ACCELERATOR
In an abandoned, subterranean physics lab at Stockholm University Campus, the exhibition space Accelerator has recently opened. As a venue where the public, students and researchers can meet, it is part of the development towards a more multi- functional and dynamic campus. The aim is ambitious – to open new ways of thinking at every level: spar- king new research questions, inspiring new ways of learning, and originating new approaches to societal issues.
The name Accelerator derives from its location. The red brick buildings were constructed in 1936 as laboratory and dwelling for Manne Siegbahn, nobel laureate in physics 1924, and had a particle accelerator in the basement. After redevelopment the basement now houses two large exhibition halls with impressive ceiling height and accompanying workshops and storage facilities. Work spaces are located on ground level in a former ventilation space. The void in between the buildings has been transformed into a new entrance lobby that ties everything together. Here you find reception, restaurant and seating that doubles as a small auditorium. Adjacent to the entrance hall is a large water basin, originally used for cooling the particle accelerator. This pool is renovated but otherwise kept in original state, possible to use for exhibitions or any other kind of event.
