Slussen Masterplan, Sweden : Information + Images

25 Jan 2010 New face of Stockholm revealed at Slussen Masterplan public exhibition The new face of Stockholm at Slussen – a modern urban quarter at the heart of the archipelago – is poised to become one of city’s most dynamic civic destinations. The masterplan will provide new public spaces, an accessible quayside, pedestrian and cycle routes and prominent new buildings while transforming the existing infrastructure to minimise the threat of flooding and create a 21st century transport interchange. Before + after views ; view across the water Housed in a building within the Slussen masterplan area itself, the exhibition opens on 25th January 2010 to coincide with the start of a formal public consultation process for the new masterplan. Designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Berg Arkitektkontor for the City of Stockholm, the project covers an area of Stockholm adjacent to the navigation lock between the Baltic and the freshwater Lake Mälaren. The catalyst is an urgent need to replace much of the degenerated water and transportation infrastructure. The City of Stockholm is taking the opportunity to transform this important part of the capital into a new destination, creating a balance between road vehicles and pedestrians while enhancing the public realm with easier access to the waterfront. The masterplan scale and grain consciously preserve the city’s character at this historic location. General views of the design A central feature of the new Slussen is the Water Square, a pedestrianised public space arranged around the new navigation lock and realigned quayside, animated by new restaurants and bars. On the Södermalm side, the ground plane around the existing City Museum is extended out over the new below ground transport interchange and shopping mezzanine to create a series of new public spaces. A range of mixed use buildings are integrated into the new quarter to become a dynamic urban focus for Stockholm. Slussen’s prominent waterside location opposite historic Gamla Stan will make it a magnet for the city’s best contemporary architecture, while the elegant new road and pedestrian bridges will become feature elements. Once complete, the new Slussen’s extensive public terraces will provide spectacular panoramas over Stockholm. Plan - various levels Spencer de Grey, Head of Design at Foster + Partners comments, “We are proud to be a part of this ambitious project to redefine this beating heart of Stockholm. The combination of a bold civic statement together with the repair of infrastructure that is critical to the future sustainability of the city promises a richer totality. With vastly improved access to the waterfront and generous amounts of new public space, the development will ensure that Slussen will become a popular civic focus for generations to come.” Svante Berg of Berg Arkitektkontor said, “It is a privilege to work on this important project so close to home. It is also highly stimulating and a great pleasure to work with Foster + Partners.” Slussen Masterplan architects : Foster + Partners 22 May 2009 Foster + Partners appointed to design Slussen masterplan in central Stockholm Foster + Partners and Berg Arkitektkontor, part of C.F. Møller Architects, have been appointed to design a masterplan for the heart of Stockholm, transforming the waterfront area of Slussen from an urban aberration to a popular destination. The proposal will bring new life to the area, linking the islands of Södermalm and Gamla Stan and stripping away the layers of history to reclaim a valuable city quarter. For so long separated by a maze of roads and acres of concrete, the two waterfronts will be linked by a new footbridge and the historic lock will be revealed once more to provide a symbol for the area’s regeneration. The masterplan re-establishes the waterfront to give Södermalm a new face. While contemporary in concept, the buildings that form the new city blocks continue the grain and scale of the adjacent urban quarter, retaining the long street views to the water and defining new public squares and extensive waterfront promenades. Their flexible nature allows for a rich mixture of uses, from culture and entertainment to shops and hotels, while the uninterrupted pedestrian quayside incorporates terraces, and promenades served directly by new cafés and restaurants. Slussen Bridge Stockholm images / information from Foster + Partners Slussen Bridge Stockholm : previous information - competition entry