Is a New Vision for Stockholm Meant to Sway or Scare?

As cities across the world look for ways to blend higher densities to accommodate the increased demand for urban living, a recent proposal for how to solve Stockholm's critical lack of housing in the core of the city may define "inelegant density."

1 minute read

June 12, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


While planners, designers, and officials in cities such as Los Angeles seek ways to blend "elegant density" into their existing urban fabric to accommodate the increased demand for urban living, a recent proposal by Stockholm-based architecture firm visiondivision, may set back such efforts in their city.

The plan, called "Stockholm Stacked," calls for "a change in planning regulations to eliminate height restrictions on courtyard typologies" in an effort to "build where most people actually wants [sic] to live." The plan responds to a real problem for the increasingly segregated city in which demand for limited housing available in the core of the city is driving up prices and forcing development and low- and middle-income residents to its outskirts.

However, visiondivision's plan, featuring dramatic renderings with foreboding skies and clumsy towers poking out of Stockholm's courtyards, may serve to turn off more people from finding ways to increase density in the core of the city than it will convince.

Thanks to Brent Toderian

Monday, June 11, 2012 in ArchDaily

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Workers putting down asphalt on road.

U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause

A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.

April 18, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Freeway sign with "severe weather - use caution" over multilane freeway in rainy weather.

How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience

In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.

1 hour ago - Transportation for America

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.