at the entrance. Before entering, they remove their shoes, and a “starry sky” ceiling stretches across the space. “It was important to have a dark suspended ceiling, which just disappears and creates a feeling of infinity. With Rockfon Color-all, we have got everything important to us – a sound-absorbing acoustic ceiling solution with an invisible grid that does not give off any shine,” shares Kjellander.

Ultimately winning the 2019 Swedish Lighting Award, this star effect was achieved by threading thin fibreglass cables through Rockfon Color-all Special tiles, mimicking starlight above the study space. Outside the reading room is a bright conversation zone with video conferencing. Here, white Rockfon Blanka acoustic ceiling tiles with the M-edge creates depth with shadow effects and a crisp white finish that contrasts the darker interior areas.

“It is very important for us to be able to meet the architect’s requirements for different design possibilities. Enough because ‘white on white’ creates light and airiness, but you should be able to freely create the room and the effects you want with different colours. Rockfon Color-all gives free rein to various interesting and innovative solutions”, explains Peter Fritzon, Sales Manager at Rockfon.