From post-industrial wasteland to eco success: the innovative renewal of Hammarby Sjöstad

This paper appraises the development of Hammarby Sjöstad, an eco district located in the south of Stockholm. As a refusal of the previous unsustainable development, Hammarby Sjöstad is now well known for being built to the highest environmental standards. Since the 1990s, the area has been redeveloped into a sustainable and innovative district, with mixed-use space and a low environmental impact. The main goal was to create a residential neighbourhood based on sustainable resource usage, simultaneously minimising energy consumption and waste production, while maximising resource saving and recycling. Hammarby therefore promotes efficient environmental management, with low-carbon development, renewable energy and well-integrated public transportation. It also strongly supports climate change reduction and a sustainable energy future by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. The building process has adopted an innovative sustainability technology, maximizing light and enhancing the views of water and green spaces. Likewise, the city has given great emphasis to sustainable and long-lasting materials such as wood, glass, steel and stone, showing the application of the modern architectural program that Hammarby promotes. The case study also reveals the powerful role of strong public sector leadership in ensuring high quality development. In fact, the project was based and delivered through a process of state-led consensus integration between all parties and at all levels. A major result of this successful integrated planning approach is the Hammarby Model, which deals with energy, fresh water and waste.