[KARLA CARROLL]
Stockholm, a city just over 700 years old spreading across 14 islands facing proudly into the Baltic Sea giving the option to see the city by water. Offering more than 70 museums in Stockholm, the royal opera and ballet, 57 theaters two dance theaters 96 movies theaters and a number of concert halls churches and art galleries could take it a life time to absorb all that is to offer.
During the medieval era, areas of Stockholm such as Gamla Stan or old town thrived with architecture. Gamla Stran’s oldest building Briger Jarl Tower, dates from the 13th century. Well preserved due to the sparing of the city during the onslaught of the two world wars. Stockholm was extremely rural well into the 19th century.
The Gustavian style entered into the late 18th century sene Sweden. Named after King Gustaf III it embodied his cultural interests and passions that resulted in a golden age of architecture and design. Very restrained compared to the likes of the French of the time, utilizing pine, and paints in light colors.
At the turn of the century when the number of people moving to Stockholm increased drastically an expedited building era began. Nationalism and classicism were common styles. Ragnar Ostberg built Stockholm’s world famous City hall.
Swedish Grace attracted loads of attention between 1900 and 1930, because it emphasized detail. Craftsmen, architects, and artists worked together manipulating wood glass textiles and metal into beautiful design. Stylish entrances utilizing gates, doors and ornate handles and banisters garnished these buildings. Liljevalach’s art gallery designed by Carl Bergsten, is one such example.
A controversial period of Stockholm’s architectural history was the 60’s. Obvious tendencies and trends contributed to large parts of the 19th century Klara quarter in the City being demolished. The construction of the Stockholm underground, which is famous for being the world’s longest work of art, commenced in the 40s. Many Swedish designers and architects have left their mark on stations all over the city. The most recent extension was in the 70s.
Finally today architecture in Stockholm has returned to the Swedish Modern Style. Utilizing what most would say is the 90’s functionalist architecture.
