From Hökarängen to Hötorgscity -

architect David Helldén

Modern Stockholm was born with the subway, where Hökarängen became the first suburb of the new subway city. Architect David Helldén was commissioned to design the urban plan and the buildings in the centre of Hökarängen, as well as the renowned Tobacco area, which has been called one of the finest examples of Swedish residential architecture. Helldén had previously proposed a plan for Hötorgscity, which included the concept of a pedestrian street. In Hökarängen, the radical pedestrian street was tested in practice. The experiment was a success, and it was decided to let Helldén proceed with the design of Hötorgscity following the same model.

David Helldén became the celebrity architect who shaped modern Stockholm with the Hötorg skyscrapers, Sergels Torg, and the University at Frescati. Frescati faced heavy criticism and was likened to a "Hötorgscity thrown into an oak grove" and "a strictly functionally separated factory, where academically trained labour is produced." The modernist Helldén received no more commissions and spent the rest of his life in self-reflection and architectural competitions.

The exhibition was produced by Konsthall C and John Håkansson. Martin Rörby contributed with materials and expertise. John Håkansson took the photographs.

Installation view Konsthall C, 2005

Material: digital c-prints 70x50ccm & 40x50cm

in wooden frames.