Stockholm: exploring the diversity of planning realities within one county

In this post, we focus on Stockholm. We take a look at the planning process and how planning realities can differ widely even between areas within one county.

The Stockholm activities in Augmented Urbans have explored the potential of using XR in different boroughs and municipalities within one county. The different areas where the study sites are located are characterised by different social-ecological contexts. Nevertheless, there is a common and city-wide challenge to balance greenspace conservation at the same time as rapid population growth. The population of the City of Stockholm is projected to increase from the current population of just below one million to 1.3 million by 2040.

Stockholm county consists of 26 municipalities and experiences the fastest population growth in Sweden. Trends include both in-migration from other cities and towns, and relocation between municipalities in the City and county. Stockholm municipality, also known as the City of Stockholm (Stockholms stad), includes fourteen boroughs: the oldest and most central of Norrmalm, Östermalm, Södermalm and Kungsholmen, and several of their surrounding boroughs. Over time, the boroughs have merged more or less into a single urban whole.

The characteristics of the green areas in the City and its neighbouring municipalities differ between boroughs and between areas within the boroughs. They include, for example, smaller green areas such as communal yards connected to apartment houses; neighbourhood parks; private gardens; and larger green areas. The three municipalities of Stockholm, Lidingö (east of Stockholm), and Solna (north-east to north of Stockholm) also host the world’s first national urban park, the Royal National City Park. It was established in 1995 and covers a total of 25 sq.km.

In Sweden, municipalities are responsible for their local planning (see the illustration of the planning process for details). The Administrative County Boards overseeing regional developments ensure that local plans follow the national objectives and regulations as set by the state.

Two types of plans: area and zoning plans

An area plan determines the general purposes and uses of a larger area, for example housing, shops, and outdoor spaces. The process of developing the area plan serves as to identify current uses of an area, challenges and possibilities of reaching the planning vision, and how to get there. Citizens are invited to provide input in the step called Dialogue, on questions like how people of different ages use the area today, what elements on the site should be conserved, and how they would like to use the site in the future.

Once some of the fundamental decisions have been taken and the area plan has been designed, citizens are again invited to discuss it with planners. In this step, called Consultancy (Swe: samråd), citizens can provide input on the balance between built-up land and open space, the place and design of buildings, the contact with surrounding infrastructure, and the need and design of public spaces. The progress of the area plan is continuously discussed with politicians throughout the two steps.

A zoning plan is the detailed plan that determines the design and use of land and buildings; and public spaces such as streets, squares, and parks. The zoning plan determines the details of the new area design and covers smaller areas. In developing the plan, the vision is tested against the actual conditions on the site. Local needs and prerequisites need to be considered, and private and personal interests need to be respected. The zoning plan is discussed with politicians during the development of the first version. Aspects to consider include how to use the land and existing buildings, what new constructions are needed, which public spaces are needed, and how the local area can connect to surrounding areas.

Once finalised, the first version plan is presented to the public in a Consultancy. At this stage, some decisions are already made. The public can provide their input on aspects such as: the design and placement of the buildings, if the public spaces function well, and if there are good connections to surrounding areas.

After citizens have had the opportunity to provide their feedback, the zoning plan is either revised or the decision is made to accept or reject it.

Planning-related insights gained during Augmented Urbans

During the project, we have discovered that the different municipalities experience somewhat different realities and planning needs to be adapted. For example, the central boroughs in the City of Stockholm include Sweden’s richest municipalities and attract a mix of private people and companies. Development is in some aspects also less regulated compared to other municipalities since the waterfront areas were built up before protective regulations were put in place.

The Swedish national law covering beaches (Strandskyddslagen), provides protection of the 100 metres both out towards the water and inland from any waterbody’s edge, including lakes, streams, and the sea. Special permits are needed for any development to take place. Boroughs and municipalities closer to the coastline are therefore more limited in their options of where to plan for new development projects. The significance becomes evident when we take a look at the numbers: the Stockholm county includes 30 000 islands, 200 of which are inhabited. The City of Stockholm alone stretches over 14 islands. Added to those coastal zones come the protected areas around lakes, streams, and rivers.

Boroughs and municipalities surrounding central Stockholm also face different financial realities depending on their demographic compositions. Municipalities that attract groups of citizens that are in need of social security, for example direct financial support or public services such as healthcare or children’s daycare, have other costs than municipalities that attract higher income takers and companies. People often live in one municipality but work in another, which also affects the balance between municipal incomes and expenses.

Lastly, the different boroughs and municipalities are characterised by different demographies, built-up areas and greenspaces. We will take a closer look at some of them, how they impact the planning process, and the potential of using XR in future posts.

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Text: Maria Schewenius and Viveca Mellegård