Södermalmstorg and Mälartrappan come to life

The inauguration will be celebrated with activities throughout the day, and naturally, we at White Arkitekter will be on site to celebrate together with the public, the City of Stockholm and everyone involved in realising these new places.

Södermalmstorg – Södermalm’s new living room and viewing square
Södermalmstorg is a historic site now being transformed into a vibrant new city square. Positioned to catch the best of the evening sun, the square rises to create space for play and movement, along with a terraced seating landscape oriented toward the views of Riddarfjärden, Gamla Stan and Djurgården. An inner room is formed by raised planting islands with integrated seating, shaded seating areas beneath trees, and generous seating decks. Södermalmstorg welcomes everyone – whether you’re enjoying lunch at an outdoor café, bringing your own meal, viewing art, or simply pausing to take in one of Stockholm’s most beautiful views. The square is also designed to host temporary events.

History is ever-present in the design. Archaeological finds and historical references have inspired the artistic elements embedded into the paving. The artwork, created by Per Mårtensson, is integrated into the architecture of the square rather than added on, and together with the site’s robust materials, creates a place that feels both timeless and contemporary.

One of Sweden’s busiest cycle routes crosses the square, placing high demands on clear zoning and safe design. Public areas, cycle paths and walkways are distinctly separated using raised planting beds, bicycle parking and paving patterns.

This autumn, the square will be further enhanced with greenery through extensive planting. A total of 28 trees from eight different species will be planted, along with 50 shrubs, approximately 3,000 perennials and 9,000 flower bulbs – creating a rich and seasonally shifting urban landscape. With great biodiversity and careful design, the square will become a lush and vibrant place year-round.

From Södermalmstorg, you can also see the new green roofs of Mälarterrassen – a verdant landscape reinforcing Slussen’s blue-green identity. These roofs act as a “fifth façade,” where more than 7,500 plants and 200 different species have been planted to support biodiversity and contribute to climate adaptation.

Mälartrappan – a new link between the water and Södermalm
Mälartrappan is the central route connecting Vattentorget, Mälarterrassen and Södermalmstorg – a twelve-metre elevation difference now transformed into an inviting walk. The stairs are combined with stepped seating areas that offer views of Vattentorget. Indoors at Mälarterrassen, escalators and elevators are available 24/7. In autumn, climbers and bulbs will be planted along the façades, along with four trees on the quay in front of Mälarterrassen.

The design balances hard and soft values: robust materials and technical precision meet greenery, lighting and places to rest. It’s a new shortcut between Götgatan and Gamla Stan – but also a place to pause, breathe and enjoy the view of the city.

A project driven by passion and collaboration
The project is the result of close and committed collaboration between White, Foster + Partners, the City of Stockholm, consultants, artists and contractors. The attention to detail throughout Södermalmstorg and Mälartrappan reflects a shared ambition to create something truly enduring – for Stockholmers today and tomorrow.