Henning Larsen Architects’ New Umeå Art Museum in Sweden is Bathed in Cool Nordic Light

The new Umeå Art Museum is the latest addition to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/swedens-umea-university-architecture-academy-punctuated-with-pixelated-windows/" target="_blank">Arts Campus at Umeå University</a> in northern Sweden. Designed by <a href="http://www.henninglarsen.com/projects/0900-0999/0992-umeaa-art-museum.aspx" target="_blank">Henning Larsen Architects</a>, the building slowly unwraps to reveal naturally <a href="http://inhabitat.com/day-lit-house-with-an-empty-lot-is-split-down-the-middle-for-an-independent-couple-in-japan/" target="_blank">daylit interior</a> spaces that will, compared to the museum’s previous facilities, more than double the exhibition area.

First three floors comprise the entrance and foyer areas, accompanied with a museum shop, a children’s workshop and an auditorium.

The museum comprises three vertically stacked exhibition halls, with the total gross floor area of 3,500 square meters (37,674 square feet).

The large halls are supported by four legs that create a narrow gap around the exhibition rooms and towards the facades.

A niche lets the sunlight into the interior, mixing cool Nordic light with warm artificial one.

At the top floors these gaps transform into a kind of lookout area, providing stunning views of the Ume River and the surrounding landscape.

Apart from providing additional lighting, the niches also act as small contemplation areas for the artists.