Forumtorget is one of Uppsala’s most important central squares; an open breathing space within the built-up business district. The Square is a generous new public plaza with a dramatic 65 metre stretch of seating that delights, entertains and provides a moment of rest as the main focal point.

A moment of reflection

Forumtorget gives tired shoppers and people on their lunch break a moment of pause in their busy urban lives. While the square has been a well-established gathering point in Uppsala for many years, its new competition-winning design redefines the space in a way that invites passersby to take a break, enjoy a public performance, or participate in activities.

Introducing the new Forumtorget

The project involves three main elements that work together to strengthen the square’s identity; subdued paving tiles, a stage for seating and performance, and a 65 metre long bench. The showstopping bench is designed for more than just aesthetic purposes, by bridging the differing ground levels of the square.

Parametric thinking

The bench is composed of 3,500 unique elements made from a glass-quartz composite, shaped by water-jet cutters. The water-jet cutting technique is used when the materials being machined are sensitive to the high temperatures generated by other tooling methods. The design model was developed by Dsearch, White Research Lab’s in-house computational design team.