“When offices stand half-empty, it’s easy to focus only on the costs. But with the right planning, densification can create environments that are not only used more efficiently, but also feel better – for people, organizations, and the climate,” says Agnes Elvin.

How Uppsala University is responding to new demands for resource-efficient offices

After the pandemic, many government offices are left half-empty. At the same time, pressure is mounting on the state to use facilities more resource-efficiently – for both economic and climate reasons. In a recent report, the Swedish National Audit Office noted that authorities often lease more space than they need, and the government has introduced new key performance indicators to monitor costs and efficiency.

Segerstedt Building: from empty space to increased collaboration

At Uppsala University, the issue has become concrete. The Segerstedt Building, the university’s administrative headquarters inaugurated in 2017, houses around 750 employees but today stands partly vacant. Since the pandemic, remote work has become a natural part of the workweek, creating new value in terms of flexibility and work environment – but also resulting in well-equipped office spaces being used less than before.

As part of a broader efficiency program, the university is now choosing to densify the Segerstedt Building by relocating more employees from other parts of the organization. This not only increases the utilization rate of the premises but also strengthens collaboration between departments and enhances the building’s social presence.

Indicum’s role: densifying through reuse

Indicum, which designed the interiors when the Segerstedt Building was first completed in 2017, has been commissioned to support the densification – with a strong focus on reuse.

“We are reviewing the placement of workstations and meeting areas, starting first and foremost with the furniture already in the building,” explains Agnes Elvin, interior architect SIR/MSA & HI-coach at Indicum. “Where new pieces are needed, we add furniture from other parts of the university – and only as a last step do we consider new purchases.”

When new furniture is required, reused options are suggested, bringing both climate benefits and cost savings.

Space optimization and reuse go hand in hand

The densification process clearly shows how smart planning and reuse are interconnected. Less space calls for new solutions – while also providing opportunities to make the most of existing interiors. Through inventories, redesign, and climate calculations, Indicum demonstrates the impact reuse can have, both economically and environmentally.

Part of a larger movement

The Segerstedt Building is just one example of a wider trend. Several government agencies, such as the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Swedish Tax Agency, have already reduced or consolidated their office space. With the government’s reassessment program and the National Financial Management Authority’s new analysis tool, this development is expected to accelerate.

Indicum – experience with complex projects

With long experience in public sector projects and expertise in reuse and climate-driven design, Indicum helps authorities and other organizations meet these new demands. The Segerstedt Building demonstrates how resource efficiency can be combined with architectural quality and improved well-being.

“When offices stand half-empty, it’s easy to focus only on the costs. But with the right planning, densification can create environments that are not only used more efficiently, but also feel better – for people, organizations, and the climate,” says Agnes Elvin.