Research, Development & Innovation

Our curiosity makes us continuously evaluate and challenge our world. Since the creation of White Arkitekter in 1951, we have challenged the status quo through our in-house research and development to create sustainable architecture — and a better society for all.

Projects

Research and development has been an important part of the culture at White since it was established in 1951. This is the number of R&D projects currently under way.

Themes

All coworkers can apply for R&D funding to explore current issues and develop new skills. With the programme’s overall theme of Informed Design, we focus on the areas of Circular Architecture and Healthy Living Environments.

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Turnover

We are curious and always look ahead to understand what's coming. The exploratory culture is reflected in the way we manage our finances — 10% of our annual turnover is earmarked for research and development.

Explorative culture since 1951

Research and development has been a fundamental part of our working culture since the practice was established in 1951. Knowledge and curiosity remain as our fundamental business assets. Our explorative culture is reflected in our investment; ten percent of our annual turnover is dedicated to R&D. Our employee ownership structure allows us to support R&D activities on a broad basis, from bottom-up initiatives in our assignments, to practice-based research in collaboration with academia.

In our Innovation Lab, we explore and develop new ideas in close collaboration with clients and partners, with the goal of bringing them to market and creating sustainable value.

We engage in practice-based research that supports sustainable ways of living. For us, research is a way in which we challenge standard practices to create better architecture and a better society for all.

Read our Research Programme

Our Research Programme for 2020-2023 has an overall theme of Informed Design and a focus on the areas of Circular Architecture and Healthy Living Environments. During the programme period White Research Lab will stimulate R&D that pushes boundaries for what’s possible, that makes a difference for both people and the planet, and that shows how architecture, design and urban planning can contribute to the Global Goals.

Read the programme here

Read our R&D Magazine

Our R&D Magazine for 2021 (in English and Swedish) is packed with new knowledge, insights, methods and tools from our practice-based research and development. In this issue, you can read about everything from the life cycle assessment (LCA) that shows Sara Cultural Centre is climate positive and methodology for stormwater analysis to how important the outdoor environment is for children’s overall learning and how Augmented Reality can inform design processes.

The R&D funded by the White Research Lab (WRL) is mainly linked to our commissions and thus well distributed across the company.

Read the magazine in PDF here

Projects and publications

15 October 2020 - 9 February 2021

Transforming Hospitable Environments Culture & Leisure

Global travel bans, restrictions and remote working continue to impact the hospitality landscape inextricably. The pandemic has shown that the negative impact of humanity on the environment can be slowed and behavior change accelerated. This is the perfect time to act.
1 January 2016 - 31 July 2017

Thermal Comfort analysis at Kiruna Square Research & Development

When designing the new central square in Kiruna, Sweden, emphasis has been placed on creating a comfortable microclimate that mitigates the extreme cold climate. This project presents a methodology developed to evaluate the effect of floor surface material and tree density on the outdoor thermal comfort in the square.
1 January 2014 - 31 December 2018

Artful Parameters Research & Development

To delve into parametric design in architecture, Dsearch focused on design computation in the exploration of a graphic expression for the façade of Humanistiska Teatern.
1 January 2013 - 31 December 2018

Solar Energy in Urban Planning Sustainability

Integrating renewable energy sources, such as active solar energy systems, into the urban fabric is of utmost importance to forge resilient cities with high levels of sustainability.