The area of Berga is part of the city of Kalmar on Sweden's east coast. It is a part of the city that is in transition. Currently a fairly low density area, our brief was to inject a large amount of housing on to the site and in doing so bringing a new identity to the area.

CITY PLAN

Our strategy has been to work with a development plan that provides Bergagården a strong cohesive identity while allowing a variety of content. The town plan is filled with a diverse range of programs and designs. It can be expanded in stages and could allow different architects to contribute separate building within the master-plan. The buildings are concentrated so that as much green area as possible can be saved.

Two areas with different characteristics are defined; the 'urban street' to the east and the 'park square' to the west. The layering of park and program creates opportunities for people to gather and meet, be it on the boule court, at the barbecue, playing basketball or relaxing in the sun. Parking is under the buildings to free up the surface.

PARK

The property regains its historic nature as an English park. The existing important trees of the garden have been saved while the brush and some of the small trees have been cleared out to allow for more open spaces. A network of pathways for the pedestrian and cyclist have been integrated into the park. The park is both within the square formed by the buildings and also all around the new built area so that when viewed from outside the hill maintains its green character.

HOUSING

There are a range of housing types on the site, from apartments to town houses, all sharing some basic important qualities :

-All the apartments are rationally planned.

-All homes have a terrace or balcony.

-Wet areas are located near the service core of a rational construction type.

-Many aspects of the different buildings shared, therefore allowing efficient rational construction.

-Greenhouse, laundry rooms and meeting places relocated on the roof of each building to allow public interaction in a prime location.

L & C-HOUSE

To put Berga on the map as Kalmar's new center, we propose two towers that are in dialogue with each other and also the nearby existing water tower. L-House has a podium that addresses the 'park square' and slender tower with a facade whose play of color lightens up the sky. C-house has a similar podium and tower but also has a 'heavy' top providing greater opportunity to live with the best view. The artistic expression has been derived from the water tower that is also top heavy. Both buildings have a public terrace. The L-terrace situated on the 5^th floor overlooks the park and the C-terrace which is situated on the 19^th floor offers great views of the city and the nearby coastline.

SOCIAL STABILITY

By offering several different types of housing that attracts both young and old, there will be a mixed population composition and therefore long-term social sustainability. The area will create contacts with the surrounding existing neighborhoods. The park will be the meeting place and recreation area for local residents and new arrivals.