Magnolia square stage one of a new neighbourhood

KS develops in southern Stockholm

With a variation of streets, squares and parks, Magnolia Square is the first stage of a new mixed-use urban district in Stora Sköndal. Kjellander Sjöberg have been appointed to design the urban space together with the building volumes and procurement of the overall quality program.

The proposed plan, which has been earmarked for approval in 2017, sets the foundations for a larger development of an inclusive neighbourhood with clear links to the surrounding area and the region’s existing cultural milieu. Lively and active urban spaces are generated through the collection of sensitive building forms, walking-speed streets, pocket parks and squares. Sköndal’s exiting public services provide a platform for the proposed additions to develop further.

The current planning stage for the site consists of a mix of rental and owner apartments, health care and nursing homes as well as office and commercial space. The project team also includes Landskapslaget who have been appointed for the design and development of the landscaping, and real estate developers EBAB. Magnolia Square is a collaborative initiative between Stiftelsen Stora Sköndal (as client) and the City of Stockholm.

KS awarded first prize in design innovation competition

Sege Park presents possibilities for reduced resource consumption

The project It Takes a Block has been announced as the winner for the design innovation competition – The Nordic Built City Challenge – for the Swedish site in Sege Park in Malmö. The proposal has been developed by Kjellander Sjöberg along with the Danish landscape practices Sted and BOGL, Atkins consultancy, Platspilot and students from LTH. It presents affordable housing based on climate-smart and community-based solutions for liveable and sustainable smart cities.

The winning proposal combines a number of strategies in order to support a sustainable lifestyle with a focus on sharing as a way to reduce resource consumption. There are several common facilities within the urban block, such as a canteen and a cultural centre. The roof terraces are equipped with greenhouses and a water centre with a bath and a laundry room. These shared functions and spaces allow for smaller living spaces whilst maintaining or even improving the living quality.

Open and flexible spaces connected to space-efficient functions are a common theme for both the indoor and outdoor design. The residents are encouraged to use the block and living areas as efficiently and innovatively as possible to suit their needs.

The prize was awarded during the Nordic Built Cities Benchmarking Forum in Helsinki.