ESS - European Spallation Source

Fact Sheet: ESS - European Spallation Source

Project description
In southern Sweden, the future of atomic science is under construction. ESS is a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research facility that will be open for scientists from all over the world. Almost like a giant microscope, ESS will allow scientists to look deep inside objects to see where the atoms are and what they are doing: A powerful ion source will beam protons the laboratory’s 600-meter main corridor at 96 percent of the speed of light, smashing loose neutrons as they collide with a solid tungsten target disc.

The design for the ESS emerges as a hybrid of aesthetic considerations and the exacting technical demands of cutting-edge atomic science. At its center is the Science Village, where science and the wider world collide – By integrating an open campus into the plan, the ESS becomes a social destination, inviting the larger community to take an interest in cutting-edge science. Developed and operated by a multinational European scientific coalition, the 74.2-hectare ESS site includes two core research facilities, a visitor’s center, and a mixed-use residential and commercial neighborhood. The ESS delivers high-level research facilities in elegant, sustainable form – A future vision of architectural and scientific crossroads.

Unlike other neutron-based research facilities across Europe, ESS is not based on nuclear reactors. Instead, scientists and engineers have developed a new generation of neutron sources based on particle accelerators and spallation technology, a much more efficient approach. In fact, ESS will provide up to 100 times brighter neutron beams than currently available at existing facilities.

By studying these isolated neutrons, ESS researchers develop a deeper understanding of molecular structures that determine the material properties of our world. This can help them design new materials, which could for instance lead to better batteries or stronger engineering materials. Or it could help life science researchers develop new vaccines or more effective medicines. With the help of neutrons, scientists will be able to understand materials and matter at a deeper level than ever before.

Location
Lund, Sweden

Client
ESS – European Spallation Source. ESS is hosted by Sweden and Denmark with the research facility located in Lund, Sweden, and the Data Management and Software Centre (DMSC) is based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Architects
Henning Larsen and Cobe

Henning Larsen is an international studio for architecture, landscape, and urbanism with design hubs in Copenhagen, New York, Singapore, Berlin, and Oslo. At the heart of our design philosophy is the play of light and nature. We bring joy to those who occupy our spaces by shaping the conditions for human interaction. We work at the nexus of creativity and experimentation, always looking to the lasting impact on communities and their environments. Drawing on a Scandinavian ethos, we develop context-driven, sustainable designs that provide lasting value to users, local communities, and cities. We aim to contribute social spaces that engage people and inspire human interaction. We approach our clients with curiosity and a desire to listen, inspire, collaborate, and innovate.

Cobe is an architecture firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded by the architect Dan Stubbergaard. Cobe creates future-proof urbanism, landscape and architecture that contribute to extraordinary everyday life. Today, the building and construction sector account for 40% of the world’s CO₂ emissions. We are aware of our responsibility and opportunity to impact. Our ambition is to create architecture that exists only to contribute; buildings that benefit, spaces that enrich and cities that catalyse positive progress. We design for life — for people and for communities. We shape enduring architecture because it’s rooted in reality yet open for change — for new uses and users. We aim to bring life to spaces that work from day one and for generations to come.

Landscape Architect
SLA is an internationally renowned nature-based design studio that delivers interdisciplinary consultancy. SLA designs cities, public spaces, and nature on all scales: From parks and plazas to city-wide masterplans and national biodiversity strategies. All in all, they use nature, design, and technology to create adaptable, biodiverse cities and landscapes that inspire community and diversity. Founded in Copenhagen, SLA has for thirty years designed some of the most notable public spaces and masterplans in the world. Today they are 130 landscape architects, anthropologists, biologists, and urban planners spread over Copenhagen, Oslo, and Aarhus studios.

Collaborators
Buro Happold, NNE Pharmaplan, Piacon AB, Bent Lauritzen, Head of Division, Center for Nuclear Technologies, Radiation Physics

Size
Site: approx. 70 hectares
Gross floor area: 100,000 m2
Number of users: ESS anticipates that up to 3,000 researchers from around the world will come to ESS each year to carry out experiments. At the same time ESS will provide an attractive workplace for more than 500 employees.

Certifications
BREEAM Outstanding

Project timeline
2009: The European Spallation Source was created by the European Commission in 2009 to facilitate the joint establishment and operation of pan-European research facility. The Founding Members of the European Spallation Source ERIC are the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
2012: The European Spallation Source held an international design competition, where a team consisting of Henning Larsen, Cobe, SLA, Buro Happold, NNE Pharmaplan, and Transsolar were chosen as the winner.
2014: The project breaks ground
2023: The buildings and landscape project is completed. Construction of the many advanced instruments needed to operate the multi-disciplinary research facility carries on.
2025-2026: The first the first experiments are expected to take place.
2027: The facility will be fully operational

Project cost
Budget: 1 843 M€ (including instruments)
Financing split between member states: The two host countries Denmark and Sweden: 47.5%. Non-host members: 52.5%
Furthermore, the project has gotten in-kind contributions of 550 M€.