Description
The project's geographical context provided the basis for the development of the masterplan. The district's borders are naturally defined by a hilly nature reserve to the south and Hammarby Lake, which is the district's central focus, its "blue eye" and its most attractive public open space. Pedestrian boardwalks, quays and linear parks provide a varied perimeter to the waterfront and residents have access to boat moorings in the summer.
Although Hammarby Sjöstad is located outside what is traditionally considered to be the perimeter of inner city Stockholm, the design is intentionally urban rather than suburban, and follows standards for Stockholm's inner city in terms of street width (18m), block sizes (70x100m), density, and land use. This traditional city structure has then been combined with a new architectural style that responds to its specific waterside context, promotes the best of contemporary sustainability technology and follows modern architectural principles, maximising light and views of the water and green spaces and using glass as a core material. The scale of development varies from four to five storeys along Sickla canal and 6 to 8 storeys along the main corridors.
The spine of the new district is a 37.5m wide boulevard and transport corridor, which connects key transport nodes and public focal points, and creates a natural focus for activity and commerce. The ground floors of nearly all the buildings along this stretch have been designed as flexible spaces, suitable for commerce, leisure or community use. Additional opportunities for commercial uses are also provided through the intermittent placing of two-storey pavilions along the Sickla canal. Businesses that have located in the neighbourhood to date include fashion, electrical, interior, book and flower shops (20), cafés, restaurants and bars (24), health and beauty (15), general services such as launderettes and key cutters (8), a co-op supermarket, an art gallery and several estate agents.
The residential districts adjacent to the main spine follow a grid structure with a semi-open block form, which allows for maximum light and views as well as providing open access to the courtyards of residential blocks. Most apartments have balconies, which provide overlooking onto the streets, waterfront walkways and open spaces.
A network of varied parks, green spaces and walkways runs through the district. Where possible, the natural landscape has been preserved and has provided inspiration for the development. The original reeds and rushes remain along the waterfront, in between which secluded walkways out into the water have been built. Birch trees create the landscape for a beautiful waterfront park and rocky oak-woodland defines the edge of the district.
The area is easily accessible by public transport and the creation of new road and tram infrastructure has been central to the development. There are four tram stops in the heart of Hammarby Sjöstad - the tram connects the area directly to the underground network and there are plans to extend the tram further eastwards to connect directly to one of Stockholm's main transport hubs. Three new bus routes and one night bus also serve the area. In addition to new bus and tram infrastructure, a free ferry link across Hammarby Sjö has been introduced. The ferry takes five minutes to cross the lake, and runs every 10 to 15 minutes from early in the morning until midnight. Bicycles can be taken on board. Finally, residents have access to a car-pool in the area. There are between 20 to 25 cars in the pool and 270 residents have joined the scheme to date.
Community provision in the area includes a modern glass church building, two state schools (6-16 years), one private school, one pre-school and nursery, one GP practice, a library, a sports centre, a ski-slope, a football pitch and a basketball court.
