Is the entrance of Lund University main building too dark and bleak? Had it been better with doors made of glass? That matter is under investigation at the moment. Cost – 220 000 Swedish kronor.
– It’s a very old building and it’s a lot to take into account, says head of department for management of premises, Jessica Åhs.
In April 2010 the National Property Board in Sweden presented a project, on request from the university, with the purpose of developing Universitetsplatsen. Among the proposals was one suggesting a change of the now existing doors at the main university building. At the moment there is an investigation into if it’s possible to install doors made of glass.
Maria Nordh, manager of Universitetshuset from the National Property Board, said that the building needs to be opened up.
“Today we’re looking in to what is possible to do. We want the light to come in, since the building can be perceived as closed and important-looking. It should give the signal of being the main building of Lund University. It should be a little like a lantern in the Lundagård park.”
In the investigation they also take in to account the so called entrance features.
“The energy costs have to be within the limit, while the climate in the entrance must not be perceived as cold.”
In addition, the investigators must consider that the new modern features goes with the old ones, said Maria Nordh:
“If we don’t do proper groundwork, then maybe we’ll regret the decision in 20-30 years. This is an old house and thus it’s important that everything is made properly.”
The ongoing investigation has had a budget of 220 000 Swedish kronor. But it’s not certain that there will be any glass doors to the house, which opened in 1882 and was designed by Helgo Zettervall.
“We’ll see how we proceed. Making an investigation, does not automatically mean that it will happen”, said Jessica Åhs.
