As a designer, I bring a strong combination of big-picture thinking and attention to detail. I am ambitious, curious, and eager to learn, with a strong foundation in programmatic architecture and a growing passion for the urban scale. I hold a Master’s in Architecture from KTH in Stockholm and gained international experience during an exchange year at IIT in Chicago. This exchange deepened my interest in large-scale urban design and architecture, complementing the detailed design sensibilities I cultivated during my years at KTH. My professional background includes a one-year internship at OIDO Arkitekter, where I worked on concept development, digital design, and project planning in various commercial projects.
I am passionate about synthesizing these perspectives and experiences - bridging architectural detail with large-scale urban thinking. I thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy engaging with projects that balance innovation, contextual sensitivity, and urban transformation - always seeking new challenges that expand my perspective as a designer.
+46 707486615
Stockholm Sweden
emmy.mollgren@gmail.com emmymollgren
URBAN LIFE OBSERVER
Spacescape, Stockholm
05.2025–present, part-time
Assisted in urban space analysis through on-site observation of movement patterns and public space use across various locations in Stockholm.
INTERN ARCHITECT
OIDO Arkitekter, Stockholm
10.2021–07.2022, full time
Worked on early-stage design for commercial projects such as office buildings and shopping malls. Focused on 3D modeling, visualizations, and presentation layouts, with most work carried out in Rhino, V-Ray, AutoCAD, and the Adobe Suite. Gained hands-on experience in a small, collaborative studio with emphasis on visual communication and concept refinement.
ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
STORE ASSISTANT
Lindex, Stockholm Summers 2021, 2023 and 2024, full time
Customer-facing role with a focus on service, sales and store operations.
VOLUNTEER ”BIG SISTER”
Tjejzonen, Stockholm 2019-2021, part time
Volunteered as a support person for young girls through regular meetings. Provided emotional support, a sense of safety, and guidance in navigating everyday life.
RESTAURANT
/ BAR STAFF
Snaps & Crazy Horse, Stockholm 2016-2019, Both extra and full time
Responsible for à la carte service (Snaps) and purchasing/inventory (Crazy Horse). Developed leadership and coordination skills in high-pressure environments.
STORE ASSISTANT / VISUAL MERCHANDISER
Gina Tricot, Uppsala 2012-2016, full time
Responsible for store layout and product presentation after completing the company’s visual merchandising training program. Also assisted the store manager with administration and daily operations.
PROFICIENCY
EDUCATION & ACCOMPLISHMENT
MASTER IN ARCHITECTURE
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 08.2023-01.2025
Deans List x2 - IIT
Awarded for high academic achievement.
The Peterhans Visual Training Prize - IIT Awarded for outstanding work in architectural drawing and visual communication.
Furniture Award - IIT
Received for innovative chair design.
EXCHANGE YEAR PROGRAM
IIT Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago 08.2022-05.2023, as part of master´s program
Scholarship - Stiftelsen Anders Mortners
Arkitektfond
Awarded for academic excellence and promising development within the field of architecture.
Scholarship- Estrid Ericsons Stiftelse Granted for studies in architecture with focus on design and craftsmanship.
BACHELOR IN ARCHITECTURE
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 08.2018-06.2021
Peer Scholarship - KTH Nominated by fellow students for academic and collaborative excellence.
ARCHITECTURE PREPARATORY PROGRAM
Arkitekturskolan STHLM 09.2017-06.2018
FAIR CITY FALL 2024 PAGE: 4-11
ARCHIPELAGO VERDURE FALL 2023 PAGE: 12-15
NAVESTAD COMMUNITY CENTER YEAR 5, FALL 2023 PAGE: 16-19
LOST AND FOLDS YEAR 4, SPRING 2023 PAGE: 20-23
DOMINO RESIDENCES YEAR 2, SPRING 2020 PAGE: 24-27
THE FUTURE OF LASALLE STREET: AN ANALYZE YEAR 4, FALL 2022 PAGE: 28-29
VINKELN YEAR 4, FALL 2022 PAGE: 30-31
ARCHITECTURE URBANDESIGN
SHINE A LIGHT ON WOOD FALL 2023 PAGE: 32-33 02 01 06 04 08 03 07 05 ARCHITECTURE URBANDESIGN ARCHITECTURE FURNITUREDESIGN ARCHITECTURE URBANDESIGN
FAIR CITY
SCHOOL: KTH Royal Insitute of Technology, Stockholm PROFESSORS: Leif Brodersen & Carolina Wikström (Individual thesis work)
The Stockholm International Fairs building, a landmark in Älvsjö, is slated for demolition under the City of Stockholm’s plans to densify the area with 7,000 new housing units and 15,000 workplaces. While this approach prioritizes urban growth, it risks erasing the site’s identity and overlooking its potential. The fair building, often criticized as a barrier between neighborhoods, is in fact a key economic, cultural, and historical asset, generating 3.5 billion SEK annually in tourism and anchoring Älvsjö’s identity as a meeting place.
This thesis proposes an alternative vision: a “Fair City” that embraces the existing structure while reimagining its role in the urban fabric. Rather than demolishing the fair building, the project modernizes and integrates it with its surroundings, enhancing connectivity across major barriers like railways and roads. Selective interventions transform the fairground into a year-round hub, blending cultural, social, and recreational programs with vibrant public spaces.
By prioritizing adaptive reuse, this proposal preserves the area’s history and unique character, while enhancing ecological resilience through the integration of blue-green corridors and flood-sensitive design. The result is a cohesive, dynamic urban district that balances development with preservation, offering a model for sustainable urban transformation.
CONDITIONS
Barriers with limited crossing points disconnect the site from its surroundings, turning it into a disconnected urban island.
Waterways that trace the pathways of an old lake – the area continues to struggle with flooding and remains at risk during a 100-year rain event. The natural water
flow moves from Årstaviken in the north, through the ground, and southward to Magelungen.
The majority of the site consists of green areas, but these are currently underutilized wetlands, isolated and lacking pedestrian access. The area is sparsely built, with the fairground and sports ground occupying most of the site.
SURROUNDING AREAS
The site serves as a central point between diverse areas, with most surrounding neighborhoods made up of suburban developments featuring smaller houses.
TRANSPORTATION
Near Älvsjö Centrum, the site offers excellent public transport access with commuter trains and buses. A planned subway station, tram, and bus line will further solidify it as a major transport hub.
1750
The area was originally covered by a lake— Brännkyrkasjön— connected by rivers to Årstasjön in the north and Magelungen in the south. At this time, the area was largely undeveloped, with only Älvsjö gård and Örby slott present.
1861
Due to post-glacial rebound, the lake slowly shrank into a wetland. The new railroad and train station created a new connection between the area and the city.
1920
Up until around the 1950s, the old lake still filled up each year and was referred to as ”Brännkyrka Swamp.” Extensive land drainage was carried out through trenches and the Magelungs river was straightened out. The railroad attracted investors, and the area quickly became more densely built.
TODAY
The area has today grown into a gap between several suburban residential areas. Most of the land in this area has been difficult to build on due to recurring floods and soft, sea-like ground. During the 1960s, several industries settled in the area, including the fair, and it has since been home to largerscale buildings.
Th project reimagines a fragmented and underutilized site as a vibrant, connected, and resilient urban district. By addressing physical barriers, flood risks, and underused spaces, the plan seeks to integrate the area into the surrounding urban fabric while preserving its identity and economic significance.
Key interventions include partially demolishing sections of the fairground to open up the site and create new connections, such as pedestrian tunnels beneath the railway and redesigned streets that prioritize slower traffic and active mobility. The green-blue corridor, a central feature of the plan, is enhanced through the creation of a public park that incorporates wetlands for flood management, relocated sports fields that serve as backup basins, and continuous pedestrian and cycling paths.
The district is designed to reflect its diverse context: the eastern side extends the suburban character with a garden city concept, integrating mixed building typologies and urban cultivation, while the western side introduces a denser urban hub connected to the transportation center. The preserved overpass is reimagined as a public park, activated by restaurants, shops, and cultural spaces, reinforcing the social and recreational functions of the area.
ALTERATIONS
-5500
-2
-6 kindergartens (8 in total)
-1 senior housing -3 parking garages (4 in total) of 2600 parking spots (2000 existing) -Along with additional commercial spaces.
LIGHT RAINFALL
During everyday rain, each building block in the new city will partially slow the flow of water by collecting stormwater from the roofs into rain gardens within its courtyards. This reduces the burden on the wetland park’s low points. Within the rain gardens, the stormwater can either be stored for use within the building block or slowly released back into the ground to infiltrate naturally. The wetland park’s low points have been expanded in both size and number to prepare for and accommodate future flooding. Surface water is naturally directed towards these low points, where it can sink gradually into the ground or travel along the main southward flow towards Magelungen.
MODERATE RAINFALL
When rain gardens reach their full capacity, underground pipes transport excess water to the wetland park to prevent moisture from affecting building foundations. The water is then managed naturally within the park, where vegetation and soil help regulate its flow and infiltration. During these events, parts of the wetland park may become temporarily inaccessible to pedestrians. However, elevated walkways provide safe and continuous connections across the park, ensuring mobility even in wetter conditions.
INTENSE RAINFALL
In extreme rainfall events, when both the courtyard rain gardens and the wetland park reach their full capacity, a controlled overflow system redirects water. Excess water from flooding rain gardens, streets, and underground drainage pipes is channeled to above-ground retention areas, the football fields. These football fields are located below street level but above the wetland park level to function as backup basins during heavy rain. The stored water gradually infiltrates into the ground or is slowly released back into the stormwater system once its capacity has recovered. This multitiered system helps protect urban infrastructure while minimizing the risk of flooding.
THE PUDDLE PARK: HEAVY RAINFALL
1968
The first volumes of the fair is built. They are today called Hall A and the Viktoria Hall
Outdoor areas are at the beginning used as an outdoor fair for eg pool and house prototypes
Hall A and B gets extended, new storage halls are built. Additional office floors are added
Hall C gets extended to a new eastern entrance which creates a circular flow around the whole building. Parking garage is added beneith and a closed of loading dock is created in the middle
A new hall - the central part of what today is Hall B- is built
The new hotel tower is built, with this Hall C gets refurbished into a conference center in connection to the hotell and with its own entrance
storage facilities are added and an extension to Hall A is built. With this the A foyer is created and a parking garage is built benieth
The Hall B gets extended and connected to the other halls through the roofed entrance hall. Existing restaurant expands towards the park
The western part of Hall C is built, connected to the entrance hall through a tunnel. A new entrance is added
Office spaces is created on the fourth floor and a new technical expansion is added in the loading dock
Hall A with corridors
Hall A is the oldest and weakest of the structures. Although it is currently a popular hall for events, its structure does not meet the strength requirements of modern standards for such spaces. By demolishing this hall and the surrounding corridors, new public spaces and pedestrian pathways are created. Existing restaurants and cafés are relocated to the ground floors of buildings surrounding the new square. Hall A previously hosted large events, such as the boat fair, which required its size and structural capacity. These larger events are relocated outdoors to the new fair square.
MAIN ENTRANCE AND LOADING DOCK
The existing main entrance is demolished to open up the fairground and create new connections through the currently closed-off loading dock. This loading dock is transformed into an urban street for buses, deliveries, and pedestrians. This main urban route runs not only through the fairground but also through the entire new urban area, functioning as the spine that links the district to its surroundings. The addition of a bus route ensures this area remains active throughout the day. The new entrance is now divided into several public spaces: a taxi zone next to Hall C, an entrance square— formed by preserving the old entrance hall structure, which now serves as an outdoor roof—and a reception entrance featuring a welcoming seating staircase and a fountain.
EAST ENTRANCE
The east entrance currently serves only a small portion of visitors and primarily functions as a corridor between halls. By demolishing this entrance, new, smaller public spaces are created between the halls and newly added structures. These spaces are filled with restaurants and outdoor seating, contributing to a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
The utility building and old storage facilities are demolished to make way for a new street with housing. The offices from the utility building are relocated to the expanded Congress Center. The forklift garage is moved to a space next to the mechanics area. New storage space is created in connection to Hall A and beneath the loading dock adjacent to Hall C.
Several of the fair’s in-house services are currently placed in common office spaces. One of these, the material library – where companies often book space and assistants during fairs to brainstorm ideas from the vast selection of materials – was closed in 2024 due to economic reasons. By opening these services to the public and placing showrooms on the ground floor of the fair square, these services could attract a broader public customer base. This would help create a more vibrant square. Additionally, the carpet manufacturer, currently an in-house service, will also have a showroom on-site, next to stores, restaurants, and cafés with outdoor seating areas, creating a thriving commercial square. The fair square will be the focal point of the area, hosting larger fairs (such as the boat fair) as well as other events like markets and smaller concerts outdoors on the square.
EXPANDED CONGRESS CENTER AND MAIN ENTRANCE
The existing congress center will be extended to include more congress halls, meeting rooms, and open meeting/foyer spaces to meet the increasing demand that most fair buildings face today. In addition to more meeting spaces, this area could also function as a public coworking space or a venue for other events. The new entrance will feature the reception area, positioned next to the large, sit-able stairs leading down from the train station, along with a long reflecting pool that guides visitors into the square. The old entrance hall’s roof has been preserved and re-clad with glass, replacing the steel roof, to create an outdoor exhibition and performance space.
OPEN LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION ROUTE
The previously enclosed loading yard will be transformed into an open logistics street, featuring added walkways, greenery, and bus routes. This will open up the fairground and create a main route extending through both the fairground and the city, connecting both sides of the urban area. With the addition of the bus line, this area will be activated throughout the day. Significant space has been preserved for the fair’s logistics needs, as most fairs require between one to five days of transportation. Greenery has been strategically placed in rows to create a noise barrier between the logistics area and pedestrian paths.
VISION: BROKEN BARRIERS AND A NEW PUBLIC REALM
A SECOND ENTRANCE
Two other in-house services that could benefit from becoming more public-facing are the carpenter, who currently builds 5–10% of the exhibition booths for the fairs, and the mechanic, who spends 70% of their time on-site repairing forklifts and similar equipment. Creating a showroom for the carpenter could attract more visitors to the area while giving the carpenter a new, central location with convenient access to all the fair halls, simplifying booth logistics. Additionally, a public garage will be added near Åbyvägen, attracting local customers and helping the mechanic reach full capacity on-site. A restaurant with outdoor seating will also be introduced in the same building block. Bus stops are placed between this building and the multihall, offering a second entrance for transit guests arriving by bus, as well as for visitors using the parking garages at Hall C or the multi-hall.
NEW MULTI-HALL
To address the shortage of sports facilities in Stockholm, a new multi-hall will be added to the area next to the puddle park with sports fields. This multi-functional hall will serve as a sports venue, a back-up fair venue, and a concert space. It will accommodate the existing sports club, Älvsjö IP, and include an 11-story office building. The hall will be large enough to fit three sports courts (50x30m each) and will have the required height (15 meters) to function as a concert hall. During concerts, the venue will have a capacity of 6,000 to 10,000 people. A parking garage will be constructed beneath the hall to handle the increased visitor flow generated by both the multi-hall and the puddle park.
Preserved structure
Demolished structure
The city’s plan for the site
1. 7,000 housing units + 15,000 workplaces
2. Demolition of Magelungsvägen’s elevated car bridge
3. Partial or full covering of Huddingevägen and/or Åbyvägen to address traffic issues
4. Preservation and transformation of the continuous green ribbon into a public park
5. Major sports developments along the green ribbon
6. Introduction of new public transport lines, including trams, buses, and a subway extension
7. Demolition of the fair building
My proposal
1. 5,500 housing units + 7,300 workplaces
2. Preservation of Magelungsvägen’s elevated car bridge, transforming the space beneath it into a park to take advantage of traffic separation
3. Transformation of Huddingevägen and/or Åbyvägen into boulevard-like streets with reduced traffic speeds to improve pedestrian and cyclist flow while easing traffic issues
4. The existing green ribbon is slightly reduced to create space for an urban connection to surrounding areas, while being integrated into the new urban district through smaller parks and courtyard parks
5. Development of a new sports hall, while maintaining the same number of sports fields
6. Rerouting of the planned bus line through the fairground to activate the area throughout the day
7. Preservation of the fair building
Completely or partially covered road
Demolished overpass
Preserved overpass
Boulevardized road
Developed area
Green structure
Demolished structure
Sport focused area
ARCHIPELAGO VERDURE: A VISION FOR THE NEW SENIOR LIVING
COMPETITION PROPOSAL for ”Beyond Isolation”. Competition arranged by Buildner. Collaboration with Belinda Lundevall Svarstad & Rebecka Granat
In our pursuit of redefining the senior living, we present a project that transcends traditional boundaries, placing paramount importance on breaking the shackles of isolation. Our approach goes beyond architecture; it’s a dedicated effort to nurture authentic connections and a feeling of inclusion. Our design not only caters to the immediate community but also extends to create communal spaces that foster interaction with the larger world. Through breaking down the boundaries between the facility and the neighborhood into new zones, our project seamlessly integrates with the broader community. At the heart of our design are these four connecting zones that promote social engagement through the creation of new spacial heirarchies and movement flows. These areas serve as catalysts for forging new friendships and a sense of belonging.
CONCEPTUAL APPROACH
A MODERN EXILE
Contemporary buildings focus on economic efficiency with compact apartments, isolating residents from public spaces.
THE INVOLUNTARY ISOLATION
Traditional senior living spaces tend to isolate individuals in confined cells, restricting social interactions to narrow corridors.
BREAKING OLD PATTERNS
Reconfiguring standard apartment layouts and incorporating unprogrammed space to break free from traditional senior living.
A REDIRECTED CONNECTION
By shifting the focal point of the building entrance, we alter the human experience of space.
THE NEW FRIENDZONE
Through providing visibility into our living spaces, we forge connections among neighbors.
EMBRACE THE COMMUNITY
By structuring semiprivate spaces hierarchically, we connect individuals and ”family” units in nearby clusters.
THE ZONES OF INCLUSIVITY
Through our new zones, we create a transformative environment that reshapes how citizens connect.
The Private Zone, intricately designed for personal solace, effortlessly flows through a openable kitchen into the Family Space—an inclusive realm where residents organically cultivate a sense of familial connection through e.g. communal cooking or shared activities around the central dining table. Here, daily lives seamlessly intertwine, giving rise to a shared experience that fosters a profound sense of unity among community members.
The serene core of the Community Zone functions as the beating heart of our project, encouraging social interaction within an expansive green space. Here, diverse areas encircle the magnetic fireplace that act as the navel for the residential hub, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment for residents to engage and connect.
As we extend beyond our immediate community, the Public Zone becomes a bridge, connecting our facility with the wider world. This thoughtfully designed space welcomes external visitors, creating an inclusive atmosphere that transcends the boundaries of our physical structure.
ZONES OF INCLUSIVITY
In our project, the four zones—Private, Family, Community, and Public—harmoniously converge to redefine the senior living experience. Residents navigate effortlessly between private retreats, familial bonds, communal vibrancy, and the enriching embrace of the broader community—a testament to our commitment to breaking isolation and fostering holistic well-being. By weaving a tapestry of interconnected spaces, we aspire to create a senior living environment where residents thrive emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
THE COMMUNITY ZONE
The scene reveals the shared hangout space where residents come together and connect.
THE FAMILY ZONE
NAVESTAD COMMUNITY CENTER
SCHOOL: KTH Royal Insitute of Technology, Stockholm PROFESSORS: Marcelo Rovira Torres & Thordis Arrhenius (Collaboration with Stina Freland)
Navestad’s ”Ringdansen” is a modernist architectural marvel dating back to 1972, situated on the outskirts of Norrköping. Initially renowned for its cutting-edge concrete solutions, it gradually fell out of favor due to the sheer mass and size of the structures. Despite multiple renovations, the area continues to grapple with challenges. Our analysis indicates that the individual apartment units have been sufficiently modernized. However, we identify a more significant issue in the neglected space between the rings. This unplanned area stands in contrast to the intentional focus on the rings themselves. Subsequent to the completion of these building rings, a mall was forcefully inserted to connect them, complete with a rigid walking bridge. Today, this mall serves little purpose and is in decline. The restrictive flow of the walking bridge hinders movement, offering only a small tunnel beneath. Our proposed solution involves dismantling the bridge and repurposing the mall into a vibrant community space for local residents.
ZONE 1 - Entrance
The current entrance zone is vast and underutilized, primarily serving as a passage between homes and the tram station. We’ve introduced a pavilion to provide weather protection and establish a clearer connection between the tram and the residential area. The pavilion seamlessly integrates with both buildings and a lush open park.
ZONE 2 - Heart of the Community
In addition to removing the pedestrian bridge, we propose renovating the existing mall building, preserving its original programs with a few additions. Our plan creates more open community spaces for programs to engage with residents. While respecting the existing structure, we add a small third floor and extend the basement with a sunken plaza. This not only elongates the first facade facing the entrance but also facilitates additional flows around the building, fostering connections throughout the area.
ZONE 3 - Triangle of schools
This area, situated within a ”triangle of schools,” is currently a parking space with a road cutting through it. We aim to cutting of this redundant road, reclaiming the space for residents and transforming it into a child-friendly area. The redesigned zone features a playscape, open park, and numerous seating areas, acting as a link between the three schools and the community space, connecting children of all ages and backgrounds.
1. ENTRANCE FACADE
Welcoming veiw with sunken plaza, seen from tram station
3.
4. SUNKEN PLAZA
CURRENT SITUATION
Tram station, dead mall and dominating parking lots next to schools
PROPOSED TRANSFORMATION
Entrance park, renovated community building and playscape
5. PLAYSCAPE
LOST AND FOLDS: LOST AND FOUND FACILITY
SCHOOL: IIT Illinois Institute Of Technology, Chicago
PROFESSOR: John Ronan (Collaboration with Shruti Thakkar)
The project experiments with folding metal to explore the relationship between space and structure. It proposes a municipal lost & found facility that employs corrugated core steel sandwich decks to house lost items and create a canopy over an urban street market at grade.
Our 4 layered storage system works on a trimester cycle where unclaimed items go to the resale market after 4 months to be sold in the sunken market plaza housed below the cantilevering storage floors. This contributes to the urban space and brings the community together. During the weekend this plaza becomes a lively market and on weekdays the outdoor forum stairs are used as a sunny lunch spot. This becomes an amenity for the neighborhood where they can buy cheap goods and this reduces landfill.
Inspired by the spatial condition and strengthening nature of a 2d plane folded and bent to a structural 3d space creation, the sandwich floor is configured to strengthen the overall building structure by alternating composite floor units that create cantilevers and engage the viewer by its dynamic nature. Using metal plates in the interior, enclosed with expanded metal facade brings abundant daylight, views, and transparency in the interior atmosphere. This creates an open and light spatial quality of small storage units that are repeated in the composite floor units.
SMALL STORAGE BOX
H6 X D9 X W12 INCH
HOOKS
MEZZANINE
CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLE
The sandwich concept is used in the creation of floor decks, walls and floor units. Structural. Structural walls connects to the slabs through channels on top and bottom of the wall.
The sandwich is then attached, floor by floor, through bolting the structural walls to the four concrete cores.
STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY
STEP 1
Site is escavated. Concrete floor with forum stairs, ramp and cores are poured.
STEP 2
Upper sandwich floor is constructed on ground floor ready for lift slab assembly.
STEP 3
Sandwich floor is jacked up and bolted to conrete cores through the structural sandwich walls.
STEP 4
The rest of the floors are jacked up in to place followed by the construction of the market place.
DOMINO RESIDENCES: TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF THE PARKING GARAGE
SCHOOL: KTH Royal Institute Of Technology, Stockholm PROFESSORS: Daniel Lindberg, Jesús Azpeitia & David Wettergren (Individual work)
In Norrköping, atop a mall, an empty parking rooftop awaits a new purpose. As society shifts towards a car-free paradigm, these structures lose their original function. This project delves into the transformation of such spaces.
The Area
Surrounded by functionalist-style apartment buildings, the city center lacks green spaces. This project seizes the opportunity to experiment with elevated housing units on the rooftop and the creation of a lush green haven in the heart of the city - a stark contrast to the massive apartment structures.
The Structure
To utilize the existing framework, the floor slabs are retained but perforated and integrated into the housing units. Emphasizing a horizontal flow, the units stretch between floors, guiding the interior movement from the first to the second slab. This design creates a dynamic journey through the building, establishing a complex relationship with the upper level and inviting fascinating light through various openings in the slab.
The Unit
Entrance on the first floor features a concrete facade, resonating with the parking space’s cold ambiance, and accentuating the contrast between the external and internal environments. Once inside, the roof opens three floors above, exposing the sky, and warm brick with wood panels cover the walls. The journey begins on the dusky ground floor with bedrooms, offering a view of raindrops falling from the openings in the ceiling. The living room on the second floor captures rays of sun over the brick wall, while the kitchen on the top floor connects to the grass-covered parking area. Atop, the kitchen opens up to the large grasscovered parking floor. Here, windows with shutters along the facade enable climate control. The private kitchen and public arable garden integrate seamlessly, fostering a transparent neighborhood feeling throughout the complex.
STEP 1
Existing structure, functioning only as rooftop parking.
STEP 2
By cutting holes in the existing parking slabs the structure could be reused and repurposed
STEP 3
New housing units are placed to stretch from 1st to 2nd floor as pockets in exsiting slabs.
STEP 4
Top floor is covered with arable soil to create a community garden and park for housing units. SECTION
PROPOSED TRANFORMATION WITH ROOFTOP PARK AND HOUSING ADDITION
EXSISTING ROOFTOP PARKING
THE FUTURE OF LASALLE STREET : AN ANALYZE
SCHOOL: IIT Illinois Institute Of Technology, Chicago
PROFESSORS: Joel Putnam & Philip Enquist (Collaboration in stages with Yasaman Bakhtiarian, Bhavana Reddy, Nahid Behroozi & Saumil Gandhi)
LaSalle Street, located south of the Chicago River Walk, bears witness to a rich history as the city’s prominent financial district. Once a bustling hub for banks and offices, its allure has waned as modern businesses migrate to newer locales, leaving behind aging structures. The area faces contemporary challenges, with dated office buildings resisting modernization due to their deep, sunlight-deprived interiors and outdated technical infrastructure.
As a north-south thoroughfare in the Loop, LaSalle Street is frequently confined to a transit corridor, missing the lively public spaces found elsewhere. Its termination in the middle of the Loop results in a neglected dead zone, whereas drivers choose other routes. All worsened by the absence of parks, seating areas, or commercial vitality. Despite the architectural grandeur, the imposing facades rarely engage the public, serving more as intimidating symbols than welcoming spaces.
To revitalize LaSalle Street, the proposal include closing sections to create an open park, widened walkways and introduction of greenery along the street. Transforming semi-closed bank lobbies into public spaces aims to reconnect these hidden gems with the street and the community. By fostering more public gathering spots, LaSalle Street can evolve from a mere commuting path into a thriving urban destination, inviting residents and visitors to appreciate its historical charm.
FACTS
Downtown’s Third Most Pedestrian-dense Street in the North-South Direction, but mostely used as a crossing
32% to 45% of the street is designated to the walkway, still not activated
Traffic Volume Declines dramatically as you move
Only 2 Open Public Seating Areas in the Whole Street
THE GATE STRIP
This section of the street is transformed into a bustling commercial corridor to connect to the vibrant river walk. Walkways are expanded, and building corners are opened up to establish public spaces for seating and commercial activities, addressing the challenge of limited open areas on a busy, trafficked street. Rows of greenery and seating not only serve as a guiding path for pedestrians leading up to LaSalle Street but also function as traffic separators. This ensures a safer environment for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers. A scramble intersection eliminates the invisible barrier presented by Wacker Drive and creates a safe-zone drawing pedestrians from the riverwalk into LaSalle Street.
THE CENTRAL STRIP
As the part of the street primarily serving as a commuter corridor, often hurriedly passed by the public, we strategically establish focal points at the three main commuter intersections, creating pauses to captivate these passersby. These focal points feature open corners, guiding pedestrians with lush, gathered greenery to accentuate these areas. Traffic is also partially separated, with widened intersections in the north-south direction, promoting this alternative commuter route through LaSalle Street.
THE PARK STRIP
The end of LaSalle, currently a dormant zone surrounded by grand banking structures, is closed to traffic and transformed into a lively park. This renewal, complemented by interventions along the three strips, establishes the area as the main attraction and draws pedestrians all the way from the river walk. The revitalized park, enriched with a variety of commercial programs, adopts a unique urban character. Despite its central location, the park, secluded from the commotion of traffic, emerges as a tranquil sanctuary for both downtown residents and visitors to Chicago.
LASALLE STREET
Historically and architecturally important buildings and street. EXECUTION
REPROGRAMMING INTERIOR SPACES
New public interior spaces are programmed according to types, sizes and street placement.
OPEN CORNERS
In Pedestrian dense crossings, focuspoints will break flows on east-west corridors and pull pedestrians into LaSalle.
GREENERY
Zones of greenery will transform the street into a welcoming park.
IMPROVING WALKABILITY
The walkway is extended in different ways along LaSalle to pull pedestrians from the riverwalk and to further carry people to the end of the street.
PRIORITIZING THE PEDESTRIAN
To reduce the obstacle of the cardominated street and to redirect pedestrian flows into LaSalle wider crosswalks are added.
INTRODUCING NEW STREET CHARACTERS
The street is categoriezed into three strips based on surrounding street activities, pedestrian movements and traffic flows.
VINKELN: CHAIR DESIGN
SCHOOL: IIT Illinois Institute Of Technology, Chicago
PROFESSOR: John Kriegshauser (Individual work)
In this chair design, I sought to explore the intricacies of wood, joinery, and craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian furniture design, I created a minimalist chair characterized by a complex and concealed structure. The chair features a maple skeleton with compound-angled legs, supporting a walnut seat, showcasing a striking contrast between the two types of wood and highlighting visible joints.
The primary inspiration for this design was the ”Under” chair by Snøhetta, which features a seamless blend of armrests, backrest, and legs into a continuous curve. In my design, I aimed to emphasize a prominent front leg detail that penetrates the seat, necessitating the modification of the continuous curve into four angled legs. The mirrored configuration of these legs provides robust support, converging just beneath the seat. As one sits, the protruding legs gently flex outward, demonstrating both the strength and dynamic nature of the structure.
SHINE A LIGHT ON WOOD: MULTIPURPOSE STAGE
COMPETITION PROPOSAL for ”Nya ögon på trä” Competition arranged by Svenskt Trä and ByggNord. Individual work. Have been revised after submission.
This proposal envisions a captivating center at the heart of the Nordbygg international trade fair. Here, wood is utilized
in a pure and honest manner. Curved Plywood beams serve both as a structural element and as protective layers adjacent to the thinner 1 mm plywood, which takes on the central role in the proposal. Drawing inspiration from Go Hasegawa’s adept use of plywood in ”House in a Forest,” I aimed to similarly work with the distinct characteristics of plywood. By employing millimeter-thin plywood as a kind of screen between the light source and the visitor, a clear representation of the wood is created. Visitors experience the aesthetic qualities of the plywood’s decorative grain but also an enhanced warmth from the wood as the panel is illuminated. Here, one strolls through a illuminated landscape with open seating, offering numerous opportunities for new encounters and conversations.
Building circularly implies having a clear endpoint for the material used, where each individual piece should be capable of being reused for a new project to avoid waste in new adaptations. My proposal suggests transforming this stage, at the end of the trade fair, into 20 parklets to be placed on parking sites all around Stockholm. This ensures full material recycling, minimizing environmental impact and contributing to sustainable urban spaces.
STEP 1
The primary material for this project, millimeterthin plywood, is selected for its exceptional bendability and translucency.
STEP 2
The Stockholm International Fair’s designated meeting area measures 10m x 25m. By subdividing this space into smaller modules, I discovered these units could serve as parklets post-event, aligning with the dimensions of a standard Stockholm parking space (2.5m x 5m).
STEP 3
To optimize the overall plan, a slight reconfiguration of the module bases was implemented. Focus points at the intersections of these bases create dynamic movement and facilitate their division into disassembled puzzle pieces.
STEP 4
The initial exploration involved bending plywood into simple, structural shapes. These shapes effectively function as canopies, casting a warm, golden-red light across the area.
STEP 5
To enhance spatial variety, certain intersections are elevated above others. This elevation allows the roofs to overlap, creating a multi-layered effect with both light and material.
STEP 6
For these focus points to function cohesively within the modular assembly, they were refined into a unified geometric form.
STEP 7
The final design delivers a versatile meeting space that integrates the concepts of materiality and light. It can be fully assembled for the event or disassembled into parklets, contributing to the enhancement of public spaces.
