Norrtälje

Norrtälje Harbour.

Norrtälje Harbour.

With an ambition of strengthening the connection between the city center and the archipelago to the East, Sydväst arkitektur & landskap designed the urban landscape for Norrtälje’s largest urban renewal project in modern times.

The harbor area in Norrtälje will have a mixed population of around 2,000 homes for 5,000 people with trade and culture, parks and places, piers and a beach. The area doubles the size of the city center and the ambition is to strengthen the connection between the center and the archipelago.

Client : Norrtälje Harbour and Norrtälje City

Landscape Architect : Sydväst arkitektur och Landskap

Lighting Supplier : Selux

Photographer : Werner Nystrand & Selux

Completion year : 2021

The vision is a vibrant neighborhood for many different people. The 400 meter long south-facing quay with views towards Norrtäljeviken creates unique conditions for the area’s life. An artificial and stylized rock in concrete forms the boundary and takes up height differences between the dock by the water and the quay promenade by the buildings and also provides the opportunity for characteristic vegetation. On the artificial rock you can play, sit, lie down, eat ice cream, watch boats, dig in the sand, see the stars reflected in the rainwater pockets and much more.

The area’s various streets and lanes have been given a lighting concept where the lighting contributes to a clear hierarchy, both in daylight and in the dark. The lighting equipment and the light signal what type of road or path it is, which also helps with the orientation in the area.

 

The luminaires are carefully selected to blend in harmoniously with the maritime style of the surrounding landscape. Warm and low lighting points reminisce the light of an old ship’s lantern and ensures safety and effective readability of the area.

The luminaires are carefully selected to blend in harmoniously with the maritime style of the surrounding landscape. Warm and low lighting points reminisce the light of an old ship’s lantern and ensures safety and effective readability of the area.

Tall beautiful wooden poles are placed along the rocky landscape, like ship masts in a harbor. On these poles different types of luminaires are mounted. The luminaires give the promenade both a well-shielded functional lighting and more scenographic lighting where selected parts of the surroundings along the quay promenade are highlighted and different light and shadow patterns give the illusion of natural shadows from the vegetation.

Along the dock, the light level is lower to create a nice transition to the dark water. The lighting is planned with a focus on taking advantage of the qualities that exist in an area by the water and at the same time facilitate various activities, create safe, secure and attractive environments. Lighting undoubtedly contributes to the area’s identity.