Industrial Warehouse Transformed into a Colorful Learning Environment in Stockholm

Even in the face of a small budget, the architects of <a href="http://codesign.se/" target="_blank">Codesign</a> managed to transform an industrial warehouse space into an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/fairy-tale-strawbale-cottage-is-a-charming-waldorf-preschool-in-cuernavaca-mexico/" target="_blank">inspiring and innovative school</a> for <a href="http://www.stadsmissionen.se/" target="_blank">Stockholm's Stadsmission</a>. Constructed within a small time frame, the redesign uses classrooms built from recycled glass, as a way to reorganize the open space, yet still allow natural light to reach even the darkest corners. Colorful furniture, wall hangings and flooring turn the stark industrial space into a creative learning environment.

Faced with the massive open warehouse space, which once housed furniture storage, Codesign wanted to utilize the natural light coming from the factory windows as much as possible. Their solution was to construct interior classrooms, with walls of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-material-made-from-recycled-glass-cleans-up-polluted-groundwater/" target="_blank">recycled glass</a> that faced the factory windows.

The light aqua <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-wheeler-school-student-center-is-a-green-roofed-glass-gem/" target="_blank">glass curtains</a> are semi-transparent, allowing privacy for each class, but also flooding each room with light during day.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/berlin-showroom-features-sherlock-holmes-style-bookcase-that-opens-to-a-secret-room/" target="_blank">former warehouse</a> is only temporary, set for demolition in a few years, so Codesign used <a href="http://inhabitat.com/enjoy-the-last-week-of-summer-at-the-recycled-material-greenhouse-pavilion-in-the-netherlands/" target="_blank">as many recyclable materials as possible</a>.

The recycled glass can be recycled again. The colorful vinyl flooring adds cheer to each classroom, and can also be recycled, and many of the construction pieces can be removed and reused. The furniture will travel to the school’s future location.

Because the student population was ever increasing, Codesign wanted to utilize the common areas of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/candy-colored-glass-illuminates-art-filled-passageway-between-renovated-16th-century-buildings/" target="_blank">entryways and corridors</a>, turning them into functional areas. Outside the glass classrooms, students are encouraged to gather and relax on the color furniture that is set in groupings around the halls. Entryways are also clad with furniture, and the windows are lined with stools for studying or meeting.

The resulting space is inviting for the students, making them comfortable in a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/eye-popping-rainbow-school-brightens-up-a-rundown-community-in-los-angeles/" target="_blank">creative and inspiring environment</a>.