In 2014, we were given the task by Bonava to develop a long and narrow strip of land in Tollare, which runs from Tollare square on top of the hill down to Hamntorget, Harbour square down by the water. The area is very unusual and there are many complicated factors to keep in mind. How do you design a park which a height difference of 35 meters including a series of flight of stairs between houses that do not yet exist so that it becomes space appreciated by the residents and an exciting destination for excursions? This was important questions for the members of this project group. We wanted to turn this challenge into something very special. A real experience for visitors.

“Where would people want to sit and eat ice-cream?”

To turn the Trappark into something other than simply a way from A to B, we needed to make use of both the unique qualities of the area but also add some new. We needed to try to imagine what it would feel like to move about here. How many steps are people willing to ascend? Where should the resting places be? What could we expect in the way of surprises?

Not just a walk

To understand movement and interaction, we studied staircases across Stockholm. We examined how people walk in pairs and what happens when they pass each other on stairs of different widths. In Tollare, the staircase needed to climb significant heights quickly. This created high, stepped walls. We asked ourselves how it would feel to walk alongside them. How could we shape them to keep the space light, green, and open?

“To make people want to walk up and down the stairs, they had to offer something – unexpected experiences and exciting interruptions. We have spent a lot of energy on creating areas to hang out along the way, where you can sit down, enjoy the view and maybe eat an ice-cream in the sun”.

Åsa Myhr, landscape architect in charge

The light was an important aspect. We studied the movement of the sun across the park in a new and unusual way. Instead of just making a general survey of the hours of the day, we based our design on how the light spreads when it is time to go to work, when you would want to have a picnic lunch, an afternoon ice cream or go for an evening walk. We chose leaning brick walls and light materials to take advantage of the daylight as much as possible

Many details with a maintained balance

The joy of discovery became a key word for the project. When you move through the park, there are interesting details to look at. The concept for the stairs takes you on a journey from the water to the forest or the other way around. The vegetation climbs up the angled walls from raised beds.

A great challenge was to find the balance between details and the whole and between function and aesthetics. There is a lot going on in the narrow space and a lot of stuff that needs to be there. At the same time, it was important that Trapparken felt harmonious and beautiful. Multi-functional design was a large part of trying to find the solution, to find elements that could fulfil many requirements and that did not disturb either the overall impression or the views. The expanded metal that covers the walls continues and becomes a fall protection railing, with recessed lighting in the handrails. Seats are integrated in the walls or become an extension of the raised beds. This is compact living – the park version.

“We have worked hard at trying to anchor the park in the character of the place. We have been inspired by both colours and materials from the surrounding environments that we have developed further – we really have thought of everything so that the person that moves around here shall experience something really special,” says Jenny Andersson, landscape architect.

A long-term perspective and simple management have been core considerations for the project. Therefor, we have selected robust materials, artificial irrigation. In addition, we chose plants that add dynamics year round and that become more beautiful with time.

Clear dialogue through design in 3D

Trapparken took shape in Revit, enabling direct collaboration with Bonava and the house architect for the surrounding residential buildings. Working in 3D models provided an incredibly precise overview. Visualizing both concepts and ongoing changes became much easier for everyone involved. The tool also brought invaluable clarity to the project—for us, the client, and all other participants.