Foster + Partners and Berg Arkitektkontor’s proposal for ‘Slussen’ ties a knot between Södermalm and Gamla stan. For so long separated by a maze of roads, there is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the links between the two with a new dramatic pedestrian bridge. Stripping away the layers of history, our scheme will celebrate the water and reclaim a valuable new city quarter. There will be significant new public spaces and the city fabric will be repaired. At the heart of ‘Slussen’ a new water promenade, suspended over the restored lock, links the two islands, provides a range of amenities and becomes a symbol for the regeneration of the area: ‘Slussen’ regains its lock!

The challenge at ‘Slussen’ is to transform it from an urban problem to a popular destination that stitches together two important parts of the city. The masterplan heals this urban ‘wound’ by establishing a clearly defined built frontage to give Södermalm a new face. The buildings that will form the new city blocks continue the grain and scale of the adjacent urban quarter and define new public squares and boulevards. Their flexible nature allows for a rich mixture of uses, from culture and entertainment to retail and hotels and the new quayside includes an open space suitable for major public events and extensive terraces.

The central focus of the new ‘Slussen’ will be the water promenade. The ‘missing link’ in the north-south pedestrian access across central Stockholm, it will also provide viewing platforms with panoramic views over the newly liberated water and a bold new symbol for the city. The area is designed to encourage activity all day long, all year round. The historic Katarinahissen will be renovated and also extended to serve the quayside level. A new observation deck built at its top will offer spectacular views over Stockholm.

Reversing the dominance of the car, the new scheme will give priority to pedestrians and cyclists. A new transport interchange will be incorporated and will allow easy pedestrian circulation between an upgraded metro station, a bus station and the port quayside. The public will be able to enjoy naturally lit malls with cafes and a new building containing the station entrance will be created in front of the City Museum.

Spencer de Grey, Head of Design at Foster + Partners said:
‘Our proposal seeks to redress the problem that Slussen has become. It will create a strong relationship between Södermalm and Gamla stan, providing a new destination that knits into the urban DNA of Stockholm.’

For further information about the other proposals visit: www.archicentral.com.