vinterviken:stockholm
Design Brief
Introduction to VinterViken Situated to the south-west of Stockholm city centre, between the communities of Aspudden and Ekensberg, is the hidden valley of Vinterviken (Winter bay). The site measures at 1.5km in length and approx 92m at its widest breadth.
Brief The site has ample amounts of potential as it is in a prime location in terms of proximity to the main city centre of Stockholm, and the local amenities in the surrounding communities. It also poses some very interesting urban design challenges regarding the unique landscape and topography. The following process will aim to achieve a suitable and reasonable solution, which will breathe new life into the site.
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The area was once a lively central hub as it had a number for factory buildings and offices functioning on it. The Factories were owned by Alfred Nobel, who in 1864 founded the first manufacturing company of nitroglycerin in commercial quantities
Aims and Objectives In order to create a vibrant community area outside of Stockholm, a detailed analysis must be completed. This should include a immediate site analysis as well as an analysis of the surrounding communities. From this analysis, aims and objectives should appear, which will influence the design rationale of the project and ultimately shape the findings of a final Masterplan.
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Today the site lies as an underused resource. It is a long boulevard of mixed use, compromising private resdential, as well as public commercial, educational and recreational uses, however it has no established identiy or pull factor.
The overall vision will be presented through a series of images and proposals, which aim to enhance and benefit the community of Vinterviken. The Masterplan can also be seen as a framework to influence further or future development of the site.
This large area of opportunity poses a perfect site for development, especially at a time when Stockholm is struggling to cope with an influx of approximately 40,000 new inhabitants every year.
* Key Points - The site poses a rare opportunity to develop vacant green space in Stockholm - Sweden is recognised as an Environmentally aware population - Stockholm is steeped in cultural heritage, expressed through archiectural designs - Stockholm population will surge within the coming years, approx 40,000 per year - All Maps are North Facing
Contextual Analysis
Provincial Context
Regional Context
Local Conext
Stockholm is Sweden’s captial city. It is located in the heart of Scandinavia, with all of the region’s major cities within comfortable reach.
The site is situated within the region of Stockholms Lan, which compromises 11 municipalities surrounding the city of Stockholm
In a local context, the area of Vintervien is situated to the south west of the main city centre of Stockholm in the southern municipality of Hägersten-Liljeholmen
The region has a highly developed transportation network with five airports, ferry connections to several countries around the Baltic Sea, high-speed trains to Sweden’s largest cities, and excellent regional and local public transportation.
The Stockholm region contains more than a fifth of Sweden’s total population. The region has more than 2 million inhabitants. The City of Stockholm is the most populated area in with more than 850,000 inhabitants.
The city itself is built on 14 islands, which gives it a unique, recognisable characteristic. However all these islands are linked by infrastructure of an extremely high standard.
Neighbourhood Conext As Vinterken is situated within a sheltered valley, with immediate connections to the surrounding communities of Ekensberg, Aspudden,Liljeholmen and Grondal At present, the population of Vinterviken is very small with less than 100 inhabitants in a small scattering of residential homes, commercial buildings and other recreational facilities.
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vinterviken:stockholm
Historical Analysis
1865 - Factory built at Vinterviken 1868 - First explision at Vinterviken
1998, Opening of ‘the house of sculpture’ (old fatory building)
1946 -1987 some buildings used as Detonics research labs
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2012
1921, dynamite production at Vinterviken ceased
1974, Ownership of the site is passed to The City of Stockholm
1864 - Established Nitroglycerin Aktiebolaget
2000
Industrial development began at the bay of Vinterviken in 1864 when Alfred Nobel bought the site to host his Nitroglycerine Factory. Over the course of 60 years the development was often rebuilt due to a number of accidental explosions. However, in 1921 production of explosives ended and the company was moved to Nothern Sweden. Today the bay site has changed use completely. No longer does it have an industrial purpose, but serves the recreational needs of the public, but remains the focal point of the site.
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Surrounding Communities
2012
The main factory building, ‘Sculpturehuset’ (Sculpture House) remains as a catering faciity’, which hosts weddings and other functions, and many of the previous factory buildings have ben replaced with smaller residential dwellings. Further down, the site includes a large strip of allotments as well as large sections of vacant green space.
Swedish Design Guidence The image to the right highlights the boundaries of the neighbouring communities, as well as their size and density. From this image it can be noted that in comparison to its surrounding communites, Vinterviken is a large strip which is underdeveloped. However its location would suggest strong connections to the neighbouring areas, as well as a close proximity to the main centre of Stockholm.The large amount of open space throughout the site would emphasise the opportunity for development of this location. Key Vinterviken
Both ‘Stockholm City Plan - The walkable city’ and ‘Strategic Challenges’ are documents which aim to give guidance on creating good conditions for mixed and vibrant areas with housing, workplaces and premises for commercial and public services. The city plan suggests that a new development should vary the range of housing across the city, and by achieving a varied range this should involve building different types of home with different forms of tenure in every part of the city. It also aims to “plan for new developments that reduce barrier effects and environmental disturbance from traffic...and increase access to attractive green spaces and create good interfaces between housing and green areas”
Ekensberg Aspudden Liljeholmen Lovholmen Grondal Hornstull
‘Strategic Challeneges’ runs in tandem with this plan, creating a strategy for sustainable development, as well as meeting the needs of an ever growing population.
Swedish Planning Process Comprehensive Plan (Advisory)
Detailed Plan
(Legally Binding)
Building Permit
(Legally Binding)
Both documents will influence the final masterplan ideas later in the project, in terms of sustainable and approprate design for Vinterviken.
Stora Essingen
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vinterviken:stockholm
Semi-Rural Form Figure Ground Map
Existing Building Form Key 1 Blommensbergs Skolan 2 Vinterviken’s Garden Cafe
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3 Sculpture House Restaraunt
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4 Commercial Shed 5 Residential Block
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6 Commercial Labs 7 Commercial Sheds
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The figure ground map, above, provides an overview of the building fabric within Vinterviken as well as the surrounding communities. It is quite easy to highlight the uniqueness of Vinterviken as it is distinguished by it’s length of open space and cluster of buildings towards the bay area. This small cluster suggests the idea of a ‘community centre, which has potential for development.
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As the figure ground map suggests, the density of the built form at Vinterviken is quite sparse. An idea of past industrial form remains as the blocks are large in shape compared to the housing areas in surrounding communities. However as the industrial purposes of the site have long since retired, the buildings are primarily used for recreation and residency. The buildings do, however, show examples of traditional Swedish design, which is simple in character, and bright in colour. The warm colours aim to promote an idea of warmth during the harsh winter months, and yet provide a pleasant site throughout the warmer summer months.
Settlement Patterns of Surrounding Communties
Ekensberg
Grondal Ekensberg is a residential area, compromised of apartment blocks. These blocks are neatly arranged allowing for easy movement between each, and rise up to 5 storeys high.
Surrounding Amenties Lovholmen
Grondal has well established itself as a functioning communtiy centre. It compromises ‘star’ shaped apartment blocks, as well as long rectangular strips, which stem in linear patterns from the main street.
However, the area lacks a ‘central core’ with the local residents having to travel a short distance to Grondal to make use of basic amenties
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Lovholmen is an industrial community which neighbours Grondal and Liljeholmen. The industrial blocks are identified by their large scale and mass. Again there is an easily noted centre to the site from which other developement has grown, however it serves different purposes compared to Grondal or Liljeholmen.
The area is of mixed density throughout the area.
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Liljeholmen
Aspudden Liljeholmen can be seen as the transport centre for the area, as at this offers an exhange point for buses, underground metro trains and tram lines. The density of blocks is different from the residential areas, however it hosts office and retail blocks, as well as apartment blocks.
15mins The pattern of Aspudden, is quite linear, running along the main road and again up through residential streets. It is easy to identify the main street, and how the settlement has grown around it. Building blocks are tall, narrow apartments, with commercial and retail groundfoor use
*Key points 20-25mins
-The Stockholm region has Sweden’s largest housing stock, with 924,000 homes, and the highest level of new housing construction in the region. Stockholm City has a housing stock with about 430,000 homes -The density of the surrounding neighbourhoods is larger than that of Vintervken. - 3 of the 5 neighbourhoods have identifiable centres, and offer a range of amenties to the residentes, or public. - Flows within the space between buildings is quite fluid, and this should be noted when designing the layout for Vinterviken
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Key Schools Grocery Shopping Retail Shopping Boating Facilities Catering Facilites
As the site is predominantly green open space, it is important to highlight its proximity to the local amenities in surrounding communities such as schools, retail blocks, grocery stores or play areas. This also highlights what is missing on the site, or what can be improved – for example; a community centre.
Children’s Playground
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Walking Distances
Accessibility, Movement, Pathways, Connections
Vehicular Routes
The proximity diagram shown to the left highlights the time it takes to walk to the surrounding areas.
Pedestrian Routes and Trails Vehicular access is minimal through the site, with only one road running along the south boundaryand two routes to the other side. Public transport routes do not pass through the sight, with the closest points in Aspudden
Key
Pedestrian routes and trails dominate the site, providing an easy flow along the full length of the site and into the neighbouring communities.
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Primary Vehicle Routes Streets and Cul-de-sacsSecondary Vehicle Routes Public Transport Routes
For example, as the closest metro link is to the south of the site in Aspudden, it would take approximately 15mins to walk from the centre of Vinterviken.
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Key Primary Pedestrain Routes Secondary Pedestrain Routes Pedestrain Trails
As the area is predominantly used by pedestrians it is necessary to idenify the travel time from getting from one part of the site to the next, or to a neighbouring area if they were to use the site or needed to avail of the local amenities.
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Key Site Core Site Perimeters
Main Connections
Key Site Connections In terms of public transport there are no routes through the site of Vinterviken. Low quality pesdestrian paths connect the site to Ekensberg in the North and Aspudden in the South, where as stronger vehicle and pesdestrian routes connect the site to Liljeholmen to the East and Grondal in the North-east
Existing Movement
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The analysis of existing movement in and around Vinterviken would suggest that there are substantial movement opportunities for the pedestrian, however vehicular access is a lot lower. The figure to the left highlights how the primary movement routes run parallel to eachother along the east to west lengths of the site. the secondary routes run north to south, creating a small ‘grid like’ network. These routes seemingly divide the site up into different sections.
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The site offers a small car-park which caters for those using the recreational facilities on site, as well as other commercial buildings, however, traffic volumes are minimal.
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Secondary routes can also be found moving into the site from the surrounding communites on the north and south of the site (Ekensberg and Aspudden)
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*Key points
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Primary Movement Secondary Movement
-Connections from the site to surrounding communites need improving -The site lacks immediate access to public transport -The site is situated in a good location in terms of proximity to surrounding communities -Approx 20mins by metro train to Stockholm City Centre -The site is dominated by pedestrian routes, with vehicular routes taking a secondary position.
Views
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vinterviken:stockholm
Spatial Analysis Topography
Cross-Sections and Building Heights N
Key
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The City of Stockholm’s part in the regional structure of green wedges is largely protected in the form of nature reserves or culture reserves. There are some larger and valuable nature areas where green links should be studied, particularly as the city develops and changes. At the same time, the green wedges need to be developed and to form better links with the built environment so as to reduce their isolating effects. Vinterviken takes its uniqueness from the archipelago landscape around the large body of water in Lake Mälaren. A key landscape element is the extensive rift valley. The rift valleys are often surrounded by the pine-clad ridges that still remain in large parts of Stockholm’s outer areas. The rift valleys are traversed north-south by Stockholmsåsen, a ridge that over a thousand years ago formed Stadsholmen as the cut-off point between the land- scape around Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. The following cross-sections give an impression of the extent of the valley. 17m 7m
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The topography of Vinterviken can be noted as its most unique feature as it formed by a rift-valley which shelters the dwellings and gardens along the base. The valley runs from north to south of the site lining the sides of the 1.5km base. At its highest peak the valley reaches 35m above sea level and 5m at its lowest, however the gradient of the slopes is at a 30 degree angle and poses a challenge for development along the sides. the flat base offers a good development site, with minimal environmental impacts.
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Open/Green Space
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The map clearly identifies the surrounding open space not only within Vinterviken, but also within the surrounding communities. However, Vinterviken is distinguished by its ample supply of open space. The darker shade of green identifies heavily wooded areas, where as the lighter green identifies open green space. The quality of open space throughout the site is of a good standard, however it could be improved upon. Aside from the allotments, other open green space in the site is in need of development to boost activity and use as it offers great potential.
Wooded Green Space Open Green Space
Land-use
The site is predominately used for recreational purposes, such as walking, running, boating, gardening or socalising. These uses should be enhanced as they help draw the public into the site, as well as providing an area that provides an escape from the city.
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Vacant Space
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On Site Activity
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Commercial Open Space
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Educational Recreational Residential
Restaurant/Cafe
The low mass of residential dwellings offers an opportunity for developement, attracting more residents to Vinterviken.
Key Always Very Frequent Frequent Often Sometimes Rarely Today, Vinterviken is no longer used for industrial purposes, instead it provides a public recreational facitily for those who wish to ‘escape urban city life’ A major reconstruction in the beginning of the 1990s provided the park with sculptures, walking paths, small gardens, restaurants and a cafe. Vinterviekn offers the public a place for outdoor activities, with several places to swim among cliffs and pebbled shores and also to rent kayaks and canoes. It also promotes healthy living, by offering a place for the public to go jogging, running and walking. Other leisure facilites are offered by The Vinterviken restaurant as well as The Vinterviken Garden Cafe (Vintervikens Trädgårdskafé) for those who wish to enjoy a coffee and relax. *Key Points - The spatial analysis has provided an review of the uses and activity of Vinterviken, highlighting the opportunities of the site. - There is need for a communtiy ‘centre’ space, as well as more residential dwellings, to transform the area into a vibrant neighbourhood. - The lack of fecning and boundaries allows for an easy flow of movement throughout the ful length of the site. - The site needs to come alive after 5, and not close down when the Cafes do. -Topography poses a challenge to development - steep gradient.
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Potential Development SItes - Areas of Opportunity
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274m
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Area 1: The Bay ‘Vinterviken’ The bay area can be described as an underused, overgrown resource. At present walkways outline the perimeter of the bay, however they could be improved upon, as the bay is surrounded by natural beauty and scenic views. Soft landscaping as well as improved paving would greatly increase the vibrancy of the area.
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Area 3: The Alottments
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Area 5: Blommensbergs Skolan Playgrounds
The allotments at present are one of the site’s main features, attracting a number of city and suburban dwellers during the summer months. The allotments, along with the garden café offer a great recreational resource for the community, allowing them to enjoy their surrounding natural environment.
Blommensbergs School grounds are located at the site entrance and run under the motorway bridge to the other side. At present, the facilities offered are of a poor quality, and do not create a stimulating environment for children to play in. The public have access to the play area when not in use by the school at breaks throughout the day, however the play facilities for the children are quite old and rusted. This area has potential to be transformed into a safe, friendly and vibrant area for children having both public and private uses throughout the day.
In a sense the allotments can be seen to offer an opportunity for ‘urban farming’, allowing the owners of each small site to grow small fruits and vegetables along with other plants.
Area 2: Old Factory Buildings The old factory buildings form a large ‘central square’ for the strip, beside the bay area. However, the area has the potential to be much more active. The large area offers an opportunity for development to become a strong nodal point for the site, drawing the public along the full length of the site and spending time using the facilities offered. This area is easily accessed by both pedestrian and vehicle routes.
Area 4: Vacant Green Space This area is a large, vacant, overgrown stretch of land. As a means of bringing residential uses to the site, this area offers a great opportunity to develop a small-scale residential area as it sheltered by the surrounding valley hills, as well as being in close proximity to the facilities on site and within the surrounding communities.
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Key Points - The five sections of Vinterviken have individual, unique characteristics. Vinterviken is like a corrioder of rooms, each room containing something different. - The aim of the Masterplan will be to redesign each section indivudally with a common link between each. - The area needs a centre, a pull factor, something to entice the public to stay longer and experience what the site has to offer. - A need to enhance the under-used resources of the site combing residential, recreational, commercial and educational uses.
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vinterviken:stockholm
Design Rationale The Concept
Potential New Site Layout
Objectives
What Vinterviken needs?
Residential
Identity/ Public centre
Recreational Space
After a brief consultation with members of the public who were making use of the site as well as other professionals in the city, a number of needs were identified. These have been turned into the following objectives which the Masterplan will aim to achieve; Educational
• Link Vinterviken together with a safe and attractive green corridor while preserving natural character.
Vinterviken
• Develop meeting places and destinations for recreation and sport throughout the site
New ‘Moden’ Public Square
Improved Access
Open Public Square
Improved Connections
Views to Bay Area
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• Preserve the landscape of this green wedge, improve links with surrounding built-up areas and strengthen weak sections. • Develop residential areas to cope with increasing an population
The analysis has highlighted the strengths as well as opportunities of the site, and this has allowed for the development of a Masterplan to revitalise and enhance the area of Vinterviken, restoring its identity as a healthy neighbourhood.
Residential Blocks with Bay Views
Improved Road Network Improved School Grounds
The following Masterplan aims to enhance long strip of opportunity, transforming it into a boulevard of diverse uses.
The overall aim is to create good conditions for a mixed and vibrant area with as diverse use, as well as creating a centre which intices one to move through the full length of the site rather than stay in one particular area.
Potential New Terrain Cross Section Scale 1:1000
Precedents
Kungsportsavenyn, Göteborg, Sweden “A street that changes character about every two blocks, each transition serving a different purpose”. The street’s character changes every two blocks, each transition serving a different purpose. It begins at the top of a hill surrounded by civic buildings and arts institutions. Next it becomes a boulevard with a center median bicycle greenway and smaller, neighborhood-scale businesses and shops. About two blocks later it becomes mainly a trolley street. And at the bottom of the hill, it opens up into an ornamental boulevard, leading to the entrance of the public garden on one side of the street, and opening out to the riverfront on the other side. Similary to Vinterviken, which can be viewed as a corridor of 5 different rooms, each with different characters.
Espoo, Finland
Vartov Square, Copenhagen, Denmark
A city that lacked a strong central indentiy, as well as acknowledgement of its surrounding environmental resources. which now offers and excellent example of sustainable design. Espoo is Finland’s second largest city, home to more than 250,000 residents. The network-like urban structure of Espoo relies heavily on the routes and nodes of road and rail traffic. In the upcoming years, a record number of investments will be made in developing the city The city focuses largely on sustinable design and development, encouraging the population to embrace their natural environment. The City of Espoo is a significant builder. It develops and builds e.g. traffic lanes, park and other public areas as well as premises for the city’s own service production
A popular public square that lacks vibrancy, yet is surrounded by character, however accepted plans will aim to revitalise it.
This example demonstrates the success of careful place making, transforming an area into vibrant public space. The project has been designed by HallMcKnight Architects in Belfast and is due for completion in 2012. The project will compromise a number of new public spaces within a site facing the city hall in Copenhagen. The site is divided into two spaces separated by a new woodland of 120 cherry trees. At one end a new public space is created – Vartov Square which is overlooked by the oldest of the neighbouring buildings. Sympathetic design can allow new space to integrate well into the existing environment
Todi, Italy A beautiful Italian town, hidden in the Tuscan hills, boasting excellent an excellent example of a public square through the Piazza del Popolo and mixed use as well as views to the surrounding hills. Todi provides an excellent example of a historic town, with a a public square steeped in history and character as the architecture dates back to The size and density of the buildings create a strong sense of enclosure within the Piazza del Popolo however, these characteristics also create an enjoyable, safe public space. The topography of the town is also something to acknowledge. Similary to the valley slopes of Vinterviken, Todi is located at the top of a hill. The orientiation of the buildings around the perimeter and within the centre sqaure are orientated in such a way that maximises sun exposure as well as the views into the surrounding, scenic Tuscan hills.
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Proposed Masterplan for Vinterviken Design Process
The vision of a successful neighbourhood is all about creating a vibrant area mixes different functions. By looking at the urban environment within Stockholm,with its diverse range of housing, work- places and services that attract many Stockholmers and visitors, what works and doesnt work can be identified. With Vinterviken, the aim it to improve this ‘green wedge; and create a more attractive meeting place which also includes green space, recreational, and residential space.Vinterviken should become a corridor between the surrounding communities, which can stand alone as its own neighbourhood, but draw in members of the others. “Well- implemented planning and design with increased amenities and new destinations in green areas can, if well managed, attract many Stockholm residents from other parts of the city” - Stockholm City Plan, The Walkable City 2010
Key Valley Hills Open Green Space Feature Building Existing Buildings Proposed New Builds
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•Educational facilities will offer to teach the public skills such as gardening, catering etc in an organic fashion
•Retain the original character and heritage of the site where possible. E.g Sculpturehuset and the reaming chimneys.
•Feature building with views out into the bay, making a feature of the bay’s assets
•Improved play areas with both public and private use throughout the day.
• A new neighbourhood centre should create a nodal point for the site. Within this centre 3 smaller squares will be created, each with a different character and purpose.
• New active fronts in neighbourhood centre e.g. small grocery shops, boutiques, cafes will help improvs the public realm
• Develop new urban environments in important transport corridors connected to nodes.
• Increased facilities to involve the public with ‘urban farming’ /gardening in the allotments
•Vinterviken Garden should offer both a show garden and educational garden for all ages
• 27 new low-rise residential dwellings should be sited with the aim of increasing residency in the area.
•Improved pedestrian routes to connect to surrounding communities
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Final Designs
Area 1: Neighbourhood Centre Developments
B. Nobel Square
‘Nobel Square’ is situated between Market Square and Vinterviken Square, with a character based on the ‘open environment’. The area provided is slightly larger than the surrounding two, however levels of activity will aim to be at the same height. The large, landscaped, green square in the centre of the site will offer the public a place to relax and participate in outdoor activities, with the use of resources from the surrounding facilities.
The images on this page aim to illustrate the final design proposals for ‘Area A’ at Vinterviken. To create a central core for the site, the proposal is to divide the large open area into 3 public squares. Each square will have a different character, but views into the next to improve connections and pedestrian flow. The proposed public spaces will have minimal impact on the surrounding environment and landscape, with development restricted to the base of the valley.
In a sense this square is semi private as there are 7 large residential dwellings surrounding the perimeters. However, the commercial units at ‘Market Square’ will be double fronted and make use of the space by providing outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes. The large feature building at ‘Vinterviken Square’ will also have views into the square, and make use of the open space with outdoor classes and exhibitions etc.
It is the intention of this development proposal, to entice the public into the area and to encourage them to spend time making use of the facilities and amenities available. Cafes and shops will offer a place to relax, as well as offering somewhere to enjoy the beautiful views of the valley hills and Vinterviken bay.
A successful square can’t flourish with just one design or management strategy, it must change with the seasons. Skating rinks, outdoor cafés, markets, horticulture displays, art and sculpture help adapt our use of the space from one season to the next.
Current Site
A. Market Square Moving from East to West, the first square in the sequence is the new ‘Market Square’. This area aims to be the ‘commercial hub’ of the area, offering a small selection of shops selling local produce and hand made craftwork.
C. Vinterviken Square
As the Vinterviken Restaurant is situated here, the character of the building will largely influence the new builds, but it will remain the only 4 storey building to act as a feature and draw the public into the area. Retaining the original character of the factory buildings will create a sense of identity for the area. Spacing between buildings as well as large footpaths will allow for views into the neighbouring sections of the site, and encourage a flow from one area to the next. The maximum of 2 stories per building minimizes impact on the landscape.
New Movement 1.4m
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4.2m ‘Vinterviken Square’ will aim to be active throughout the day. The feature building will compromise both Educational facilities as well as outdoor cafes, to encourage activity from 9am to 9pm, Preserving the old factory chimney will create a nodal point in the site.
Each Square is dominated by the pedestrian, and restricts vehicular access and movement to the southern boundary. Movement and flow are encouraged throughout the whole area, enticing the pedestrian from one area to the next.
The educational facilities will offer classes on arts and culture, landscaping and horticulture and also marine based studies. These will encourage a respect and understanding of the natural environment, especially locally in Vinterviken. The orientation of the building is also key, as it encourages acknowledgement of the bay, turning it into a resource rather than scenery. Making the area strictly for the pedestrian encourages them to leave the car behind and take a walk through the different trails.
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Area 2: Enhancing the Bay
New Kayak Rental Facilities and Shop
At present the bay area lies as an underused resource. The trails and views are overgrown and in some areas unsafe for pedestrians. The Masterplan aims to reinvigorate the area and introduce new facilities to the public. To the end of the bay lies a vacant space. The proposals suggest the relocation of the existing Kayak rental facility to this part of the site, as this will encourage the public to move along the full length of the strip. The shop will offer a range of outdoor and water activities such as kayaking, boating and peddle boats etc. By improving pedestrian walkways between the area with ‘Vinterviken Square’ and Vinterviken View’, stronger connections will be made, and this will ultimately increase the population flow of the area. The walkways should be paved with high quality surfaces to provide a safe walking environment. Alongside this, improvements to street furniture and signage would also encourage the public to explore the trails.
Improved Paths and Trails Current Site
Area 3: Enhancing The Alottments
Onsite Activites
Enhanced Garden Centre The allotment site needs very little enhancing, as it is currenty running as a self sufficient centre. In 2009 a detailed plan was adopted in and enabled the volunteers to invest long term. This allowed for the following; For more than a century, Stockholm has worked to improve the quality of life for its inhabitants and reduce the environmental impact hence it was awarded European Green Capital for 2010, The objective is to exchange knowledge and provide inspiration for others and this can be exemplified here. Currently the ‘Vinterviken Gardens’ offer a wide range of outdoor activities for individuals and groups. As the organisation is self-efficient, they are always looking for volunteers to help out. The area aims to be active all year round, flourishing most during the summer months. The garden area offers the public a place to grow small crops, enjoy outdoor music and entertainment and also a place to sample locally grown and produced foods.
▪ development of the cafe / restaurant for year-round activity ▪ building of a dance hall adjacent to the main stage ▪ building of a greenhouse for small vegetables The café offers a wide range of organic and locally produced foods. The aim is that around 75% of the food should be organic/ locally produced. The ‘Garden Group’association operates the café in-house and all proceeds go to run and develop the garden, cafe, cultural events and more. This aims to build a sense of community in the area, not only attracting those directly on the site, but those from surrounding neighbourhoods.
Current Site
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Area 4: New Residential Development
‘Garden Lane’
Residential development will be a key asset for the site, as it will vastly increase the population of VInterviken. The analysis highlighted a need for residential development, and two areas of opportunity; 1 by the bay area and 2 to the east between the playgrounds and allotments. Therefore there will be two areas of residential dwellings, however they will be of the same style and size to create a sense of flow and continuation throughout the length of the site. Both will retain characteristics of ‘traditional’ swedish design with wooden panels and slated roofing. ‘Vinterviken View’is located to the west of the site. It will consist of 12 spacious residential dwellings, with a layout that embraces the natural contour of the bay in a modern style. Modern touches should add character to the area. Small gardens and private squares complete the residential atmosphere, however good connections and easy access to the surrounding public squares encourage movement and use of the site at all times of the day. In order to maximise sun exposure each will have a small veranda and patio. ‘Garden Lane’ aims to transform the vacant green space to the east of the site, and will consist of 15 residential dwellings of a similar style and size to those at ‘Vinterviken View’. Some of these houses will have an additional garage to the side. All of the dwellings will be self-efficient and eco friendly, fitted with facilities which will lower emissions and waste produce. E.g. solar panels, recycling facilities etc. Again easy access and free movement allows for the simple transition from public to private space throughout the site. This particular site is in an ideal location in terms of connecting to the new public spaces within the site, as well as connections to the surrounding communities.
‘Vinterviken View’
*All of the houses have been designed to adhere to local design policy and guidance.
Elevations
Facilities 8.5m
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Area 5: Improved Play areas
Recycling bins
Solar Panels
The simple regeneration of this run down playground is an effective way to entice the public into the area and encourage the use of the facilities. The images to the left illustrate both before and after images of the playground. They emphasise how the site can be enjoyed by children of all ages, from just a few simple changes. At present the site is owned by the Blommensberg School, however, by changing the use from private to semi private, the neighbouring residents will have use of the site outside of school hours and breaks throughout the day. Improved facilities offer a stimulating, safe environment for children to play in. The lack of vehicular access through the site also emphasises this safety aspect, it also highlights that the site is strictly for pedestrians and cyclists. Widened footpaths to the northern boundary of the site allow for access from both cyclists and pedestrians. It also provides a strong route, which connects into the neighbouring areas. Alongside this, improvements to street lighting and furniture will add to the vibrancy of the area, with minimal environmental impact.
Current Site
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vinterviken:stockholm
Conclusions Throughout this project, it is hoped that an understanding has been given in relation to the development of Vinterviken. If the site is to be developed, it should be done in such a manner that enhances and respects the surrounding environment and resources. The introduction of new public squares and residential dwellings will increase population and activity throughout this valley, transforming it into a vibrant neighbourhood. Also the addition of plants and trees carries the ‘natural characteristics’ of the site throughout the full length. The streets and footpaths around a square greatly affect its accessibility and use, as do the buildings that surround it. An active, welcoming outer square is essential to the well-being of the inner square. This masterplan project has aimed to retain the original industrial character, and rustique gardens and adapt the site to modern development. It can be said that £40million is a vast amount of money to be invested into the area, but with it will come an abundance of benefits and rewards to the area of Vinterviken, as it will provide an acitive, accessible public area for both, recreation and living.
Critical Reflection
Before
After
The process of analysis revealed a number of urban design issues, which have been addressed through a design rationale and masterplan principles.The idea was to promote the creation and restoration of a diverse, walkable, compact, vibrant, mixed-use community comprised of the same components af a conventional development, but assembled in a more integrated fashion, in the form of a complete community. The proposals aim to improve the public realm of Vinterviken, as well as increase the population of inhabitants and visitors. This will ultimately increase the activity throughout the site and overall makes the development project both feasible and worthwhile.
Phasing and Costing for Vinterviken Development Phase 1 The first phase of the project involves the improvement of pathways and connections, as well as soft landscaping and improved street furniture throughout the entirety of the whole site. This will include; ▪ Improvements to the school playground facilities ▪ Sports pitches ▪ Park furniture and lighting ▪ Re-surfacing of a path network throughout the site ▪ Paving throughout the main Squares ▪ Soft Landscaping This will aim to produce a high quality public realm, creating a modern, interactive neighbourhood with strong connections throughout. This phase will come first as the public rely on these improvements for easier access. IIt is hoped that Stockholm City are able to provide funding for this phase.
Total Estimate: 58.7million SEK/ £5.4million * SEK- Swedish Kroner
Phase 2
Phase 3
The second phase of the development project will involve the creation of two new residential areas along the strip. Site one will be to the east between the playgrounds and allotment gardens and will compromise 15 2-storey semi detached houses. Site two is situated to the south west of the bay area and will host 12 2-storey semi detached dwellings.
The third stage of the development project will include the creation of 3 new public squares, which will comprise of a mix of uses, such as educational buildings, cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and other commercial uses.
Along side this there will be an additional 3 large detached dwellings around the perimeter of ‘Nobel Square’ to compliment the existing dwellings. This will aim to improve the population of the site, as well as act as a coping mechanism for Stockholm’s overall rising population It is hoped that private developers will take an interest and invest in this phase. Key additions will include; ▪ 27 semi-detached dwellings at 142 m2 each/ 4800 SEK per m2 ▪ 3 large detached dwellings at 200 m2 each/ 5500 SEK per m2 ▪ Recycling facilities ▪ Private storage sheds
Total Estimate: 232million SEK/ £22 million
These public spaces will transform the public realm into a strong neighbourhood centre, creating a nodal point for the public to congregate at. Towards the bay, a new feature building will be created and will rise to 4 stories. Other commercial buildings in the area will rise to 2 stories max, offering a view to the end site, enticing the public to move through. It is hoped local investors and buisness will fund this final phase of the project as well as Stockholm City as educational buildings are proposed. Key additions will include; ▪ Large educaional building at 3000m2 /8400 SEK per m2 ▪ 6 new commercial blocks at 350 m2 / 5200 SEK per m2 ▪ Supplementary planting of 34 mature trees/ 8,000 SEK per tree
Total Estimate: 137million SEK/ £13.2million
Total Project Estimate: 423million SEK/£40.5million
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