Evolving Architecture

Sammanfattning

Nymble, the student union building at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, is a heritage-listed example of early Swedish functionalist architecture. Designed in 1930 by Sven Markelius and Uno Åhrén, it has long served as a hub for student life, embodying democratic values, community, and adaptability. Over time, Nymble has undergone several expansions, each reflecting contemporary needs and design sensibilities. However, shifts in student union funding—particularly following the 2010 end of mandatory membership—have challenged the building’s ability to prioritize student needs. This thesis proposes a careful approach to restoration, adaptation, and extension that honors Nymble’s original architectural logic while making it more functional for present and future use. Restoration efforts involve selectively removing unsympathetic additions and reinstating spatial clarity and materiality from the 1930s and 1950s phases. A new extension above the 1977 addition introduces modern study and club spaces, using lightweight construction and contemporary materials in dialogue with the original building. By treating heritage as an evolving process rather than a fixed state, the project repositions Nymble as a living framework that supports both continuity and change.