An innovative and functional educational and research environment

The new campus area of Nord University in Bodø, Norway, called Blått Bygg, will optimize the frameworks for research, development and education in the future. ‘Blått bygg’ will be an 8,000m2 extension of Nord University. New educational facilities will be built with ‘Blått Bygg’ containing new laboratories, lecture halls and classrooms for the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture. This campus area will pave the way for the learning environment of the future and raise the quality of research and development within health sciences.

The exterior of the ground floor is made of light concrete and is partially embedded in the surrounding terrain. The other three floors of the building have a light expression with a light wood facade that aims to invite light into the building and harmonize with the surrounding natural environment. In both the indoor and outdoor areas of the building there has been a focus on using environmentally friendly materials that are robust and can withstand wear and tear.

This sustainable approach to material selection together with the project’s technical solutions contribute to raising a greater awareness of and ability to create an energy and environmentally friendly project. Where wood has not been used, materials with a low carbon footprint are used such as recycled steel and low carbon concrete. With these initiatives the project draws from the Nordic tradition where a building’s construction creates functionality, durability and aesthetics.

The location of the project adds to relationship of the campus and its surroundings. With the inclusion of pathways, resting spots and meeting places in the design, staff and students can meet with friends during their breaks and on the way to and from research and teaching.

According to the current plan, ‘Blått Bygg’ will come into service in 2025.