Södra Hammarbyhamnen

“Did you hear about the ghost of the Lumafabriken?” a child whispers, tugging at his mother’s sleeve. We stand on the edge of Södra Hammarbyhamnen, once a bustling industrial hub. Södra Hammarbyhamnen now buzzes with a different energy. This is Hammarby Sjöstad, a testament to sustainable urban development. Originally known as Hammarbyhamnen, this area housed factories like the iconic Lumafabriken. This functionalist masterpiece, designed by Eskil Sundahl and Arthur von Schmalensee, now holds a library, restaurants and offices. Nearby, the former trailer park of Lugnet has been transformed into the waterfront Lugnets terrass, boasting a unique latticed, cube-shaped building. Södra Hammarbyhamnen’s industrial past is still visible. Barges laden with sand for concrete production and fuel for the Hammarbyverket power plant still navigate the waterways. A preserved harbor crane from Norra Hammarbyhamnen stands as a reminder of the area’s working history. The transformation of Södra Hammarbyhamnen began in the 1980s. The vision was to create a sustainable model for urban living. The goals were ambitious: 80% of commutes by public transport, cycling, or walking, reduced water consumption, cleaner wastewater, and resident-generated fuel for heating and cooling. Today, Hammarby Sjöstad is a vibrant mix of residential and commercial spaces, with a distinct inner-city feel. Green courtyards and waterside walkways create a tranquil atmosphere. Tall buildings line the Hammarby seaway, while smaller-scale structures dot the shoreline near Sickla Udde. Södra Hammarbyhamnen embraces its cultural side too. Hammarbybacken offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and downhill biking in the summer. The Sjostad Folketshusförening Opera House serves as a community hub for music, dance, and learning. New additions like the Nya Carnegiebryggeriet, a collaboration between Brooklyn Brewery and Carlsberg, add to the area’s unique charm. While Södra Hammarbyhamnen is a remarkable example of sustainable urban planning, the journey continues. The HS2020 project, spearheaded by former Swedish Finance Minister Allan Larsson, aims to push the boundaries of energy efficiency and innovation even further. The goal is to make Södra Hammarbyhamnen a true “demo city” for sustainable living. Perhaps, alongside the whispers of ghosts, we’ll soon hear the hum of a truly sustainable future.