Text: Matt Carey
Interview: Malin Lindell
Case: Campus Borlänge
All around the world, architects and designers are using BAUX Acoustic Tiles and Panels in exciting projects for great brands. In a series of newsletters, we aim to introduce you to a selection of projects and the mind masters behind the designs of these acoustic artworks. Why? Because there are endless design possibilities to share with the world. We simply will call these newsletters Interviews #.
This week, we caught up with interior architect Malin Lindell, from White Arkitekter, to talk about designing with BAUX and how the dining hall at Campus Borlänge became a canvas for acoustic storytelling.
Tell us about the design brief for Campus Borlänge?
From the start, the ambition was to create a long-term sustainable environment. We took inspiration from the craft traditions and nature in this area of Sweden to create a warm, lively, and inviting environment. Högskolan Dalarna’s ambition is to be at the forefront of technical and pedagogical developments, so we wanted to create an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and thoughts with different types of environments that support study.
What challenges did you face?
With 13,000 square meters, Högskolan Dalarna is quite a big building. We wanted to create a strong concept for the building as a whole and make spaces with different characters to avoid repetition.
What challenges did BAUX help to address?
The lunch room is one of the most active and social parts of the building, so it had to be functional and comfortable. We wanted to create a space where students could relax, and we understood we needed to make the right acoustic environment to avoid it becoming noisy and stressful. BAUX helped us to do this, but the materials choices also let us reflect on Dalarna’s identity and create a connection to the area.
How did the BAUX materials work in this space?
The products perform really well acoustically, but they are also so versatile in terms of colour and shape. BAUX is an acoustic solution, but it feels more like an architectural feature.
Tell us more about the colour choices and patterns—how did Dalarna’s local heritage inspire the designs?
Dalarna has a beautiful tradition of craftsmanship, with braiding, woodwork, textiles, and we wanted to celebrate that in our choice of colours and patterning. My colleague Alice Anderson started sketching small-scale patterns based on those traditions, and as these ideas developed, we scaled them up to make the patterns for the walls. The BAUX designs feel more like pieces of art than functional acoustic materials.
Was sustainability part of the design conversation from the beginning?
Absolutely! This project had a clear sustainability brief, and throughout the project, we had a good dialogue with the university about sustainable choices. We approached this by reusing materials and looking for new materials that provide longevity with low CO2 footprints. The BAUX tiles fit perfectly as they’re made from natural materials and are very durable. It’s a material that supports long-term design thinking.
How did the BAUX designs contribute to the atmosphere in the dining space?
It’s subtle but powerful. The acoustics are improved, and visually, the BAUX designs add warmth and identity. They soften the space and make it more human. It’s not just a lunch room, it’s become a place where people want to spend time and relax.
What would be your dream BAUX project?
I think it would be fun to use BAUX in training locations and gyms. They’re often rather boring and noisy. It will be great as well to have some visual inspiration in these kinds of spaces. Imagine if one could pattern an entire room!
Feel free to download all files intended to help working professionals design, sketch and construct sustainable acoustical sound environments for large and small spaces.
