Kungsträdgården, Stockholm

The redevelopment of Kungsträdgården

Kungsträdgården was redesigned for the first time in the 1950s, but it was not until 1998 that the place took on its present form. Ahead of the new redevelopment that coincided with Stockholm's designation as Capital of Culture, the City of Stockholm announced a competition, which was won by architect Aleksander Wolodarski in collaboration with Anna-Paula Andersson. This became the starting point for a collaboration between Nola, Wolodarski and the gardener Carl-Fredrik Wachtmeister.

Kungsträdgården had previously had a distinct Baroque feel that was lost during the redevelopment in 1953. The new design that was now developed by Wolodarski and Wachtmeister resumed the style idéal, which is reflected on several levels: Through the tiered seating where people could sit in divided rooms, and in the formally pompous gables in cast iron for the new long benches. In connection with the renovation, rose-flowering cherry trees were also planted, which in combination with the characteristic urns by the sculptor Sivert Lindblom, distinguish the place. Twenty-two years later, the location is still a much appreciated and central meeting place in Stockholm.

   "The benches in Kungsträdgården have, over the years, coped with the times and the critical eye," says Agneta Stake, owner of Nola, who participated actively in the project when it began. She continues,

   "It shows how important it is to have thoughtful urban planning in harmony with its surroundings, where furniture in the public environment should last for a long time due to materials and design of high quality. Quite simply, a holistic approach," concludes Agneta Stake.

The backed bench Kungsträdgården

Nola's park benches for Kungsträdgården were adaptations of an older model from the 19th century, upon which Wolodarski/Wachtmeister's designs were based. The replica was transformed into long benches, where a new vintage was produced from the old form. Nola designed and had the models for the benches cast and produced. The original colour was initially a warm shade of grey, which blended into the surroundings. This was recently repainted in a lighter green hue.

Throughout the years, the park benches have served as an obvious place for Stockholmers and visitors to the city to sit back and enjoy what is today this lovely oasis right in the centre of Kungsträdgården. Nola is starting up production of the bench once again, based on the model from 1998 and its older model. Painted Swedish pine is being added to the cast iron ends. In the near future, the backed bench, which is to be called Kungsträdgården, will be part of Nola's standard range.