Visiondivision has created a pamphlet of projects to wake up Stockholm from its beauty sleep.
Pick your favourite and demand a change.
To renew Stockholm we need to work with other tools than common Swedish city planning that usually just deals with putting blocks next to each other.
That kind of city planning is more or less useless when the town is already filled with blocks.
Instead we would like to talk about issues like good life, overall structures, goodwill and glory.
Instead we would like to talk about issues like good life, overall structures, goodwill and glory.
Good life
A city of Stockholm’s magnitude has to have its own share of good life.
By telling from the postcards that the board of tourism sells all around the city, you could easily think that Stockholm has an abundance of good life.
Stockholm really has the capacity to be a good life city with beautiful buildings and a great closeness to fresh water. It is also a city blessed with different beautiful seasons.
Still there is no architecture just erected for the simple reason of peoples wellbeing, a matter that we will look into in this projects.
A city of Stockholm’s magnitude has to have its own share of good life.
By telling from the postcards that the board of tourism sells all around the city, you could easily think that Stockholm has an abundance of good life.
Stockholm really has the capacity to be a good life city with beautiful buildings and a great closeness to fresh water. It is also a city blessed with different beautiful seasons.
Still there is no architecture just erected for the simple reason of peoples wellbeing, a matter that we will look into in this projects.
Structure
Projects of a structural type in Stockholm are mainly bridges, tunnels or new housing areas on old industry land. No one seems to look at the already existing context of the city.
Well, there have been some projects of that kind where le Corbusier
as an example tore down all houses except the royal castle and built new big houses for all of Stockholm.
There have also been some solutions on how to condense the city in a more radical way.
But there is few structural projects that deals with the already existing structures and tries to improve it.
Perhaps because the structure of the city seems rather finished, but there are hidden structures and new technology that could improve Stockholm dramatically, and we will give some
examples later on.
Projects of a structural type in Stockholm are mainly bridges, tunnels or new housing areas on old industry land. No one seems to look at the already existing context of the city.
Well, there have been some projects of that kind where le Corbusier
as an example tore down all houses except the royal castle and built new big houses for all of Stockholm.
There have also been some solutions on how to condense the city in a more radical way.
But there is few structural projects that deals with the already existing structures and tries to improve it.
Perhaps because the structure of the city seems rather finished, but there are hidden structures and new technology that could improve Stockholm dramatically, and we will give some
examples later on.
Pimp
Since there has not been anything new and interesting being built in Stockholm for the last forty years we have to invent other ways to get great buildings in the capital of Scandinavia.
Even though we hope that the future will bring modern worldclass architecture to Stockholm we truly doubt that it would be enough to cover forty years of silence.
So it is about time to have an overlook of the old monuments and see if they could not be improved to become world-class.
In these projects we will look at the postcard buildings of Stockholm and make them better.
Since there has not been anything new and interesting being built in Stockholm for the last forty years we have to invent other ways to get great buildings in the capital of Scandinavia.
Even though we hope that the future will bring modern worldclass architecture to Stockholm we truly doubt that it would be enough to cover forty years of silence.
So it is about time to have an overlook of the old monuments and see if they could not be improved to become world-class.
In these projects we will look at the postcard buildings of Stockholm and make them better.
Goodwill
Sweden, the socialistic role model of the world with the most equal welfare systems, being in front in environmental issues, a neutral country who has not been in war for two hundred years.
Sweden has a goodwill and as a capital Stockholm needs to work on its own goodwill as well. Stockholm needs to make it clear that they’re still on top when it comes to humanity, and we
will help them do so with some goodwill architecture.
Sweden, the socialistic role model of the world with the most equal welfare systems, being in front in environmental issues, a neutral country who has not been in war for two hundred years.
Sweden has a goodwill and as a capital Stockholm needs to work on its own goodwill as well. Stockholm needs to make it clear that they’re still on top when it comes to humanity, and we
will help them do so with some goodwill architecture.
Glory
If Stockholm wants to call itself the capital of Scandinavia it is time to think a little bit bigger. No new buildings has been world-class since the city hall and it takes more than a shitty
extension to the city library to compete with Dubai, Beijing or even Copenhagen.
In fact the true name for Stockholm would be the capital of modesty and cowards.
Stockholm do not need a funny looking skyscraper, they need something that emphasises the sophistication of Stockholm.
Architecture that would put Stockholm on the world map.
If Stockholm wants to call itself the capital of Scandinavia it is time to think a little bit bigger. No new buildings has been world-class since the city hall and it takes more than a shitty
extension to the city library to compete with Dubai, Beijing or even Copenhagen.
In fact the true name for Stockholm would be the capital of modesty and cowards.
Stockholm do not need a funny looking skyscraper, they need something that emphasises the sophistication of Stockholm.
Architecture that would put Stockholm on the world map.
Click on the map to get a lager view if you want to see where the projects are located.
Eternal Sunshine (E4b)
Public Islands (C4 for example)
Boat Bridges (3&4E)
Reefs (X4 for example)
Walkways (D1-5 for example)
Streets (C2)
Amphibians (G4 for example)
Royal Sheeps (G3)
Stureplan (E3a)
Globen (E7)
Thai Town (D3b)
City Library (D2)
Stadshuset (D3c)
Trash Tower (G3)
Kungsträdgården (E3c)
Slottet (E3c)
Nacka (J8)
Arlanda (B-30)
Vasa (F3)
Gold Cross (D4a)
Riddarholmen (D4b)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fire - Public strong warm light to make the winters easier-
Kungsträdgården (E3c)
Slottet (E3c)
Nacka (J8)
Arlanda (B-30)
Vasa (F3)
Gold Cross (D4a)
Riddarholmen (D4b)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fire - Public strong warm light to make the winters easier-
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Kastellholmen
Type: 80% Goodlife 20% Goodwill
During the autumn and winter the Swedish people gets too little daylight.
The normal light that they get at their workplaces or at home is considerably different from natural light and can by no means make a substitute.
The sleeping hormone production, Melatonin, gets out of balance when a person lacks daylight and this causes weariness and lack of interest in things.
At night time, it’s common with sleeping problems.
3-4% of the Swedish population suffers from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which is a severe reaction to the lack of daylight and causes depressions and concentration difficulties among other things.
The approximately 60000 people that get affected by SAD each autumn and winter in the Stockholm region should of course get some treatment for this unnecessary suffering.
Therefore we decided to give light to Kastellholmen, a small quite unnoticed island in a very central location, where people can go and charge their batteries to resist the cruel play of nature.
The light emits UV-rays like the sun and you can even get a nice tan after a while.
The cost that Stockholm would save with happier people is enormous.
The strong lights at Kastellholmen will also make the trees there keep their leaves for some weeks more compared to the surrounding, creating an interesting shift in colours.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Islands - a goodlife invention for some archipelago feeling in the inner-city -
Therefore we decided to give light to Kastellholmen, a small quite unnoticed island in a very central location, where people can go and charge their batteries to resist the cruel play of nature.
The light emits UV-rays like the sun and you can even get a nice tan after a while.
The cost that Stockholm would save with happier people is enormous.
The strong lights at Kastellholmen will also make the trees there keep their leaves for some weeks more compared to the surrounding, creating an interesting shift in colours.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Islands - a goodlife invention for some archipelago feeling in the inner-city -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Near the inner city shores
Type: 100% Goodlife
Stockholm “The Venice of the north” with such clear water that you can just take your glass and refill it directly from the sea. A capital where you actually can take a swim right in the city centre, still no one does it simply because their is no place to get in or out from the water, no place to sit in the sunshine in just your underwear taking a beer. There is some beaches but there is just not enough. The people of Stockholm goes to their summerhouses instead, meaning that theyre going from one island to another island 50 miles away to get archipelago qualities. Which leads to that the city gets empty in the summer and that only rich people who can afford a summer house can experience that island life. Now that is not something for socialistic Sweden to be proud about. As always we have a solution to that problem aswell. 
Let us present the public islands; small floating island that you just get on board and then let them float out in the ocean for a little archipelago quality time. The island is constructed as a flower, leaning towards it centre. Meaning that you will always has a nice slope for sunbathing.
The centre of the island is under water and changes its water thru holes in the construction. Since the water mass in the centre of the floating island is quite small it will be easily warmed up. The centre also serves as a safe place for small children so take a bath. The island is attached to the bottom by an anchor and to land by a chain, so its just to drag your island to shore when done for the day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Boatbridges- connections, leisure, harbours and more for the inner city-
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Stockholm archipelago
Type: 60% Structure 40% Goodlife
Location: Stockholm archipelago
Type: 60% Structure 40% Goodlife
Even though the city of Stockholm is spread out on different island there are very few pedestrian bridges connecting your city stroll. As an example all the important museums in Stockholm are located quite close to each other but on different islands, meaning that a museum tour will take a whole day instead of some hours. The problem with longer pedestrian bridges is that they will be quite high and expensive or cheap and floating, but then they will stop the boat traffic. Apart from stopping boats, a low bridge has many advantages; it is cheap since it can be constructed as a floating construction, it is more pleasant to walk on since you get much closer to the water and it can host many good life services such as being a harbour for small boats or contain swimming facilities. In Stockholm’s case there is also a great lack of close connection to the water, since you’re always two or three meters above sea level while walking along the shoreline.
Low pedestrian bridges would give that connection and would at the same time be a pleasant time saver connecting the really beautiful parts of Stockholm.
The system of bridges will be an important addition to the pedestrian connections in the city with its linkage of the area between Strandvägen, Stadsgårdskajen, Gamla Stan and Djurgården.
The area of Stadsgårdskajen is one of the last parts to be developed in Stockholm and will hopefully be a great injection to the city life. New cultural buildings like the Abba museum are already in the pipeline, so the need for better connections with the surrounding city will increase in the future. The system will also serve as a harbour for hundreds of boats. Today you have to cue for several years to get a mooring so there will be no problem filling these new harbours.
The bridges will also contain saunas, trampolines and ocean pools, things that the people of Stockholm have been missing for such a long time. To not disturb the boat traffic we have constructed an opening system where the boats open the bridge simply by crashing into it.
A movable part of the bridge revolves around its axis like a swing door, meaning that it can be opened from both sides and at the same time swing back into its original position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reefs - plots on reefs in the Stockholm archipelago -
Low pedestrian bridges would give that connection and would at the same time be a pleasant time saver connecting the really beautiful parts of Stockholm.
The system of bridges will be an important addition to the pedestrian connections in the city with its linkage of the area between Strandvägen, Stadsgårdskajen, Gamla Stan and Djurgården.
The area of Stadsgårdskajen is one of the last parts to be developed in Stockholm and will hopefully be a great injection to the city life. New cultural buildings like the Abba museum are already in the pipeline, so the need for better connections with the surrounding city will increase in the future. The system will also serve as a harbour for hundreds of boats. Today you have to cue for several years to get a mooring so there will be no problem filling these new harbours.
The bridges will also contain saunas, trampolines and ocean pools, things that the people of Stockholm have been missing for such a long time. To not disturb the boat traffic we have constructed an opening system where the boats open the bridge simply by crashing into it.
A movable part of the bridge revolves around its axis like a swing door, meaning that it can be opened from both sides and at the same time swing back into its original position.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reefs - plots on reefs in the Stockholm archipelago -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Stockholm archipelago
Location: Stockholm archipelago
Type: 70% Structure 30% Goodlife
Stockholm has an archipelago with around 15 000 islands, still it’s crowded with summer houses. To find a site in this lovely archipelago is getting more and more difficult and expensive. The archipelago is also hard to navigate in due to all its reefs.
We propose to start selling the reefs as sites for new buildings.
It would give more then 15 000 new sites (probably a lot more) and also making the reefs visible for an easier navigation. The prices on summer houses would go down and at least 15 000 more households would get a magnificent view with water on each side of their house.
We propose to start selling the reefs as sites for new buildings.
It would give more then 15 000 new sites (probably a lot more) and also making the reefs visible for an easier navigation. The prices on summer houses would go down and at least 15 000 more households would get a magnificent view with water on each side of their house.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Walkways - intensification of the city center -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Important streets
Type: 90% Structure 10% Goodlife
Being a city on a lot of islands doesn’t always have to be an advantage.
One of the negative aspects is the lack of an uninterrupted dense city core, which in comparison with other European cities in the same population range, makes Stockholm feel spread out and less intense, thus affecting the urban life in a negative way.
One of the remedies for a more intense city core is the layout of a structure of moving walkways that speeds up the pedestrian life and makes the various inner city islands come closer to each other.
A backbone of walkways is set out on a north-south axis through Södermalm via Gamla Stan and Norrmalm, this spine is intervened with strategic perpendicular ones that contributes to the east-west connections; Vasastan, Kungsholmen and Djurgården.
The speeds of these walkways is correspondent to the setting and context of that city district.
For example at Sveavägen, the speed is high because the street is quite boring but you can access a lot of places of interests along this route.
Strandvägen on the other hand is set to a calmer pace, so one can enjoy the views, and in a comfortable way do a Sunday museum hopping without feeling stressed.
More connections makes more people eager to change their habitual city visits, and include a bigger mental map of what they consider their city centre to be.
The advantages with moving walkways in comparison with buses for example, is that there is no waiting time, you can hop on and off wherever you want along the route, you get fresh air while doing it, and you doesn’t have to spend your time in cramped buses with noisy passengers, and it doesn’t cost you anything either.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Streets - revealing and creating new streets inside big blocks-
One of the negative aspects is the lack of an uninterrupted dense city core, which in comparison with other European cities in the same population range, makes Stockholm feel spread out and less intense, thus affecting the urban life in a negative way.
One of the remedies for a more intense city core is the layout of a structure of moving walkways that speeds up the pedestrian life and makes the various inner city islands come closer to each other.
A backbone of walkways is set out on a north-south axis through Södermalm via Gamla Stan and Norrmalm, this spine is intervened with strategic perpendicular ones that contributes to the east-west connections; Vasastan, Kungsholmen and Djurgården.
The speeds of these walkways is correspondent to the setting and context of that city district.
For example at Sveavägen, the speed is high because the street is quite boring but you can access a lot of places of interests along this route.
Strandvägen on the other hand is set to a calmer pace, so one can enjoy the views, and in a comfortable way do a Sunday museum hopping without feeling stressed.
More connections makes more people eager to change their habitual city visits, and include a bigger mental map of what they consider their city centre to be.
The advantages with moving walkways in comparison with buses for example, is that there is no waiting time, you can hop on and off wherever you want along the route, you get fresh air while doing it, and you doesn’t have to spend your time in cramped buses with noisy passengers, and it doesn’t cost you anything either.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Streets - revealing and creating new streets inside big blocks-
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Vasastan
Type: 95% Structure 5% Goodlife
Location: Vasastan
Type: 95% Structure 5% Goodlife
Studying the maps of Stockholm one can see that there are hidden streets all over town that easily could be turned into public ones.The biggest amount of hidden streets are in the area of Vasastan, maybe the most boring part of Stockholm, perhaps due to its big size blocks.It is a part of town that could need a vitamin injection with some new streets.
The new streets would be small pedestrian streets; perfect for small cafés, bars and restaurants and other typical activities for Vasastan. The making of the new streets is rather easy from a technical point of view, just make some holes in the old facades where there is a street hidden, and a new street is born.This streets will probably not be public in that sense that it will be owned by the one once owning the land that the street is crossing, usually a house corporation that could gain a lot of money by renting out commercial space.These streets would also be easy to close at night if the corporation owning it would have difficulties to sleep, but more streets to explore at daytime would mean a more fun Vasastan, and perhaps the new semi-private streets would be so successful that most of them would be open at night as well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Amphibians - a unique transportation for a more effective movement -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Amphibians - a unique transportation for a more effective movement -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: All over Stockholm
Type: 100% Structure
Location: All over Stockholm
Type: 100% Structure
The Baltic Sea and the lake Mälaren are the two seas that make Stockholm one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Still it is a barrier when it comes to public transportation. The situation has created a finger like structured net of transportation meaning that all passengers are squeezed into the city centre even if they just want to pass it. Parts of the town that are close to each other seem very distant, and islands that is nearby seems difficult to develop due to the cost of bridges. There is some boats trafficking the sea but it is manly tourist boats going further out in the archipelago. A transportation system with boats connecting to bus stations is also too time-demanding to see it implemented in everyday public transportation.
These problems could be solved faster and cheaper by just adding a new type of vehicle adapted to the specific situation of Stockholm. We are proposing a network of Amphibian buses connecting with the metro of Stockholm. The Amphibians will be the circle line of Stockholm. Not only will it connect the two sides of Stockholm, the journey will be a spectacular ride on both water and land.
New serious attempts of making this system adapted to public transportation is soon in the market. These new vehicles can take up to 50 passengers and has the same speed as an ordinary bus on land and makes 20+ knots in the water. It fills all EU regulations concerning noise and pollution, so the time is ready for this new transportation system to be a part of Stockholm.
Still it is a barrier when it comes to public transportation. The situation has created a finger like structured net of transportation meaning that all passengers are squeezed into the city centre even if they just want to pass it. Parts of the town that are close to each other seem very distant, and islands that is nearby seems difficult to develop due to the cost of bridges. There is some boats trafficking the sea but it is manly tourist boats going further out in the archipelago. A transportation system with boats connecting to bus stations is also too time-demanding to see it implemented in everyday public transportation.
These problems could be solved faster and cheaper by just adding a new type of vehicle adapted to the specific situation of Stockholm. We are proposing a network of Amphibian buses connecting with the metro of Stockholm. The Amphibians will be the circle line of Stockholm. Not only will it connect the two sides of Stockholm, the journey will be a spectacular ride on both water and land.
New serious attempts of making this system adapted to public transportation is soon in the market. These new vehicles can take up to 50 passengers and has the same speed as an ordinary bus on land and makes 20+ knots in the water. It fills all EU regulations concerning noise and pollution, so the time is ready for this new transportation system to be a part of Stockholm.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Royal Sheep - upgrading the royal sheep for local beauty and animal protection-
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Gärdet
Type: 40% Pimp 30% Glory 30% Goodwill
Location: Gärdet
Type: 40% Pimp 30% Glory 30% Goodwill
The King has 120 sheep that strolls around Djurgården and Gärdet in Stockholm.
Their grazing is an important part of keeping the grassy historical landscapes in this area neat and trimmed.
The sheep are constantly harassed by unleashed dogs, although that the owners have to have leash on them according to the law.
This causes the sheep to get stressed and uneasy, and in some cases they have even been killed by loose dogs.
These royal sheep needs help.
Gärdet is a big grassy area in the north-eastern part of Stockholm, just in the outskirt of the more posh parts of the town.
The area is almost unreasonably big for its central location, and you can actually call this place dull if there isn’t an ongoing festival there of any kind.
The leader sheep gets a spire helmet to protect his suffering herd from vicious creatures, the spire is also connected to a device that discharges a light beam from the spire when it is moving.
Some of the other sheep has a similar device on their back that also produces light.
Finally something interesting is happening on Gärdet, a moving subtle lightshow that will be a perfect mood setter for romantic evening strolls, and now people will be more aware of these proud animals in the Royal service.
Their grazing is an important part of keeping the grassy historical landscapes in this area neat and trimmed.
The sheep are constantly harassed by unleashed dogs, although that the owners have to have leash on them according to the law.
This causes the sheep to get stressed and uneasy, and in some cases they have even been killed by loose dogs.
These royal sheep needs help.
Gärdet is a big grassy area in the north-eastern part of Stockholm, just in the outskirt of the more posh parts of the town.
The area is almost unreasonably big for its central location, and you can actually call this place dull if there isn’t an ongoing festival there of any kind.
The leader sheep gets a spire helmet to protect his suffering herd from vicious creatures, the spire is also connected to a device that discharges a light beam from the spire when it is moving.
Some of the other sheep has a similar device on their back that also produces light.
Finally something interesting is happening on Gärdet, a moving subtle lightshow that will be a perfect mood setter for romantic evening strolls, and now people will be more aware of these proud animals in the Royal service.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Magic Mushroom - finally a spectacular nightclub -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Stureplan
Type: 50% Pimp 45% Goodlife 5% Glory
Location: Stureplan
Type: 50% Pimp 45% Goodlife 5% Glory
Stureplan is the nightlife Mecca of Stockholm with trendy clubs and shopping for the fashionable young people of the city.
Celebrities from all over the world are also attracted by this hot spot and famous faces are not an uncommon sight here.
It’s all about the looks and style and showing off to the latest in vogue music while sipping expensive drinks with an unconcerned expression on your face.
The nightclubs are plentiful but they are also quite similar and Stureplan doesn’t have that top notch club that many other big cities have, and none of the clubs today is open longer than 05.00 due to the disturbance laws that are regulated by the city.
Svampen, the mushroom, is the symbol of Stureplan and is a concrete sculpture that is shaped as a mushroom and functions like a rain protection and is also frequently used as a meeting point for people.
It was first built in 1937 by Holger Blom and was heavily criticized by the top dog architect Ragnar Östberg, the architect that built Stadshuset.
In 1988, the mushroom were torn down but were rebuilt the next year, ten meters away from its original position.
We replace the mushroom again, this time with an inflatable semi-transparent material that will have the same mushroom form as its earlier versions.
At five o clock the mushroom inflates itself and becomes a nightclub that will hover above the rooftops, while the guests can dance until daybreak without disturbing anyone, and at the same time having a great view of Stockholm.
Finally a spectacular nightclub that is worthy the high-class clientele, and finally the party can go on even longer!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Globen - Existing monument gets a makeover -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Johanneshov
Type: 70% Pimp 30% Glory
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Johanneshov
Type: 70% Pimp 30% Glory
Stockholm Globe arena is the national indoor arena of Sweden, and also the biggest with a capacity of an audience of 16 000 people depending on the event. It was inaugurated in 1989 and it holds the world record of being the biggest spherical form on earth. The diameter of the sphere is 110 meters and the height is 85 meters since the arena is partly sunken into the ground. The sphere is constructed by 48 steel beams and with a major concrete structure at its lower parts.
The only sad part about this building is its cladding with white sheets, it looks cheep and that is probably the true reason why they are still there. To build new architectural monuments are expensive, therefore it makes sense to upgrade the monuments that already exists.
Stockholm Globe arena being the biggest sphere on earth is therefore an obvious target for renewal. The rebirth is rather easy; just change the modest and ugly white cladding to a classy golden one!
The only sad part about this building is its cladding with white sheets, it looks cheep and that is probably the true reason why they are still there. To build new architectural monuments are expensive, therefore it makes sense to upgrade the monuments that already exists.
Stockholm Globe arena being the biggest sphere on earth is therefore an obvious target for renewal. The rebirth is rather easy; just change the modest and ugly white cladding to a classy golden one!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thai-town - Ethnicification for a more exciting city -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Norrmalm
Type: 100% Pimp
Location: Norrmalm
Type: 100% Pimp
In recent years the streets around the corner of Olof Palmes gata and Olofsgatan has been commonly known as Chinatown although half of the restaurants serves Thai-food. Every metropolitan seams to need its own Chinatown but a Chinatown in Stockholm would seem ridiculous in comparison with other ones in bigger cities.
Every year thousands of Swedes goes to Thailand for vacation. We go there for the beaches, food, temples and friendly people. Why not emphasise our good relation with the Thai people by calling the city area Thai-town.
A Thai-town would be more honest and more unique. The Thai population in Sweden has also increased lately when Swedes seems to fall in love with Thai people on their vacation.
The area between Sveavägen and the north part of Drottninggatan is today an almost dead part of the city in the evenings and the Thai-town could be the spark that renews this part of town. It could also be a more dynamic extension to the nightlife at Kungsgatan.
The new addition of architecture would mostly be Thai-details on the housing blocks in the area. The most important detail will be the four gates making it clear where Thai-town begins and ends. Small Thai spires will also be put on the roofs of some houses; these details will be painted in gold.
The streetlight will be renewed so it can change colour with what is hot in Thailand, On Mondays the colour is yellow to celebrate Bhumbibol and so on. The street Olofsgatan, going in a north-south direction, will be a pedestrian street, meaning that restaurants can put out their furniture on the street and build nice Thai-verandas.
Every year thousands of Swedes goes to Thailand for vacation. We go there for the beaches, food, temples and friendly people. Why not emphasise our good relation with the Thai people by calling the city area Thai-town.
A Thai-town would be more honest and more unique. The Thai population in Sweden has also increased lately when Swedes seems to fall in love with Thai people on their vacation.
The area between Sveavägen and the north part of Drottninggatan is today an almost dead part of the city in the evenings and the Thai-town could be the spark that renews this part of town. It could also be a more dynamic extension to the nightlife at Kungsgatan.
The new addition of architecture would mostly be Thai-details on the housing blocks in the area. The most important detail will be the four gates making it clear where Thai-town begins and ends. Small Thai spires will also be put on the roofs of some houses; these details will be painted in gold.
The streetlight will be renewed so it can change colour with what is hot in Thailand, On Mondays the colour is yellow to celebrate Bhumbibol and so on. The street Olofsgatan, going in a north-south direction, will be a pedestrian street, meaning that restaurants can put out their furniture on the street and build nice Thai-verandas.
“Adolf Fredriks kyrka” the church north of Thai-town could be shared to be a Christian and a Buddhist building at the same time. Most Swedes do not go to church anyway, so why not give half of the church to Thai-town. The side of the building facing Thai-town will also get some Thai-details in gold to blend in better with this new vibrant district.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------City Library - A quick sketch for the Asplund competition -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------City Library - A quick sketch for the Asplund competition -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Sveavägen
Type: 60% Goodwill 40% Glory
Location: Sveavägen
Type: 60% Goodwill 40% Glory
When the competition for an extension of the world famous City library of Stockholm was announced, we finally thought that the city could have its first modern interesting building in decades.
Over a thousand proposals was sent in, and the competition organizers was proud to say that this was one of the biggest competitions in the world, and they said that they wanted something unique, a masterpiece.
The winner was from Germany and proposed a dull slab with some patterns on it.
Another Stockholm tragedy was born.
Maybe the jury was corrupt or had a terrible bad day when they were going to decide the winner, probably we will never know.
Well if all the other thousand proposals was worse than the winning one (which seems almost impossible) we just have to give you a quick sketch to show you something better.
First of all we picked a better site.
The new city library will be under the existing pond. It will not take any attention away from the great old library, it will not tear down the three buildings from the original design also made by Asplund, it will connect with out being seen, it will have a much better urban location next to Sveavägen. And it will be an amazing room to be in. it will not only be a library, it will also be the most classy subway station in Stockholm. The library will have a magnificent main hall with natural light coming through the pond and as you sit reading your book you can look up on people walking barefoot in the water above you.
We did not enter the competition because we did not want our project to be judged by fools. But for you, intelligent people who read this book, we give you something better to think about when sitting in the new city library of Stockholm. While sitting there maybe you should go to the architecture department and have a look in Gunnar Asplunds most famous book “Acceptera” and ask yourself if he would be pleased of this highly unsophisticated building next to his.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Homeless Heaven - Night shelters in big rooms owned by the municipality -
Over a thousand proposals was sent in, and the competition organizers was proud to say that this was one of the biggest competitions in the world, and they said that they wanted something unique, a masterpiece.
The winner was from Germany and proposed a dull slab with some patterns on it.
Another Stockholm tragedy was born.
Maybe the jury was corrupt or had a terrible bad day when they were going to decide the winner, probably we will never know.
Well if all the other thousand proposals was worse than the winning one (which seems almost impossible) we just have to give you a quick sketch to show you something better.
First of all we picked a better site.
The new city library will be under the existing pond. It will not take any attention away from the great old library, it will not tear down the three buildings from the original design also made by Asplund, it will connect with out being seen, it will have a much better urban location next to Sveavägen. And it will be an amazing room to be in. it will not only be a library, it will also be the most classy subway station in Stockholm. The library will have a magnificent main hall with natural light coming through the pond and as you sit reading your book you can look up on people walking barefoot in the water above you.
We did not enter the competition because we did not want our project to be judged by fools. But for you, intelligent people who read this book, we give you something better to think about when sitting in the new city library of Stockholm. While sitting there maybe you should go to the architecture department and have a look in Gunnar Asplunds most famous book “Acceptera” and ask yourself if he would be pleased of this highly unsophisticated building next to his.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Homeless Heaven - Night shelters in big rooms owned by the municipality -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Stadshuset, Kungsholmen
Type: 100% Goodwill
Location: Stadshuset, Kungsholmen
Type: 100% Goodwill
In Sweden the numbers of homeless people has increased dramatically in recent years. Only in Stockholm there are 2000 to 10000 people with out a home and about 450 people of these who sleep on the streets. The places called night shelters who are suppose to host homeless people can only cover a small percents of the need. The reason for the increase is manly due to political reforms where money has been saved on mental institutions and people in need. This is a disgrace for the modern monarchy of Sweden and as a capital; Stockholm should take the responsibility as a role model by giving people a decent place to sleep. Now we are sure that the politicians in Stockholm are aware of this problem, but it is one of these problems that could easily be put aside, and has been done so for many years now, since people on the bottom seldom have the strength to complain.
Meaning that there will probably always be a shortage of night shelters in Stockholm if not the politicians get constantly reminded of the situation.
There will take some time to build all the necessary rooms to fulfil the needs for homeless people in Stockholm. So meanwhile Stockholm could show some hospitality by letting homeless people use some empty rooms owned by the municipality that are available at night time.
One of the finest rooms available is a room called “Blå hallen” famous for posh events like the Nobel dinner. It is the biggest room in the Stockholm City Hall, an icon building not only for Stockholm but also for Sweden as a whole. It was designed by the most famous architect in Sweden in the beginning of this century; Ragnar Östberg, and it took over ten years to build. At midsummer in 1923 it had its grand opening exactly 400 years after Gustaf Vasa, the king of kings in Sweden, took back Stockholm from the Danes. At the time of completion, it was one of the most expensive houses ever built in Sweden.
Apart from being a party house for noble people, the city hall also serves as the chamber for the Stockholm city counsel. Now the opening hours for posh parties are from 1 pm to 1 am in the mornings, meaning that one of the most beautiful rooms in Stockholm is available during night time. So why not show some class and let people with no place to sleep get a decent night rest in a beautiful room.
Meaning that there will probably always be a shortage of night shelters in Stockholm if not the politicians get constantly reminded of the situation.
There will take some time to build all the necessary rooms to fulfil the needs for homeless people in Stockholm. So meanwhile Stockholm could show some hospitality by letting homeless people use some empty rooms owned by the municipality that are available at night time.
One of the finest rooms available is a room called “Blå hallen” famous for posh events like the Nobel dinner. It is the biggest room in the Stockholm City Hall, an icon building not only for Stockholm but also for Sweden as a whole. It was designed by the most famous architect in Sweden in the beginning of this century; Ragnar Östberg, and it took over ten years to build. At midsummer in 1923 it had its grand opening exactly 400 years after Gustaf Vasa, the king of kings in Sweden, took back Stockholm from the Danes. At the time of completion, it was one of the most expensive houses ever built in Sweden.
Apart from being a party house for noble people, the city hall also serves as the chamber for the Stockholm city counsel. Now the opening hours for posh parties are from 1 pm to 1 am in the mornings, meaning that one of the most beautiful rooms in Stockholm is available during night time. So why not show some class and let people with no place to sleep get a decent night rest in a beautiful room.
To get started we have designed a grid of rooms.
The grid is hanging at roof level, and at 1 am they are descended; creating a small village of rooms for homeless people in “Blå Hallen”. At 9 am they are raised up again and the cleaning and rearrangement for the next party can start. This project would not only help people in need. By inviting the homeless people to the house of power it would also be a constant reminder for the politicians in Stockholm about the alarming amount of homeless people.
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Gärdet
Type: 40% Glory 40% Goodwill 10% Pimp 10% Goodlife
Kaknästornet is 155 metres high (170 metres if you include the antenna) and is one of the tallest buildings in Northern Europe, and it is also the main central for television and radio traffic in Sweden. A lot of programs from the most common TV channels is also broadcasted from here. Kaknästornet was built in 1967 by the architect Bengt Lindroos and was inaugurated by Olof Palme, the legendary Swedish prime minister. The tower has a restaurant and an observation deck with superb views of Stockholm and its archipelago. Around Stockholm there are a lot of artificial hills from garbage and landfill masses. Hammarbytoppen for example, is an artificial peak that reaches 88 meters and is also a skiing slope, but they have problems to keep the snow from melting due to heavy traffic and new residential areas around the hill. Högdalstoppen has three man-made peaks; The first one was built in the beginning of the 60s with 65 million cubic metres of waste and reaches 72 metres. This peak was also used as a skiing slope until the end of the 90s. In the 70s Ingmar Stenmark, the second most famous Swedish athlete after Björn Borg, had appreciated shows here. The Högdalen Slalom Team was also the biggest slalom organization in Sweden at that time. The peak number two was built in the beginning of the 70s, and is 102 metres high, and the highest peak in Stockholm. The third peak was built in the end of the 80s and will eventually reach a height of 95 metres. During the last 50 years the amount of waste produced from the homes has increased from 25 kilograms per person and year to over 300 kilograms. Yearly around 400 000 tons of waste is taken care of in Stockholm, and 50% of this waste is organic.
A hill of garbage will slowly rise around Kaknästornet and eventually it will become a splendid slope where people can ski in the winter and have picnics at summertime, all easily accessible with the elevators in Kaknästornet. When the garbage level reach to the parabolas, the tower can be raised and revealed, until the garbage level once more reach it after some decades. Caves are excavated in the junk for educational purposes so one can see the decomposition and the horrendous amount of the garbage we all produce, it will also be a nice leisure cave with a view, if you can stand the smell.
The boring Gärdet will now have a dramatic and cool hill in a stark contrast to the flat surroundings, and the garbage storage problem is solved in the Stockholm area for a considerable time period.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kungsträdgården - more glory and fun to the central district -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Kungsträdgården
Type: 50% Glory 30% Pimp 20% Goodlife
Kungsträdgården was in the older days not accessible for people except for the royal family.
(Kungsträdgården= the Kings garden)
Armed guards were posted outside the park to keep the ordinary people out.
It was kept like that until the 18th century.
A palace called "Makalös" ("Marvellous" in Swedish) was built in the southern part of Kungsträdgården 1635.
The house was unmatched in Sweden both architectural wise and in scale at that time and could only be compared with buildings in Italy.
The palace was erected with 18000 tree poles and had five floors with a gazebo at the top.
It had four towers and a stair that lead down to the water.
Later on it become a theatre with highly advanced machinery for that time.
It later caught fire in 1825 during a performance.
Nowadays Kungsträdgården is a rather undefined green area and not especially classy, except for some reasonable looking statues.
Its central location and its total lack of glory could easily be turned into something interesting.
Especially because the surrounding is really upscale.
(Kungsträdgården= the Kings garden)
Armed guards were posted outside the park to keep the ordinary people out.
It was kept like that until the 18th century.
A palace called "Makalös" ("Marvellous" in Swedish) was built in the southern part of Kungsträdgården 1635.
The house was unmatched in Sweden both architectural wise and in scale at that time and could only be compared with buildings in Italy.
The palace was erected with 18000 tree poles and had five floors with a gazebo at the top.
It had four towers and a stair that lead down to the water.
Later on it become a theatre with highly advanced machinery for that time.
It later caught fire in 1825 during a performance.
Nowadays Kungsträdgården is a rather undefined green area and not especially classy, except for some reasonable looking statues.
Its central location and its total lack of glory could easily be turned into something interesting.
Especially because the surrounding is really upscale.
We propose to create a visible linkage between this central spot of the city and the castle by rearranging the trees and then fill Kungsträdgården with water as it was overflowed, keeping the statues and such intact.
World class fountains are set out to create a classy setting with the castle as the backdrop.
The water level can be set and also disappear completely when needed, for example when there is a festival.
An awe-inspiring central setting that suits the area with NK, the castle, Grand Hotel, Café Opera and such prominent landmarks.
*NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) - is probably the classiest department store in northern Europe.
*Grand Hotel – here is where Madonna, Guns n Roses, Jay-Z and artists in that range stays when they’re visiting Stockholm.
*Café Opera – here is where the Grand Hotel people hangs out with local celebrities and aspiring ones.
*The Castle – please see the project for the castle.
World class fountains are set out to create a classy setting with the castle as the backdrop.
The water level can be set and also disappear completely when needed, for example when there is a festival.
An awe-inspiring central setting that suits the area with NK, the castle, Grand Hotel, Café Opera and such prominent landmarks.
*NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) - is probably the classiest department store in northern Europe.
*Grand Hotel – here is where Madonna, Guns n Roses, Jay-Z and artists in that range stays when they’re visiting Stockholm.
*Café Opera – here is where the Grand Hotel people hangs out with local celebrities and aspiring ones.
*The Castle – please see the project for the castle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Palace of Stockholm - making the old castle into a more useful one -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Gamla Stan
Type: 50% Glory 35% Pimp 15% Goodlife
The Palace of Stockholm - making the old castle into a more useful one -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Gamla Stan
Type: 50% Glory 35% Pimp 15% Goodlife
The Palace of Stockholm is the official residence of the Royal family and was built on the old foundations of the old castle after a devastating fire that almost demolished the whole palace in 1697.
Six weeks after the fire the famous Swedish architect Nikodemus Tessin presented the drawings of the new castle which was suspiciously fast.
Evil tongues said that Tessin was the one that had caused the fire in the first place just to build his dream project.
Six weeks after the fire the famous Swedish architect Nikodemus Tessin presented the drawings of the new castle which was suspiciously fast.
Evil tongues said that Tessin was the one that had caused the fire in the first place just to build his dream project.
Maybe it was the hastily assembled project that also makes the castle look rather clumsy and dull. Well you cant just blame Tessin who wanted a rather strict Barock Castle, he died before the completion and another architect, Carl Hårleman, stabbed the deceased architect in the back and decided that it was going to be a Rococo Castle instead.
The castle was finished 1754 and the Royal Family could finally move in.
Nowadays we don’t have that absolute monarchy with the king having a lot of power like in the old days, instead his power is weak, not to say diminishing small, and his work consists mainly of being a representative for Sweden.
The castle was finished 1754 and the Royal Family could finally move in.
Nowadays we don’t have that absolute monarchy with the king having a lot of power like in the old days, instead his power is weak, not to say diminishing small, and his work consists mainly of being a representative for Sweden.
So why shouldn’t the castle be representative for Sweden as well, instead of just lie there as a huge clumsy block without contributing anything to the city?
Hordes of tourists pass this castle every year and therefore we arranged things to make the castle a more pleasant spot to hang around.
The courtyard of the castle with its new acrylic cupola, functions like a bio-dome, always with a slice of a perfect Swedish summer inside it.When it is winter the tourists can get a glimpse of the legendary Swedish summer and be bewitched to come back, or just function as a hangout for summer thirsty Swedes.At summertime its still summer inside, because the weather outside can be very shifting, so this will cause a weather guarantee.
To commemorate all the kings and queens we complement the west façade with an amphitheatre and a projector to show all of their deeds and great battles from the Swedish history. This would be a tourist attraction and a memorial of the monarchy.
No castle is complete without an impressive garden.
A classy, perfectly cut hedge labyrinth covers up the pointless empty slope on the southern side of the castle.
Complimentary with colourful birds in cadges, exotic animals and cocktail settings.
This new green lounge will also gain The Old Town (Gamla Stan) a lot, where they now can walk around and feel noble.
A classy, perfectly cut hedge labyrinth covers up the pointless empty slope on the southern side of the castle.
Complimentary with colourful birds in cadges, exotic animals and cocktail settings.
This new green lounge will also gain The Old Town (Gamla Stan) a lot, where they now can walk around and feel noble.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nackamasterna - Big Leauge Monument -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Nacka
Type: 70% Glory 30% Pimp
The first of the two radio towers “Nackamasterna” was erected in 1956 and the second one in 1984. These two masts are the highest standing structures in the Stockholm region with a height of 300 meters each. Situated on a 56 meter high hill outside the south-east Stockholm suburb Nacka there are visible from all over Stockholm. The two masts functions today as a reserve to the ground bounded TV and radio net. Since Stockholm has no big monuments and will probably never be able to build one due to the lack of money and evil dictators we have to come up with a cheap solution to be able to build one. So we managed by a little help from “Nackamasterna”. The monument is neither a dictator’s palace, a giant sculpture nor a funny looking Chinese skyscraper. The Stockholm mega monument is a sky painting, more like a subtle print on a moving sky as background.
The proposal is quite simple; flags mounted on wires that spans between the two masts forms the graphic of Santa Claus the most famous Swede! Well he will be Swedish after this monument is erected, and everybody will connect the biggest holiday in the world with Sweden and Santa’s new hometown Stockholm. Think of it, New York has the statue of liberty but Stockholm will have Santa Claus, a much more friendly and relaxed symbol. The reason for using flags is many, they are easy to put up, they doesn’t create huge surfaces that can be affected by the wind and they are symbols often used for great events.
The proposal is quite simple; flags mounted on wires that spans between the two masts forms the graphic of Santa Claus the most famous Swede! Well he will be Swedish after this monument is erected, and everybody will connect the biggest holiday in the world with Sweden and Santa’s new hometown Stockholm. Think of it, New York has the statue of liberty but Stockholm will have Santa Claus, a much more friendly and relaxed symbol. The reason for using flags is many, they are easy to put up, they doesn’t create huge surfaces that can be affected by the wind and they are symbols often used for great events.
The flags also give the sky painting a mirage-like expression since the wind will make the painting glimmer by the flag movement. The mirage will be even more emphasised since the wires that connect the flags will be too small to be seen on a distance. The weightless print also fits right in with the picture of Santa and his reindeers flying through the sky to give presents to nice kids all over the globe!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arlanda - Modification of the existing airport for a better first impression -
Arlanda - Modification of the existing airport for a better first impression -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Arlanda
Type: 85% Glory 15% Pimp
Arlanda is the international airport of Stockholm with 18 million passengers and 230 000 landings and departures each year.
Thus being the entry point to Stockholm, and also Sweden, for a lot of businessmen, celebrities and tourists, this gateway could be far more improved visually to give a more brave first impression.
Thus being the entry point to Stockholm, and also Sweden, for a lot of businessmen, celebrities and tourists, this gateway could be far more improved visually to give a more brave first impression.
We propose a light show some hundred meters in a forest north of the airport that will mimic the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) with projections, that will be visible for all passengers during in-flight.
Filled with astonishment they promise themselves to return as soon as they can.
Beside the runway, huge paintings of each one of the royal family welcomes the plane when it is about to land, showing them the kindness and splendour of Stockholm.
The international terminal will be fixed up with grandeur, glamour and archetypes of Stockholm and Sweden.
First impression last.
Arlanda will be like a cocktail before dinner.
Making the visitors spend more, appreciate the city more and to return to their countries with a crush on Stockholm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Vasa Museum - new museum for the Vasa warship for a better exposure -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Djurgården
Type: 85% Glory 15% Pimp
The Vasa Museum is the home of the royal warship Vasa which sank in 1628. The ship was discovered by Anders Franzén who throughout a long campaign managed to get the ship salvaged in 1961. After standing in a large shed for thirty years the ship finally got its own museum in 1990 and today it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Stockholm with about 800 000 visitors per year. The building was a result of an open Nordic competition with 384 proposals handed in and when finished it was given the finest prize a building can receive in Sweden, The Kasper Salin Prize.
Now if you have seen the building you might ask yourself how this ugly shed won this competition and how it could receive such an honourable prize. Well I guess there is no straight answer to that question but perhaps one can blame the confused climate in architecture at that time or perhaps that Swedes has a tendency to create weak juries. (Just look at the recent finished Stockholm Library competition and you see the point).
Well let’s move on and see this in a positive way. The ship is still intact and amazing. Perhaps the existing museum building could be moved to the nearby Skansen. A place where animals and old sheds live in harmony, the building would really make a contribution to that context. Also it is about time that the goats at Skansen get a proper building to live in.
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Djurgården
Type: 85% Glory 15% Pimp
The Vasa Museum is the home of the royal warship Vasa which sank in 1628. The ship was discovered by Anders Franzén who throughout a long campaign managed to get the ship salvaged in 1961. After standing in a large shed for thirty years the ship finally got its own museum in 1990 and today it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Stockholm with about 800 000 visitors per year. The building was a result of an open Nordic competition with 384 proposals handed in and when finished it was given the finest prize a building can receive in Sweden, The Kasper Salin Prize.
Now if you have seen the building you might ask yourself how this ugly shed won this competition and how it could receive such an honourable prize. Well I guess there is no straight answer to that question but perhaps one can blame the confused climate in architecture at that time or perhaps that Swedes has a tendency to create weak juries. (Just look at the recent finished Stockholm Library competition and you see the point).
Well let’s move on and see this in a positive way. The ship is still intact and amazing. Perhaps the existing museum building could be moved to the nearby Skansen. A place where animals and old sheds live in harmony, the building would really make a contribution to that context. Also it is about time that the goats at Skansen get a proper building to live in.
The biggest mistake with the museum today is not its ugliness; it is its total failure to expose its content. Who would note that Stockholm has one of the biggest and most advanced battle ships from the 17th century intact in a museum when just strolling around in the town?
We are proposing not only to expose this treasure for Stockholm but through a genius wall construction make it even bigger.
We are proposing a new museum. All of the exterior walls in the Museum are constructed like an aquarium filled with water. Walking inside the building you will feel the under-water environment where the ship spent its first three hundred years. Seeing the building from outside you will see the ship in its whole glory but slightly bigger by the water refraction. The new museum would be a building so proud of its content that it actually fakes the ship to be bigger then it really is, rather than hiding it away shamefully in an unworthy wooden shed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Gold Cross - A study of a megabuilding placement in Stockholm -
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Riddarfjärden
Type: 90% Glory 10% Goodlife
When it comes to big projects that usually demand a high profile building, Stockholm usually gets afraid and hides behind The Beauty Council and cowardly politicians that thinks that we visually should live in another century.
Take the Modern Museum of Art for example that won just because it blended in with the surrounding, when the whole idea with a museum of modern art is that it should try to be a contemporary masterpiece that touch peoples minds.
Take the Modern Museum of Art for example that won just because it blended in with the surrounding, when the whole idea with a museum of modern art is that it should try to be a contemporary masterpiece that touch peoples minds.
We do not know if this magnificent building needs further explanation when it comes to the exterior, the colour and the shape speaks for itself.
This is major league. Dubai and Beijing but more Swedish, modest and brave at the same time, a new meaning of the word Swedish grace, a haven of beauty, the next ending seen of a bond movie. Famous people taking their morning bath from Riddarholmen and underneath it all; a new opera in Stockholm, a royal pavilion, a royal dolphin show the next Guggenheim museum and a new culture house.
This is major league. Dubai and Beijing but more Swedish, modest and brave at the same time, a new meaning of the word Swedish grace, a haven of beauty, the next ending seen of a bond movie. Famous people taking their morning bath from Riddarholmen and underneath it all; a new opera in Stockholm, a royal pavilion, a royal dolphin show the next Guggenheim museum and a new culture house.
Finally Stockholm conquers Riddarfjärden. The structure, four big concrete sheets standing like a cross and then sunken by weights into the mud of Riddarfjärden. The façade will be a golden cross, ten centimetres under the lowest water level point of Riddarfjärden. In the middle and on the edges of the cross there will be entrances to the different parts of the mega building. But in summer days you don’t walk inside the building but on top with your bare feet in the clear water of Riddarfjärden. This building will be the royal beach in the summer and the more graceful relation between city parts of Stockholm.
A national monument of elegance.
A national monument of elegance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Riddarholmen - A new state in Stockholm for all our stars and brains-
Birth: 2008/01
Location: Riddarholmen
Type: 95% Glory 5% Goodlife
Location: Riddarholmen
Type: 95% Glory 5% Goodlife
In the 17th Century Sweden had become a powerful nation and expanded its borders, and as a reward to the noblemen that had participated in the wars, Queen Kristina gave away plots on Riddarholmen so they could build magnificent private palaces for themselves.
When the old castle burned down, the Royal family also lived here while their new castle was built.
The icon of Riddarholmen is Riddarholmskyrkan; the Royal burial church and it was built as early as 1270 but as a cloister.
The characteristic spire in iron was erected after a lightning in 1835 that destroyed the old one as well as the whole roof.
Today, Riddarholmen is the smallest borough of Stockholm in size with only one inhabitant.
Various institutions reside in the old palaces, and this combined with a street with heavy traffic that cuts off Riddarholmen from Gamla Stan, makes the island boring and isolated.
This is a shame because the island is really attractive and with a perfect central situation by the water.
Sweden has over the years produced a lot of famous artists and entrepreneurs for being such a small country, but these people tend to move abroad when they succeed in what they’re doing.
This is not just because Sweden is a rather dull country with bad weather, the main reason for leaving if you have become wealthy is the high taxes.
Monaco with they’re total absence of income tax for example, have become a new home for a lot of successful Swedes.
It is truly sad to see these talents flee their native soil for such a petty thing as money.
The spirit of these people is not a thing you can put a price on.
We therefore propose to create a new state on the ghost island of Riddarholmen for these heroes.
They will be accommodated in the historical palaces, and will have access to fist-class facilities in their new country.
When the old castle burned down, the Royal family also lived here while their new castle was built.
The icon of Riddarholmen is Riddarholmskyrkan; the Royal burial church and it was built as early as 1270 but as a cloister.
The characteristic spire in iron was erected after a lightning in 1835 that destroyed the old one as well as the whole roof.
Today, Riddarholmen is the smallest borough of Stockholm in size with only one inhabitant.
Various institutions reside in the old palaces, and this combined with a street with heavy traffic that cuts off Riddarholmen from Gamla Stan, makes the island boring and isolated.
This is a shame because the island is really attractive and with a perfect central situation by the water.
Sweden has over the years produced a lot of famous artists and entrepreneurs for being such a small country, but these people tend to move abroad when they succeed in what they’re doing.
This is not just because Sweden is a rather dull country with bad weather, the main reason for leaving if you have become wealthy is the high taxes.
Monaco with they’re total absence of income tax for example, have become a new home for a lot of successful Swedes.
It is truly sad to see these talents flee their native soil for such a petty thing as money.
The spirit of these people is not a thing you can put a price on.
We therefore propose to create a new state on the ghost island of Riddarholmen for these heroes.
They will be accommodated in the historical palaces, and will have access to fist-class facilities in their new country.
The island is clad with marble, because marble is a sign for success, and at the western shore a new beach will be ready to welcome its inhabitants with lazy days.
A tax-free shop at the eastern border, mainly specialized in alcohol, will attract happy shoppers from all over Stockholm.
Riddarholmskyrkan will be transformed into a nightclub and will also function as a government building.
On the square outside the church there a chocolate fountain as well as butlers that serves strawberries and champagne from the local brewery.
Seaplanes will have a nice runway on the west side of the island, so the famous people quickly can get away on weekend trips when the weather gets unbearable.
We believe that Stockholm is attractive enough to host its own little brother state and in return they will gain an atmosphere of fame and glory for the entire city.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A tax-free shop at the eastern border, mainly specialized in alcohol, will attract happy shoppers from all over Stockholm.
Riddarholmskyrkan will be transformed into a nightclub and will also function as a government building.
On the square outside the church there a chocolate fountain as well as butlers that serves strawberries and champagne from the local brewery.
Seaplanes will have a nice runway on the west side of the island, so the famous people quickly can get away on weekend trips when the weather gets unbearable.
We believe that Stockholm is attractive enough to host its own little brother state and in return they will gain an atmosphere of fame and glory for the entire city.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There you go! Any comments, suggestion or question, please mail us at: visiondivision@gmail.com
1 comment:
Massive amount of ideas! I wish I had your imagination. Oh well, I get by pretty well.. :)
Cheers!
>>>Paul Thomas
Post a Comment