How spectacular is Swedish architecture?
With surprisingly few skyscrapers preserved and plenty of ancient buildings restored, Stockholm has an exceptionally short skyline for a city of its size. That does not, of course, mean it is lacking in architectural beauty. The Stockholm architecture style is undoubtedly eye-catching. It is interesting to note that Swedish architecture has traditionally been inspired by movements and designs from abroad.
With the existence of architectural norm, a nation’s architectural history naturally lends itself to a history of those monuments which in turn symbolizes that nation’s development and its institutions of power. Those include palaces, churches, and castles. Such a norm also refers to magnificent Swedish architecture style.
Once Art Déco came to Sweden in great strength, it transformed into Nordic Classicism to match Swedish tastes, and functionalism evolved into “funkis”, a Swedish offshoot.
Modern Swedish architecture style, commercial as well as residential, is characterized by sustainability in harmony with nature. Construction developments are designed to function in accordance with nature and a great deal of effort is invested into ensuring that construction materials are energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. Such an initiative has created several truly impressive projects such as the Woodland Cemetery’s New Crematorium.
The city walls around Visby in the 13th century are among the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe. Stockholm’s Old City’s street layout is still medieval in nature. Yes, the Stockholm architecture style is endlessly fascinating. Secular Middle Age buildings are very rare in many Swedish cities, and have mostly been extensively restored in the later centuries. Skytteanum at Uppasala is one such example.
In Sweden, the word “postmodern” emerged, embracing various trends. Soon, a rich use of form blossomed, one that had not been visible since the National Romantic Style. One of Sweden’s most influential exponents of postmodernism was the British-born Ralph Erskine. Architecture in Sweden today is characterized by architects such as Gert Wingårdh, who started out as postmodernists but are known to take on new trends. Currently, their works exhibit themes from ecological design and Minimalism, Expressionism, High-tech, and Neo-functionalism.
