Efforts to review and improve the Faculty’s premises have evolved over time, often as a result of other decisions and organisational changes. When Hanieh Heidarabadi began her role, there was no clear mandate to densify space. Instead, the focus was on gaining an overview, understanding how spaces were used, and supporting departments in adapting their environments – something that had previously been lacking at a central level.
“There wasn’t really a consolidated picture of our premises. Much of the responsibility sat with the departments, and my role became about bringing everything together – understanding how many square metres we have, how they are used, and what the organisation actually needs,” Hanieh explains.
At the same time, the prevailing perception within the organisation was clear: there was a shortage of space, and lack of premises was widely seen as a constraint.
“Everyone talked about a shortage of space. It was an established truth, something that shaped many discussions.”
As larger organisational changes took place – such as the closure of the Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics (ATF) and its relocation to Fysicum, as well as the work surrounding CIG-B, which later became the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (MGeo) – it became clear that premises cannot be separated from the organisation and its development.
“Questions about premises almost always arise as a consequence of changes in operations. When a department moves or merges, new needs emerge, and the premises must adapt. You can’t treat these issues in isolation,” says Hanieh.
In some cases, it became evident that the issue was not an actual shortage, but rather how space was being used. At Geocentrum, for example, there were areas that no one had a clear overview of, or materials that had occupied space without being used for some time. Once the work became more structured, it quickly became clear that there was untapped potential in existing spaces.
“When we took a closer look, we saw that some areas were not being fully utilised. That shifted the perspective quite quickly – from shortage to opportunity in what we already have.”
The work has also opened up new possibilities. When space was freed up in the Astronomihuset building, the idea of a study centre with integrated library services began to take shape – an example of how optimisation is not only about efficiency, but also about developing the organisation.
“When space became available, we started asking different questions: what could we create here? How can our premises support the organisation? That’s where the idea of a study centre began to emerge.”
A key principle in Hanieh’s work is to start with what already exists – to understand, question needs, and adapt before building new.
“I always try to begin with what we already have. What is there? How is it used? Do we really need more space, or can we use what we have more effectively? Building new should be the last step, not the first. Reuse and sustainability are issues I care deeply about.”
At the same time, the work is complex. Many factors must be balanced – operational needs, regulations, accessibility, energy and ventilation requirements, property-related issues, timelines, and financial constraints.
“These factors are not always aligned, which means we constantly have to make trade-offs. That’s what makes the work both challenging and quite time-consuming,” Hanieh explains.
The changes also affect people’s everyday working lives. Adjustments to premises often create uncertainty, and there is a constant balance between individual needs and the needs of the organisation as a whole.
“What benefits the organisation isn’t always what feels best for the individual. You have to respect that, while still making decisions that work for the bigger picture.”
Much of the work also involves improvements that are not always visible. Reviewing premises often means addressing long-standing issues that have been difficult to resolve – such as ventilation, safety, and working environment concerns.
“We resolve many things that may not be immediately visible but are crucial for a well-functioning working environment. It can be anything from ventilation and fire safety to improving flows between spaces. At Geocentrum, for example, we renovated a few of the kitchens and student kitchens, which is also important for a good working environment,” Hanieh explains.
At the same time, tangible changes have already been implemented, including at Fysicum and Geocentrum, where activities have been co-located and outdated structures reviewed.
One clear outcome is that premises are being used more efficiently. More people share spaces, and utilisation rates have increased.
“That’s probably the biggest gain – that our premises are actually being used more, and that we get more out of the space we already have.”
The work has also made visible how spaces are used in practice. Offices, for example, are empty much of the time – on average, they are used only around 30 per cent.
“Many people are in labs, out in the field, or travelling. That raises the question of whether we really need so much space standing empty.”
Looking ahead, several parallel processes are ongoing, including the development of the study centre in Astronomihuset and densification projects across different departments. At the Department of Biology, work is underway to gradually vacate parts of the Biology building, while similar changes are taking place at Kemicentrum, where space is being reallocated based on financial considerations.
“Much of this is driven by economic realities, but we continuously try to find solutions that are sustainable in the long term and support the organisation.”
The overall goal is clear: to use premises more effectively, reduce costs, and at the same time create strong environments for research and education.
“It needs to work for the organisation, for staff, and for students. But it is complex work, and sometimes that means making decisions that aren’t easy.”
The work continues – and is far from complete.
“We’ve come a long way, but we’re not there yet,” Hanieh concludes.
