Architect and author become new honorary doctors at the University of Gävle

The University of Gävle appoints architect Suzanne de Laval and author Bernt-Olov Andersson as honorary doctors for their long-standing and significant commitment to knowledge and culture – from developing school and learning environments in close collaboration with the University to their strong work for culture and public education.

The title of honorary doctor, doctores honoris causa, is awarded to, for example, a researcher, a teacher, a prominent cultural figure, or some other deserving person. An honorary doctor must have made important contributions of significance to the university's research or education at the regional, national, and international levels.

The new honorary doctors will be officially conferred their honorary doctorates at the Academic Ceremony held at Gasklockorna on Friday, 17 April.

On Wednesday, 15 April, the honorary doctors will give lectures together with three newly appointed professors at Agnes Kulturhus in Gävle.

– It feels very honorable, and the news came as a complete surprise to me. That a factory worker from Sandviken would become an honorary doctor of philosophy was beyond my wildest imagination, even though I have been a writer for 50 years, says Bernt-Olov Andersson, born in Kilafors and raised in Sandviken.

Has depicted the history of the "mill"

In Gävleborg, the author is best known for his septology about Sandviken and life at the "mill." It is a historical account consisting of seven novels that provide a vivid description of 100 years of labor history.

Over the years, Bernt-Olov has held important roles in organizations such as the Workers' Writers' Association, the Writers' Union, and the Stig Sjödin Society. Here, he has worked to promote public education and preserve the local literary tradition through writing courses and reading circles, among other things.

– As an author and cultural worker, I want to continue to highlight and preserve Sweden's unique tradition of working-class authors. For obvious reasons, my perspective has never been the big city, but rather the steel town. In addition to this, I have had a special interest in our county authors, both past and present.

Contributed to the development of school environments

Suzanne de Laval, architect SAR/MSA and Doctor of Technology in Architecture, has been a key figure in the design and development of Swedish school environments and learning environment research.

– Being appointed honorary doctor is surprising, and I am very pleased that my many years of collaboration with the University in innovative learning environments has proved so appreciated. And there is something very special about the ceremonial academic celebration, where we celebrate knowledge and research together.

Focusing on the interaction between people and spaces

Through her work, she has contributed to strengthening interdisciplinary research in her field. She has compiled a research overview and brought together researchers from several disciplines who share an interest in school environments.

– I want to continue the interdisciplinary collaboration on learning environments. My perspective is that of an architecture researcher, and in particular the interaction between people and space. Here I can contribute with my knowledge and my networks in Sweden and abroad.

Text: Anna Sällberg