PwC

The Barcode-concept includes relatively narrow building ”stripes” in north-south direction. Each building will have its own identity in terms of materials and respond to the neighbour buildings in terms of shape.

The PWC-building initiates the “Operakvarteret” development, and will be the ‘face’ of the Operakvarteret project towards downtown and the west.

With direct access to the Central Station, the building will be important both as a signal building and connector.

The architectural vision for the project is one of lightness, openness and technological sophistication within the framework of a simple form. All realized within a limited budget. One’s perception of the building will vary depending on distance and time of day and year. The large glazed openings optimise vision, at the same time ensuring good lighting conditions and a comfortable indoor climate all year around by the use of “state of the art” glass and innovative technical solutions.

As one of the first “stripes” in Barcode, the shape of the building is simple and defined. The volume is light and transparent, and consists of 12 floors with a five-storey opening in the facade to indicate the main entrance, reception and meeting centre.

There are in addition large internal openings in the floor slabs, and this is reflected in the design of the facade as lager scale glass panels with different colours.

Here the vertical communication is optimized with the use of open staircases. The canteen is at the top with direct access to a south-facing screened terrace.

The core areas consist of a permanent technical zone that contains communication, technical installations and wet services, in addition to zones that can be designed differently depending on the need of the different departments.

In the lower floors towards the new avenue, there will be shops and restaurants. Technical rooms and parking are in the basement.

The program and design development of the project has been extremely challenging, but both the client and the architect are very satisfied with the result, and the building has already received the prize “Europe 40 under 40.”