Balancing Growth and Sustainability: The Urban Expansion

This thesis examines the rapid urban expansion and densification of Stockholm, one of Europe's fastest-growing cities, ranked third in La Salle's 2022 list of growing cities. It focuses on integrating sustainability at multiple scales within the city's development, with particular attention to the role of the expanding rail network and the Stockholm green wedges in shaping urban growth. Stockholm's Regional Development Plan (RUFS), adopted in 2018, outlines a long-term strategy for urban expansion and densification, emphasizing the interconnectedness of growing municipalities with the city's core. The municipality of Nacka, adjacent to central Stockholm and known for its natural landscapes, is a key area for upcoming developments. Specifically, Sickla, a strategically identified area, serves as a testbed for new sustainability approaches.

This project critically examines the transformation occurring in peri-urban zones like Sickla, which act as transitional areas between urban and suburban zones. As urban expansion intensifies, these zones experience significant disruptions, often overlooked in the broader development narrative. Focusing on Sickla, the thesis aims to propose alternatives to the densification of peripheral areas through strategies that balance urban growth with the preservation of community life and local character. By offering a nuanced approach to urban densification, this study seeks to harmonize the pace of development with sustainable and livable city practices.