What’s Next for Nymble?

Have you ever wondered why Gasquen’s toilets are made of metal? Why are there random columns outside KårX? Or simply even why Nymble feels like a maze at times? With renovations ongoing, Osqledaren dives into Nymble, why it looks the way it does and what’s next.

ther expand upwards to make the kitchen area have a second floor or to start a new extension in the rocky area next to Gröten. The kitchen already has a history of several renovations and moves within the building including it moving, expanding, being that is currently served doesn’t match their expectations from a campus restaurant, instead opting for something more simple and friendly to their wallets. You can read more students' opinions on page 26 of this issue.

Before any large-scale new construction can happen there will be a small expansion and renovation to the kitchen this summer, taking away space from several meeting rooms and the bookshop. The restaurant is a downsized version of what was previously there due to a lack of business around 2008. The previous larger version took up the entire space of the current restaurant and also the bookstore. The new proposal is an increase in size but it will still not be as large as the pre 2008 version. This summer's construction will put further strain on our already in demand resources as we currently lack meeting rooms as well as spaces to host small dinners. These desired spaces will have to wait until a large construction mentioned in the previous paragraph can happen, which may take many years.

In the current building climate sustainability is at the forefront of design, or it at least should be. Considering that Nymble is approaching 100 years since construction the question of what it will take to reduce energy costs and its climate footprint arises. Can we just fill Nymble’s many flat roofs with solar panels? It’s a feasible option and there is definitely a desire within THS to have a more sustainable environment but securing funding is challenging. Nymble is unique as it is owned by THS as opposed to KTH which makes it harder to find money for these projects - previous renovations of Nymble have been funded through donations from both individuals and companies. For one construction phase almost 75 million SEK was donated which raises the question; can we successfully do it again?

Nymble has had three major stages in its development thus far the proposed new expansion could mark its fourth phase. Almost 10 years ago Nymble was zoned as a protected building, meaning additional approval is needed before any construction would happen. Many believe this is the reason why major changes are not possible; however, only a portion of the building is restricted by this. Besides the external facades appearance, some 3rd floor rooms and both staircases, there is little limitation on altering the existing building. Since Nymble is so segmented between many student associations, the alterations behind closed doors often go unnoticed or unapproved since there’s so much else happening within the building. On our walkthrough we noticed several additions or alterations that the architects were not made aware of as well as things like holes punched in ceilings, extensive wear and tear and some general disregard for the space. Durability has always been a concern, that’s why there’s things like steel frame chairs and metal toilets in Gasquen in the hopes that they’ll withstand rowdy student parties. Of course the architects were aware that this would be a student building and the implications of that but it’s still disappointing to see it this way.

With each extension there’s a dramat ic increase in space within the building which has led to most rooms having mul tiple locations throughout Nymble’s history. Hyllan used to be the restaurant’s kitchen, Panorama was once a gym, a doctor used to have their office in the Kårspexet room and even our own OL office was former ly the caretaker's home. These previous configurations answer some questions about the more confusing parts of Nym ble. Hyllan’s floor was originally lower be cause when the kitchen was there and the windows were designed to be at standing height for chefs preparing food. When Hyl lan changed to be what it is today the floor was raised to make the window height comfortable for people sitting instead. The columns around Panorama on the ground floor existed far before the gym was re moved and the glass walls were added. The strange black bin looking things outside of KårX are actually ventilation shafts as the original floor is almost 1 metre lower than the existing height.