Foster + Partners unveils winning design of a new Stockholm central station

A REVIVED TRANSPORT HUB IN STOCKHOLM

Designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Marge Arkitekter, the winning proposal for the development of Stockholm central station has been unveiled. The project, put forward by the team which includes LAND Arkitektur, Thornton Tomasetti, Ramboll, Wenanders and TAM group, will bring several modes of transport together in a single integrated transport hub, while prioritizing pedestrian flows and creating a new mixed-use urban district.

Luke Fox, head of studio, Foster + Partners, comments: ‘we’re delighted to have won the design competition to reimagine the future of Stockholm central station. As the world’s collective focus shifts to more sustainable ways of living, working and travelling, it is vital that we enhance and re-develop our transport nodes and repair and connect the urban fabric around them. We look forward to developing these proposals with Jernhusen, Trafikverket and the city of Stockholm over the coming months.’

The project, which will cover the track area and double passenger capacity in the heart of Stockholm, is scheduled for planning consultations in 2023.

FOSTER AND PARTNERS WILL INTRODUCE A NEW PUBLIC SQUARE

The central station masterplan by Foster and Partners (see more here) and Marge Arkitekter (see more here) will introduce an entirely new public square in Stockholm. This space will naturally integrate the new station precinct into the urban fabric. Inspired by the scale and colors of the neighborhood, the design builds on the existing streetscape of the city to create a dynamic district for a range of mixed-use functions.

The plan will further offer an active public realm and better connectivity with clear wayfinding. The design recreates the historic station railway park on the southern tip. With spectacular views over the old town of Gamla Stan, Södermalm, and the city hall, it will be a new green meeting place in the city center.

THE GROWING CITY

Stockholm central station — to be transformed by Foster and Partners with Marge Arkitekter — is located at the heart of the city, and marks Sweden’s largest transportation hub. Originally opened in 1871, the historic station now serves more passengers than it was originally designed for. Future plans to increase the number of trains coming into the city are set to catalyse the reinvention of Stockholm’s central heart.

The new district, largely built over the existing tracks, will re-link the surrounding streets to create an active, friendly, and safe public realm that will stitch together the east and west sides of the city, improving passenger connections across Stockholm, without impacting the historic skyline.

Pye Aurell Ehrström from Marge Arkitekter, continues: ‘it is fantastic to be involved in redefining central station’s role at the heart for Stockholm, while at the same time providing new additions that reference the surrounding streetscape of traditional klara block architecture, which respects the cultural values of the city.’

By narrowing the Klarabergsgatan viaduct and reducing traffic flow, the proposal creates a natural extension of the historic central waiting hall. The entrance hall will combine the new and historic parts of the station, linking the central station platforms, city terminal buses and Arlanda express trains.

The proposals also seek to realign the new central tunnel with Klarabergsgatan to create a subterranean east-west link across the site. The design allows for the possibility of extending the tunnel to provide a below ground connection through to the citybanan in the future.

The tunnel will then connect the extended platforms of the central station, Arlanda express and the bus station in the city terminal, bringing together four modes of transport to create a single intermodal station. A new centralised logistics centre could also be positioned to the west of the tracks, where goods and refuge can be serviced directly, without disturbing the public realm above.

Angus Campbell, senior partner, Foster + Partners, adds: ‘this is a historic undertaking. We are incredibly honoured to be tasked with developing our proposals further. Stockholm is a unique city with historic city silhouettes. We believe our proposals can form meaningful connections between the city and the central station area, while creating green urban spaces for people to meet, as well as a central focus for sustainable travel at the heart of Stockholm.’

Project info:

Project title: Stockholm central station

Architecture: Foster and Partners, Marge Arkitekter

Team: LAND arkitektur, Thornton Tomasetti, Ramboll, Wenanders and TAM group

Location: Stockholm, Sweden