Nordstan's new meeting place
Nordstan in Gothenburg is facing an exciting transformation in connection with the construction of the underground Västlänken with an entrance leading straight into the shopping centre. The current back side will now become a well-visited front side and meeting place.
The classic shopping centre Nordstan in central Gothenburg is undergoing extensive development in conjunction with the establishment of the Västlänken underground and the entrance leading straight into Nordstan. The northern part of the shopping centre will thus welcome large flows of visitors every day.
‘We humans are drawn to varied and vibrant environments, and we take advantage of that here,’ says Per Norberg, architect in charge in Gothenburg.
Wester+Elsner architects have been working on the project on behalf of Nordstan since 2022. In connection with the detailed plan for North of Nordstan gaining validity in June 2024, the project has entered a more intensive phase.
While Okidoki Architects is responsible for the façade design of the entrance building, with references to the city’s industrial history, Wester+Elsner Architects is responsible for the design of the neighbourhood’s inviting interior.
The work is guided by the visitor’s perspective and needs. It should be easy for commuters to find their way around, while encouraging people to stop, run errands and sit down for a while to study public life.
An important aspect of the assignment is that the place should feel safe and welcoming around the clock. The natural daylight from the generous glass sections is utilised during the day. After dark, the safe feeling is maintained with the help of smart lighting.
The redevelopment and extension of northern Nordstan is expected to be completed in December 2026, at the same time as Västlänken is opened.
“The entrance from Västlänken will give us stronger visitor flows. We will capitalise on this and create a really pleasant experience for those who use our new northern entrance. The new indoor square, new shop fronts and refreshed surfaces will help to strengthen Nordstan as a meeting place,” concludes Helena Lindqvist, CEO of Nordstan.