Indigo in Hovås

Indigo in Hovås

Sharper focus, better sleep and a more active daily routine – these are just some of the health benefits enjoyed by tenants of the new Indigo building in Nya Hovås, outside Gothenburg. In collaboration with Next Step Group and BRA, we’ve created a space that practically buzzes with the energy of movement. Driven by deep conviction and commitment, the Indigo project demonstrates how innovative thinking and out-of-the-box solutions can pave the way for improved public health.

When the quickest path isn’t always the best

Indigo is home to a primary school (ages 6-11), a gym, and three padel courts. Its schoolyard, spread across three levels—the roof, the courtyard above the gym, and the adjoining natural landscape—is the first of its kind in Sweden, designed to get children moving. Together with Next Step, we’ve crafted a playground with rolling hills, trampolines, obstacle courses, and running tracks.

To reach the school’s three floors, students follow a winding wooden staircase that spirals out into the courtyard. It’s not the fastest or straightest route, but it is a path to better academic performance and healthier lives. The building itself encourages behaviour patterns that, according to research, improve both long-term health and educational outcomes.

Client: Next Step Group
Place: Nya Hovås, Gothenburg
Status: Completed 2022
Size/area: GFA 5800 sqm
Projekt start/end: 2020-2022
Photo: Kalle Sanner and BRA

A more energetic daily life: health benefits of the new Indigo building

Indigo is the result of inspired and tireless work, particularly from Next Step Group, once again proving they are among Sweden’s top property developers—this time, with the well-being of young students as their focus.

After just one month of operation, we’re already hearing reports that students are sleeping soundly after days filled with activity and play. Particularly rewarding is the feedback from the school that girls—who typically drop out of organised sports earlier than boys—are now more active than ever.
Linda Ekman, lead landscape architect

But the school isn’t the only space within Indigo promoting movement. On the ground floor, a SATS gym boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that draw passersby into its light-filled, expansive space, which includes over seven metres of vertical height and three padel courts. Thanks to shared use arrangements, the gym also has access to the rooftop playground in the evenings and a fully equipped sports hall during off-school hours.

Promoting physical activity for all ages

A key part of encouraging physical activity is creating environments where children and adults can inspire each other. When children see that fitness is an integral part of adult life, they’re more likely to follow suit. The same is true in the schoolyard, where it’s important for pupils to motivate and assist each other, regardless of personal ability.

The architectural and landscape teams focused on designing for “movement richness” from the very beginning. With a spirit of collaboration and innovation, together with Next Step Group, they’ve created a building that not only enables but actively encourages movement through both its structure and its activities.

We’ve broken new ground, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Next Step Group and everyone involved. Through Indigo, we’re demonstrating how architecture can actively promote physical activity and improve the health of children and young people.
Joakim Hansson, Lead Architect

Architectural design for a healthier community

Indigo’s three interconnected buildings are arranged in a C-shape, reducing noise while creating a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. The facade facing Nya Hovås blends seamlessly with the modern, minimalist aesthetic of the surrounding office buildings, while the interior design exudes warmth and resilience—mirroring the building’s purpose.

In keeping with inclusive design principles, the exterior colour scheme features shades of yellow and green—neutral tones that appeal to many and evoke a sense of both dynamism and safety. Inside the classrooms, large windows flood the space with natural light, connecting the interior environment with the playground and the unique urban surroundings of Nya Hovås.

A building built for movement

Every type of physical activity can have a positive impact on health, and that’s a core principle guiding daily life at Indigo. The building and its facilities are not only designed to enable movement but also to inspire and encourage it. This design is informed by insights from researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, along with Generation Pep ambassador, Carolina Klüft.

Contact & Team

Joakim Hansson

Joakim Hansson

Architect

+46 706 67 87 93

Maria Flårback

Magnus Bunner

Daniel Hasselvind

Hans Pålsson

Linda Ekman

Phoebe Xi Hu

Hampus Åvall

Mikaela Åström Forsgren

Tobias Olausson Sahlin

Åsa Askergren

Vitaliya Mokhava

Susanna von Eyben

Karin Björning-Engström

Jay Williams

Fatima Khavari

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