Orkanen, University building in Universitetsholmen, Malmö, Sweden

Orkanen is a university building on Hjälmarekajen at Universitetsholmen in Malmö, used by Malmö University for teacher education and its library. It is 150 metres long and 60 metres wide, with a flat roof and a facade of light green glass over a dark green background, decorated with 30-centimetre stainless-steel letters set behind the glass. The interior holds six connected blocks around five courtyards.

The building was completed in 2005 by architects Diener & Diener and Fojab Arkitekter, designed with emphasis on functional modern architecture. Its opening represented a major expansion of Malmö's university facilities supporting contemporary research and learning spaces.

The facade carries words and phrases in several languages, set in 30 cm stainless-steel letters behind the glass. They include quotes from Malmö-born poet Hjalmar Gullberg and rapper Timbuktu, plus words such as "kunskap" and "frihet" in different languages. The letters were devised by the director of the university's K3 department, and their appearance shifts with the hour, weather and the viewer's movement.

The library sits along the harbor with good accessibility and is easy to reach on foot from central Malmö. Hours of operation vary throughout the week, so it is worth checking in advance before planning your visit.

The fifth floor holds the main library collection with study areas offering views across the harbor and city. This combination of functional workspace and overlooking the waterfront makes it stand out among Nordic university libraries.