The vision behind the Eco-city
The process of designing Hammarby started with a politically driven commitment to Sweden’s sustainability programme and the “green welfare state”. This has since gained global recognition. Emphasis was given to decontamination of the brownfield site, the provision of an effective public transport system to discourage the use of cars, the reduction of energy consumption, and water/waste recycling.
High density housing is situated by water wherever possible
Vision and leadership
Strong leadership from the local authority ensured a single vision from the development of the masterplan to building on the ground. It owns most of the land of Hammarby Sjöstad and so a high degree of control can be exercised over the development.
Strategy
A masterplan was developed, with the division of the area into twelve districts. Key principles include exemplary standards in public transport, a commitment to distinctive architecture, a rich mixture of uses for buildings, thought for the townscape, public spaces and relationship to water.
The city has whole-heartedly committed to an ambitious and inspiring environmental programme which includes the development of the Hammarby Ecocycle Model, setting goals that are twice as effective at energy production, waste recovery and energy conservation as similar projects in Sweden.
The local authority has fostered a successful partnership approach, working with developers and their architects to develop design statements and codes for each part of the development, which then formed part of the formal planning consent. This open working arrangement drove up the standard of design, resulting in delivery of a high quality and popular development.
Topics associated with this project
Brownfield, Eco-town, Energy, Environmental, Housing, International, Partnership working, Planning, Process Management, Transport, Visioning