Lessons from Hammarby Sjostad Stockholm

The Hammarby Sjostad District in Stockholm is a spectacular case study for sustainable urbanism with lessons for other cities. Formerly a brownfield industrial site, it was initially proposed as the site for Stockholm’s bid for the 2004 Olympic Games. When that was not successful, the decision was made to use the location as a demonstration site for the city’s commitment to sustainable design. The result is a new transit-oriented district that is laid out along a new light rail line that connects with the city’s metro. Housing is arranged as six story apartment buildings along a network of streets and small blocks. Midblock courtyards provide common open space for the residents, while greenways allow an alternative pedestrian and bicycle route across the district. An underground vacuum powered refuse collection system provides material for recycling and generates power for district heating, and produces methane for powering local buses.

Aerial view of the Hammarby Sjostad District laid out around Hammarby Lake

The site was the proposed location for Stockholm’s unsuccessful bid for the 2004 Olympic Games

Aerial view of the street and block pattern on either side of the transit boulevard. The crescent shaped building on the center right is a local high school.

A pedestrian greenway with a storm water waterway.