Vision Norra Djurgårdsstaden

Norra Djurgårdsstaden is one of Europe’s largest areas of urban development, with plans to construct 12,000 new homes and 35,000 new jobs among other things. In 2013, we were given the task by Stockholm City to be the process support for the development of a new vision and urban construction strategies for the development of a world class sustainable neighbourhood.

Stockholm is on track to become a city with a million inhabitants as early as 2024. To accommodate both new and existing residents, the city must continue to evolve. To meet the growing demand for homes, jobs, services, public transport, kindergartens, green spaces, culture, and sports, Norra Djurgårdsstaden is taking shape as a new district with a strong environmental profile.

Development over thirty years

Norra Djurgårdsstaden runs all the way from Husarviken to the north, over a large port area to Loudden to the south. If you had been here during the last few years, you would not have been able to miss the vibrant creativity we are experiencing. The planning of the new area started at the beginning of the 2000s and the development will continue in stages up until approximately 2030. In addition to 12,000 new homes and 35,000 jobs, a modern port and other strategic infrastructure such as a new tramline is created.

Support for the development of vision and strategy

Early in 2013, we were given the task by Stockholm City to  be the process support for the development of a new  vision and urban construction strategies for the development of Norra Djurgårdsstaden. Urban development processes are often both long and complex particularly when it comes to large projects such as this. A clear vision helps increase the quality and experience of the city. Just like other large cities, Stockholm has an important task to present solutions for a growing population. At the same time, it must reduce energy and resource consumption.

Through the dialogue, we find the answers together

To run processes in collaboration with our clients is amongst the most fun and rewarding things we know – it is through the dialogue that we together can develop and define both targets and strategies. In this case, we organized several large workshops and dialogue sessions both with participants from Stockholm city and invited guests including industry colleagues from OMA (Netherlands) and Gehl Architects (Denmark). Together, we tested the usability of the defined urban construction strategies and developed the vision for Norra Djurgårdsstaden.

No two projects are the same – and the same goes for the process to reach the goal. To engage the participants and drive the project forward in the best possible way and also to develop as useful a material as possible. We developed several new workshop exercises during the course of the project.

No two projects are the same – and the same goes for the process to reach the goal.

Working towards the same goal

Out of the process and our collaboration with Stockholm city, a fantastic vision emerged with concrete urban construction strategies for Norra Djurgårdsstaden. Based on the material, we developed vision documents, illustrations, graphic documentation and workshop materials. In conjunction with this, we also worked on a renewed environment and sustainability program. With great care we continuously insured that the two projects could be woven together in a common direction and a well-established vision.

Vision Norra Djurgårdsstaden

Norra Djurgårdsstaden will be developed into a vibrant and sustainable world class port city. A city which attracts the most skilled people and the most successful companies in the world. The vision for a sustainable and climate-smart urban environment will drive the development of innovative environmental technologies. This will transform Norra Djurgårdsstaden into a hub for the businesses of the future.

The five overriding urban construction strategies

• A living city
  New homes and jobs are coexisting side by side with new construction, adjacent districts and infrastructure. Our city– 24 hours a day – every day.
• Accessible and close by
  Here, we are creating a dense and accessible city that provides the basis for sustainable modes of transport. Both on foot, by bicycle or public transport.
• Responsible for climate and resources
  Contribute to the development and market Swedish environmental technology in Stockholm, Sweden and abroad. Just like other large cities, Stockholm has an important task to present solutions for a growing population. At the same time, it must reduce energy and resource consumption.
• Let nature do its job
  Improved existing and new green areas offers human well-being and an effective circulation. Thoughtful green spaces provide a functioning ecosystem, year after year.
• Enthusiasm and learning
  When citizens engage in various forums, they become motivated, which in turn strengthens place attachment and identity.