The new face of Stockholm at Slussen a modern urban quarter at the heart of the archipelago is poised to become one of citys 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.
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 citys 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. Slussens prominent waterside location opposite historic Gamla Stan will make it a magnet for the citys best contemporary architecture, while the elegant new road and pedestrian bridges will become feature elements. Once complete, the new Slussens extensive public terraces will provide spectacular panoramas over Stockholm.
