Civic 04

FIRST PRIZE R100.000, Per Wikström, Stockholm

From the Jury Report:

The concept of this scheme is about finding a subtle balance between flexibility and urban order. The proposal provides an urban structure framework that can accommodate change over time in an ‘organic’ manner. The design employs a number of urban design principles, which promotes the integration of both social functions and an overarching spatial order. It is based on a convincing series of housing units, which are carefully arranged into a small-scale and varied urban texture. The jury was impressed by the apparent human and urban quality of these spaces. Furthermore the concept of mixed-use is tested convincingly. The workshop units, as directly connected to the housing units offers interesting ways of integrating living/work solutions.

The discussion and illustration of the context in the submission is equally convincing and makes for a realistic urban analysis that is consistently carried through to the final layout. The scheme subdivides the site and creates well defined and linked public spaces of different hierarchies.

However with the introduction of a north-south axis, namely the “promenade’’, the site has been divided into three linear parts, resulting in a third north-south street. The making of this additional street has an economic impact, costs money and limits space available for housing and other uses. It is recommended that this unnecessary feature be reconsidered. The suggested extent of permeability and the lack defensible space around dwelling units in certain areas of the scheme demands further study.

The jury recommends that this project be implemented.