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.
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.
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.”
