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ThamVidegård won a competition for a new landmark and observation tower for the new urban development in Barkarbystaden, west of Stockholm.
Based on the principle of a double helix spiral, the tower stands out with a direct and straightforward geometry, while remaining intriguing due to the inherent complexity offered by the movement through the two intertwined stairs.
Seen from a distance—the site being located in a field next to both the E18 highway and the commuter train line from central Stockholm—the tower is perceived as a graphic silhouette against the flat landscape and the sky. The two interlocking stairs are painted in two shades of red (Swedish faluröd). The structure is stabilised by a transparent outer skin made of steel wires. Light will complement the colour scheme at night.
On the site, there will also be a landscaped outdoor Infocentre presenting the urban plan and ongoing development of Barkarbystaden. Groups will continue their visit up to the observation deck, where the geography is visualised and explained in situ. The double stairs allow different groups to move independently up and down the tower.
The tower is built throughout in solid wood following the logic of timber construction, making it possible to dismantle and reuse after the twenty-five years planned for the establishment of the new Barkarbystaden. The landmark tower will then have a second life as part of parks and playgrounds in the new urban area.
