The Swan

Svanen (The Swan), a unique building putting Sweden into the international architectural arena! Länsförsäkringar Gävleborg believe in the future and Gävle! Petrén Merom Arkitekter and Scheiwiller Svensson Arkitektkontor have designed a sophisticated tall building which is architecturally unique, inviting, open and intriguing. On a clear day the sweeping sculptural contours of the 150-metre-high building are visible to air traffic at Arlanda international airport. This is a building of unique originality, with no counterpart anywhere in northern Europe. It is destined to become a popular landmark, clearly visible from the E4 motorway, a trademark in its own right, imparting a clear identity, not only to future tenants but also to the region as a whole and to Sweden. The building is multifunctional, containing offices, a hotel, conference facilities, homes and amenities. The uppermost storeys are public, with a breathtakingly beautiful view of the centre of Gävle, the sea and the horizon. Birger Lövgren, CEO of the insurance company, comments: “Länsförsäkringar Gävleborg has a large capital to administer, and parts of it have to be invested in real estate. Through the Svanen project we are looking above all to the possibility of investing locally in the region. The project could create a completely new and dynamic meeting point for new and established undertakings. There have to be many possibilities.` “We were engaged,` say the architects who prepared the scheme, “because the clients wanted an absolutely unique building with a design never seen before. The result was made possible by exceptionally good co-operation with all involved.` The building continues a good Gävle tradition of putting a premium on landmark architecture.