Slussen Water Plaza | Foster + Partners

Working in collaboration with the City of Stockholm, Foster + Partners’ masterplan seeks to create a dynamic urban quarter, respond to its historic context, and transform the city centre.

Located at the heart of the masterplan, the Water Plaza spans three channels of the Victoriaslussen (Victoria Lock) to create new pedestrian and cycle connections between the old town of Gamla Stan and the island of Södermalm. It also opens up new vistas, embracing the historic heart of the city.

The Water Plaza is an integral part of the wider masterplan, which is designed to redress the balance between pedestrians, cyclists and road vehicles in the centre of Stockholm. The new plaza increases the area of public realm five-fold, with designated spaces for temporary installations and public art, including a collection of local archaeological finds by the artist Ebba Matz. A network of pedestrian pathways, cycle lanes, and generous timber decking spans the Water Plaza, with operable bridges that allow boats to travel through the central sluice. 700 metres of terraced granite seating along the water’s edge provides a place to relax and take in the spectacular views.

The design minimises the threat of flooding by greatly expanding the lock capacity and will secure the drinking water basin for two million people. Ongoing phases of the masterplan will further enhance the accessibility of the waterfront by 2028 with new public buildings animated by shops, restaurants and cultural activities, which will contribute to making this an exciting and lively meeting place all year round.