By Patricia Arcilla

Named for its location at the intersection of Vasastaden and “the Haga city” of Hagastaden, Belatchew Arkitekter‘s “HagaTwist” has been selected by Atrium Ljungberg as the winner of an invited architectural competition for the construction of a public building in Stockholm. Envisioned as a “meeting place” for visitors, workers, and locals alike, the project will feature a flexible program and incorporate a restaurant and rooftop terrace.

Construction of the building is slated to begin in early 2016, with an opening currently projected for autumn of the same year. The HagaTwist will cater for the burgeoning permanent and visiting populations of Hagastaden, and form part of a masterplan for urban development currently underway in the city. It is hoped that by 2025 Hagastaden will be transformed into an urban melange of housing, offices, cultural attractions, and medical care and research; a world-leading specialty research centre is also in discussion for the area.

A focus on health and life sciences is also reflected in the eponymous twist of Belatchew Arkitekter‘s proposal. Evocative of the DNA helix, the shape also references the manner in which the HagaTwist “combines work with pleasure, the individual with the collective.” A lightweight timber structure smoothly transitions between floors via a wide staircase, and positions itself as a sculptural focal point along the city streetscape.

When built, the HagaTwist will facilitate activity day and night, paralleling the vibrancy of the growing city in which it is located. “This is a unique project on a very particular place,” said Rahel Belatchew Lerdell, CEO of Belatchew Arkitekter, “…Inviting us to the meeting places of the future.”

Award: First Prize
Project Name: HagaTwist
Architects: Belatchew Arkitekter
Area: 700.0 sqm
Year: 2015
Photographs: Courtesy of Belatchew Arkitekter

Source:: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ArchDaily/~3/lo1wTs8k7FA/