Justice for Loose Space : Exploring Stockholm Under the Bridges

Abstract: Stockholm is a city of bridges. But we rarely pay attention to what happens below them. Many of these spaces are centrally located in the city, yet perceived as peripheral due to their uncertain programmatic status and rough physical appearance, also referred to as loose space. Some are integrated in the urban fabric; others are more inaccessible and thus become forgotten spots detached from the rapid development of the rest of the city. The space below the bridges of Skanstull is an example of the latter. After many years of being in the shadow of the city, giving space for outdoor parties, graffiti painters and more recently urban farming, it is now being under pressure of a large scale redevelopment project. But do these spaces carry meaning that is neglected in the common notion of public space? How can we as planners use our tools in order to encourage the existence of a larger diversity of forms, spaces and uses?