SUMMARY
Thorbjörn Andersson, Sjövikstorget
Land meets water, p. 33 Annemarie Lund Stockholm is undergoing growth and change. We asked some of our Swedish colleagues to review six projects, all lying in developing areas near the water. Hammarby Sjöstad, a large-scale city building project, planned as early as the 1990’s and originally reviewed in LANDSKAB 8-2003. Hammarby Sjöstad lies in the southeastern area as a natural continuation of the inner city, which has influenced the building plans as well as the design of the individual buildings. Among the area’s greatest qualities are the central location and the proximity to scenic areas. In addition to this, emphasis was placed on the design of the public spaces, which are characterized by views, light, water and green areas. Since 2003, Hammarby Sjöstad has continued to grow. This city quarter has become extremely popular, and surprisingly especially with families with children. The combination of the nearness to central Stockholm, the sense of both urbanity and green oases is attractive for those who want to live in the city with their children. The areas that have been built in recent years have a high building density, but still with respect for the intentions of making the most of the unique proximity to water, including the establishment of modern small parks, squares and pedestrian streets. Examples of this are Henriksdalshamnen with its promenade, facilities for small boats and a harbor square, and finally Lugnetterrassen, which is both a park and a square lying protected in a small bay. Another city development area is Liljeholmen, which lies just south of the inner city, and as a continuation of Hammarby Sjöstad will form a kind belt city around the inner city. Before 2015, Liljeholmen will be radically changed. The planning and building is now underway for about 4,000 new apartments and 7,000 new workplaces. Also here, high density building is combined with a proximity to scenic areas. The location by the water and the hilly, wooded terrain of the hinterland is a powerful city building factor, which offers extraordinary opportunities. A number of urban spaces have each been given their own identity and design. Liljeholmstorget is a busy shopping square while Sjövikstorget square and Sjövikskajen dock offer the opportunity to enjoy the sun, the view and the water. In the northwestern corner of Kungsholmen there is also an extensive urban develop-
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ment program in progress. From this area we review another couple of water related examples: the new Kristinebergs Strandpark and Hornsbergs Strandpark. Moreover, the editorial committee made a quick trip up there and on the basis of this; records, admires, compares and reflects. A common feature along the transformed harborfronts is the large wooden decks with seating places, docks and piers, which protrude out into the water together with several varieties of pontoon schemes. All for the purpose of getting onto the water and enjoying as much of the often low rays of sun as possible. Ulrik Kuggas writes that ‘The unique feature of the Swedish capital is of course, that it is so extensively surrounded by water. This is especially evident today where there is such a great focus on living close to the water and especially on being able to look out over it. Thus in many areas of the city work is underway with projects that treat the transition from land to water.’ Jacob Fischer points out how the presence of water is emphasized: ‘Flytbryggan’ (pontoon dock) at Liljeholmskajen is an example of a project that is simple in concept, simple in construction and simple to use: a large sculptural timber raft with an undulating wooden deck with curves so the body can find a place to rest.’ But there are also other aspects that make an impression; The Swedish joy of flowers and plants and the ability to create unique places with a special atmosphere – conducive to a sense of well-being. Places like Norr Mälarstrand with the Mälerpaviljongen pavilion, the rush thicket at Hammarby Sjöstad, the playground at Blockriket, the modern bosques in Kristinebergs Strandpark, Perennparken in Skärholmen. ‘Most modern architecture has a tendency to be too expressive. There is too much one must be aware of and sometimes it can all seem unnerving’ says Lulu Salto Stephensen and concludes that the real badge of honor is when ‘one experiences it without thinking too much about it.’ The Stockholm style’s social and functional oriented park program, with projects like Norr Mälarstrand and Rålambshovparken have proven to be both durable and adjustable. Charlotte Horn is enthusiastic about the new skater park in Rålis under the Lilla Västerbron bridge. And Malin Blomqvist describes a significant difference to the Danish situation, namely the scenic city building resistance, which the rocky terrain and the
powerful topography give: ‘From here there is a view, at a height of 45 meters, with yet another dramatic drop down to the former harbor area. In memoriam, Malene Hauxner, September 18, 1942 – January 18, 2012. p. 65 Ellen Marie Braae and Kjell Nilsson Professor, D Agro., landscape architect Malene Hauxner, after a longer illness, passed away at the age of 69. Malene Hauxner was a professor of “Landscape architecture theory, method and history” at the department of Forest & Landscape at the University of Copenhagen. Here she inspired several generations of landscape architects through her teaching and insistence on architectural quality. And with her broad and mordant style she was a pioneer in landscape architecture research. In 1993 she became a Doctor of Agronomics with her dissertation Fantasiens Have. Det moderne gennembrud i havekunsten og sporene i byens landskab. In 2002 her book was published Med himlen som loft (Open to the Sky), which addresses the period from 1950-70. With her book Supernatur. Fra naturlig natur til supernatur. Europæisk landskabsarkitektur 1967-2007 set fra Danmark, published in 2010, she completed her great project on the history of landscape architecture in recent times. Internationally, Malene contributed to landscape architecture research’s establishment as a member of the editorial staff of the international research magazine, Journal of Landscape Architecture – JOLA. Malene Hauxner ’s long career as a researcher and teacher started in 1974 with the job as research assistant in drawing and detail planning at the former Landbohøjskolen. During the years 1979-96 she worked as assistant professor and associate professor in landscape planning while also running her own office. In recent decades she concentrated on research and teaching and in 2005 was appointed as professor. As a jury member in numerous architecture competitions, consultant and member of several public boards, Malene Hauxner was a significant advocate for garden art, which is what she called her profession. Pete Avondoglio
LANDSKAB 2 2011