The Planning and Construction
Hammarby Sjöstad
Hammarby Sjöstad was intended to serve as the Olympic Village for a potential Stockholm Olympics in 2004.
Planned Olympic Village Becomes an Eco-District
Hammarby Sjöstad was originally part of Stockholm’s bid to host the 2004 Olympics, with the ambition of creating a world-class eco-district. Although Stockholm did not win the games, the project continued, shifting its focus strongly towards environmental sustainability, which became its defining feature. Ambitious energy consumption targets were set, challenging developers but helping the area gain global recognition as an innovative, eco-friendly district. Since then, Hammarby Sjöstad has become Stockholm’s most well-known residential area and a model for urban planners worldwide.
Mats Hult • Göran Långsved • Gunnar Söderholm • Kerstin Blix
Solution-Oriented Collaboration
The Hammarby Sjöstad project was characterized by early collaboration between various stakeholders, laying the foundation for a strong organization and a successful start in the 1990s. A project office was established where city employees and consultants worked together to resolve issues directly on-site. When the team moved to Hammarby Sjöstad and gained a strong leader, the work became more cohesive and efficient.
Göran Långsved • Olle Syrén • Kerstin Blix
A Shared Vision
The challenge in the Hammarby Sjöstad project was coordinating many different departments and stakeholders, ranging from urban planning and environment to culture and education. The project required an extensive environmental program that was groundbreaking for Stockholm, as well as effective, cross-functional collaboration among experts. An important aspect was also learning how to handle procurement and soil decontamination practically. The project organization, which brought together staff from several departments under a shared vision, proved to be highly successful.
Mats Hult • Gunnar Söderholm • Göran Långsved • Göran Treff • Kerstin Blix
Diplomatic Complications
The Hammarby Sjöstad project was highly prioritized, and the goal was to overcome all obstacles. Although the environmental targets set from the outset were not fully achieved, the high ambitions contributed to positive results. There was resistance, especially from developers and residents who did not always embrace the climate and environmental goals that were set. Advancing the environmental agenda required clear communication and a determined vision, even when it meant addressing opposition in a diplomatic manner.
Mats Hult • Göran Långsved • Olle Syrén • Kerstin Blix
Money, money, money ...
The IT crash severely disrupted the project, causing significant delays and costs. The developers did not always understand the value of investing in the climate-smart and innovative energy solutions that were required. On top of this, there was the astronomical cost of decontaminating the heavily polluted former industrial land.
Göran Långsved • Olle Syrén • Kerstin Blix
Planning Mistakes and Stubborn Developers
During the development of Hammarby Sjöstad, the planning was focused on an older, well-established population, which led to the oversight of key community services such as schools, daycare centers, and sports facilities — issues that had to be addressed later on.
Clearer agreements with requirements and sanctions against the developers to ensure they delivered according to the plans would have been desirable.
Mats Hult • Göran Treff
Turism och eco-sightseeing
Hammarby Sjöstad has not only become a leading example of sustainable urban development but also a significant tourist attraction. Hundreds of thousands of people, including both international delegates and regular tourists, have visited the area, contributing to Stockholm’s tourism industry.
GlashusEtt, an environmental information center, has alone attracted visitors from over 185 countries, further strengthening the city’s global profile.
Mats Hult • Erik Freudenthal