Skålgropssten Brännkyrka RAÄ222

In the heart of Stockholm, a concrete behemoth stretches out, an unlikely blend of history and modernism. This is Garnisonen, a city block transformed into a massive office complex. Garnisonen occupies the space between Karlaplan and Radiohuset, a prime location on Östermalm. Its story begins not with computers and office workers, but with the echoes of marching boots and bugle calls. The land Garnisonen stands on was once a military barracks. The older buildings, facing Linnégatan, served as barracks for Svea Livgarde and Göta Livgarde. Designed between 1873 and 1875 by Ernst Jacobsson, these structures now hold a special place in Stockholm’s history. Designated as green-marked by the City Museum, they are recognized for their historical and cultural significance. Today, these renovated buildings house a variety of businesses, their interiors modernized while their exteriors retain the charm of the past. Garnisonen’s transformation continued in the mid-20th century with a burst of architectural innovation. In 1963, the FOA-huset, designed by Gustaf Kaunitz, rose above its surroundings. This building, originally housing the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA), stands three stories taller than its neighbors, thanks to a special dispensation from the city’s planning regulations. The FOA-huset offers breathtaking views of Djurgården and Södermalm. Despite its modern design, this building has also played a crucial role in Sweden’s technological history. Did you know that in the 1960s, Sweden boasted Northern Europe’s most powerful computer? This so-called “mathematics machine” resided within the walls of the FOA-huset, a testament to Garnisonen’s unexpected contribution to the digital age. By 1972, Garnisonen welcomed another architectural marvel: Karlahuset. This long structure, designed by Tage Hertzell of A4 Arkitektkontor, became a pilot project for Byggnadsstyrelsen’s structuralist vision of a flexible office building. The building’s design was meant to accommodate a staggering 4,500 employees. Karlahuset, with its approximately 350-meter-long façade, became the longest building in Stockholm and the largest office building in Northern Europe. Initially designed as an open-plan office, it was later modified into individual offices, responding to feedback from employees. Garnisonen’s Karlahuset holds a unique place in Swedish work culture. The sheer number of employees caused such traffic congestion that it led to the introduction of flextime in Sweden. The subway system simply couldn’t handle the influx of people starting and ending their workdays simultaneously. Today, Garnisonen is a vibrant hub. It houses restaurants, cafes, a gym, shops, and even a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. From military barracks to a modern office complex, Garnisonen stands as a testament to Stockholm’s ever-evolving story.