Corson was established in 1970 when Campus Valla was established and has over the years been extended as the campus has grown southwards. The majority of the university campus's buildings have entrances facing Corson, which makes the street an important hub for all the students, researchers, staff and visitors who spend time on campus.
In various stages, Corson will now undergo a comprehensive upgrade. In total, the project covers approximately 30,000 m2 of land area. The focus of the work is more social places that will encourage people to spend time outdoors by offering recreational environments for activity, study and rest. Expanded green spaces are also being created here that strengthen biodiversity, with the hope of also contributing to health-promoting effects. The vegetation is adapted to the seasons to ensure a campus with high ecological sustainability throughout the year. Likewise, more bicycle parking and a clearer zoning will be added to make the pedestrian and bicycle path even safer, while those on campus are encouraged to travel sustainably and increase mobility.
"Outdoor environments are a central part of our work to create attractive campuses where students, researchers, staff and visitors thrive and feel good. We are now looking forward to carrying out the largest upgrade ever made by Corson in Linköping. The goal is for the route to become a natural place for recovery, networking and creative meetings, while at the same time making the campus even more welcoming and accessible to everyone," says Anna Alsborger, Property Director at Akademiska Hus.
Sustainability an important parameter
An important part of the development of Corson is that it takes place in a sustainable way. Surplus raw materials such as excavated material and concrete will be recycled and strict environmental requirements will be imposed on the machines, fuels and vehicles used during the project. And precisely because of the conserving of natural resources, not everything along the renewed Corson will be completely new. Materials such as natural stone, paving stones and concrete slabs, as well as some furniture, flagpoles and the characteristic lighting bells will be reused – but will have new placements.
"Campus Valla has Sweden's longest corso. Soon it will also be the most modern, with green spaces and meeting places where tens of thousands of students, staff and guests can thrive and develop. In the throng of the 'new' corson, Linköping University can consolidate its position as an innovative and forward-looking university," says Per-Olof Brehmer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for collaboration and strategic development at Linköping University.
The upgrade of Corson is planned to start in spring 2025 and last until winter 2027.