After a seven-year-long renovation that included construction of a new extension by architect Petra Gipp, Bruksgården in Höganäs, Sweden, has been re-inaugurated as the headquarters of Lindéngruppen.
When Ulf G Lindén founded Lindéngruppen in the mid-1980s, he set up headquarters at Bruksgården. Situated on Gruvtorget, the building has played a primary role in local commerce since 1805 when it was the home of Höganäs ABs Managing Director.
Following the extensive renovation of Bruksgården it now reflects Lindéngruppens desire to approach things with a long-term perspective and with a curiosity for new ideas.
“As a family business, our headquarters reflect our values as well as our ambition” explains Jenny Lindén Urnes. “In the renovation work my aim was to build a bridge between architecture and art, but also between history and the present time.”
Because of Bruksgården’s location in an area of Höganäs that is classified as being of national interest, its main building and wings are considered to be of the highest cultural heritage value.
“With the extensive conversion and addition, great care and consideration has been given to this historically valuable environment, both in terms of the building itself and its surroundings – the urban space, the square, and the garden. The physical structure of the city block has been returned to its original form” says Petra Gipp. “But it was important that this extension not only merge with the historic structure, but also be a distinct contemporary unit with its very own identity.”
Mårten Castenfors, Director of Liljevalchs Museum and Stockholm Art and who has been a member of the Beckers Art Award jury for more than 20 years, curated the art displayed throughout the building. An important aspect of the project is the contemporary collection, centring on a core of pieces by Beckers Art Award recipients. “Just as Lindéngruppen is striving to become a place where new visions are formed, the art at Bruksgården should be a catalyst for new thoughts and ideas,” says Castenfors.
“We want to be a business that represents both continuity and innovation” says Jenny Lindén Urnes. “That is why we decided to build on our heritage by renewing and developing Bruksgården, but it is also why it was important to me to create a space for art, to stimulate our creativity, challenge conventions and to make us dare to think differently.”
“The new Bruksgården is much more than just a beautiful building,” she adds. “It mirrors the company’s ambition to drive development towards a sustainable future.”
