Project: Future Floda – Down by the River
Designed by Mandaworks, Hosper Sweden
Project Team: Martin Arfalk, Nicholas Bigelow, Gregorio Chierici, Marlene Thelandersson
Client: Lerum Municipality
Size: 16ha
Location: Floda, Sweden
Website: www.mandaworks.com
'Down by the River' project by Mandaworks and Hosper Sweden team has recently been selected as the winning proposal of the architectural competition organized for the Future Planning of Floda’s City Center. Whole Floda design is based on water and events around the same. The heart of the future Floda is the Blue Square which is surrounded by pedestrian routes which will bring all events together and help to bring the community closer.
More images and architects’ description after the break.
From the Architects:
The first prize proposal Down by the River, recognizes the force of the water in Floda and utilizes the potential of future connections to focus Floda’s future on the water. Four key bridges form the starting point for four future developments. In each unique area, the existing characters of the site are strengthened while new additions help weave together Floda’s center. Proposed settlements are concentrated around the river to support the new connections and bring life to Floda’s waterfront. Collectively, the proposed densification creates proximity between people and functions, and in turn leads to a pedestrian friendly center linked together through a series of beautiful walking trails, bike paths and green spaces.
The heart of the future Floda is the Blue Square. It encloses Säveån on four sides and is the community’s new, natural venue for civic life. The waterfront promenades, the city center and the surrounding pedestrian routes gather in, on and under the square and give Floda a unique square that strengthens community identity and helps to bring the community closer together.
The jury recognized Down by the River by saying the following:
“Down by the River focuses on and develops Floda’s strongest qualities: water, nature and Garveriet. The public spaces along Säveån refine and develop Floda’s existing character and identity as a community around the water. The proposal’s hook is the Blue Square – an innovative reinterpretation of the square as a public space where the rushing river creates a natural spectacle all year round.”
In Down by the River, four key bridges form the starting point for four new development areas that grow from their specific contexts. In each of the development areas, the existing characters of the site are strengthened while new additions help weave together Floda’s center.
Proposed settlements are concentrated around the river to support the new connections and bring life to Floda’s waterfront. A variety of building typologies create a mixed use center that allows living, business and service to contribute to a vibrant downtown. Collectively, the proposed densification creates proximity between people and functions, and in turn leads to a pedestrian friendly center and thus more sustainable community.
