Stortusan - Bagarmossens torg

This project was initiated with early, intensive dialogue involving local stakeholders such as business owners, property owners, and a heritage society passionate about cultural history. Early engagement also included the local artist Bagarmosenbon Dan Wolgers, who contributed significantly to the overall design. The overarching goal was to create a “living room for everyone.”

The design thoughtfully balanced respect for the area's 1950s character with the introduction of a new identity. This new identity aims to mark a contemporary milestone in the neighborhood’s development, reflecting its dramatically changing demographics and the rich mix of cultures present today.

Accessibility and safety were central to the project. By reorganizing the public space to provide better oversight and extended sightlines, the design ensured that the square became an inviting and secure place for all. Previously problematic seating arrangements—dominated by central, disruptive elements—were shifted to the edges, allowing more people to use the space comfortably and safely.

The conceptual narrative of the project is embodied by “Stortusan,” which is described as an accidental yet transformative event reminiscent of a mishap at a birthday party. In this narrative, a smashed cake—symbolizing the unintentional disruption of plans—leads to a reimagined public space that blends the restored original character with a refreshed, ambitious vision. Stortusan thus represents the essence of 20th-century welfare projects, updating a lost ambition with a playful yet serious approach.