Södermalmstorg, Slussen, Stockholm

Södermalmstorg, Slussen, Stockholm

Södermalmstorg is one of the most significant pieces in the transformation of the new Slussen. Long dominated by complex traffic arrangements and heavy technical infrastructure, the area has been reimagined as a more inviting and vibrant urban space, where greenery and people take precedence. The square has become a pivotal junction between the city’s various levels, its open sightlines allowing the water and views to emerge more clearly than ever before.

A place for both movement and tranquillity

The square has been shaped as Södermalm’s new living room and viewing terrace, set in a sunny south-westerly position with sweeping vistas over Riddarfjärden, the Old Town and Djurgården.

The open expanses invite play, spontaneous encounters and temporary events. Elevated planting islands, dappled shade from the trees and generous seating provide variety and create spaces for both activity and rest. Cutting through the urban landscape runs one of Sweden’s busiest cycle routes – just one of the many flows passing through Slussen. Through carefully defined spatial sequences and an attentive approach to scale, these movements are integrated without compromising the square’s sense of calm and openness.

Client: Stockholm stad
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Status: Completed 2025
Photography: Måns Berg
Awards: Stenpriset 2025

At Södermalmstorg, there is room for everyone. Here, you can enjoy lunch at an outdoor café or bring your own food, take in cultural experiences, or simply pause and savour one of Stockholm’s most beautiful views.

The return of greenery to Slussen

Greenery is a defining feature of Södermalmstorg’s identity. Introducing planting into Slussen’s technically complex, multi-level urban landscape has been one of the project’s greatest challenges – and one of its most significant achievements. Södermalmstorg is a square where nature and city are interwoven to create lasting ecological value and support robust climate adaptation.

Here, 28 trees of eight different species have been planted, accompanied by shrubs, perennials, meadow vegetation and bulbs that together form a rich and diverse green structure, giving the square character throughout the year. The plantings follow a nature-inspired approach, where varied heights, densities and open clearings combine to create a resilient and evolving environment at the heart of the city. Biodiversity is as vital as visual expression – the greenery provides shade, coolness and contributes to a more climate-resilient urban district.

Materials that endure and age with the place

Slussen has long been dominated by concrete, but at Södermalmstorg, stone has been given a new role as a warm and welcoming material that harmonises with its surroundings. Swedish granite forms the square’s foundation, chosen for its durability, resilience and ability to age gracefully in a busy urban environment. It provides a tactile and robust surface that both frames the views and interacts gently with the greenery.

Integrated into the paving is Footnotes by Per Mårtensson – a subtle nod to the city’s layers of history and a reminder of the site’s evolving identity.

Our ambition has been to create a place where different qualities – greenery, stone, art and light – interact to form a square that feels both lively and inclusive. Södermalmstorg becomes a new, modern extension of Slussen and reflects what we have seen residents value in the urban environment.
Paula Mackenzie, lead landscape architect at White

Contact & Team

Paula Mackenzie

Paula Mackenzie

Landscape Architect

+46 8 587 121 08

Gustav Jarlöv

Jack Johnson

Please share!

Related projects

All Projects

Loading...