Hello there, it’s been quite a while :) My boyfriend and I went on trip to Sweden and Norway several weeks ago, so this post is dedicated to that.
Read something
I finished reading A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander (mentioned this one before in RSW #2).
A little refresher: this book is a compilation of 253 patterns that define a livable place. Here’s one of my favorites:
Pattern 87, Individual Owned Shops
Do what you can to encourage the development of individually owned shops. Approve applications for business licenses only if the business is owned by those people who actually work and manage the store. Approve new commercial building permits only if the proposed structure includes many very very small rental places.
There are tons of vacant commercial spaces in Providence and they are too big for most people to afford. Perhaps there would be higher occupancy and more unique local businesses if those spaces were smaller.
Saw something
Construction of New Slussen in Stockholm. It’s a huge project aimed to bring the city closer to the water and connect the neighborhoods by building parks and dedicating more space to public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians. The project also aims to reduce the risk of flooding and protect drinking water.
More info:
I think it’s the biggest construction project I had ever seen. It’s also another reason to return to Stockholm one day and see it all finished.
Walked somewhere
On our trip, we visited Stockholm and Karlstad in Sweden and then Oslo in Norway. And of course, we explored these cities by walking around. Some impressions…
Stockholm
Very green - lots of trees, plants, parks and small squares.
Many streets are for walkers and cyclists only.
More trams and buses than cars, congestion tax probably plays a role here.
Very quiet overall.
…Even jackhammering seems quieter than in the US.
Bike lanes and paths all around.
Tons of scooters to rent.
Easy to get downtown from the airport on Arlanda Express train.
Karlstad
For background, Karlstad is a small city in the middle of Sweden, with a population of ~60,000 (that’s x3 less than Providence).
Despite its small size, it still has great biking infrastructure. There are separated bike lanes everywhere and ~15,000 km of mapped bikeways according to bikemap.net (just for comparison, that’s x3 more than in Providence).
There are several pedestrian-only streets and many more that have widened sidewalks.
It’s easy to get to Gothenburg, Oslo, and Stockholm - trains and buses run every 2 hours (buses are very punctual by the way). There’s also an extensive bus system within the city.
Lots of mixed-use development with everything being within walking distance. The streets are nevertheless quiet and the homes still have private outdoor spaces, despite being close to each other.
Oslo
Much more diverse and artsy than expected. Reminded me of Berlin, though I thought it would be more similar to Reykjavik or Stockholm.
There are lots of people riding bicycles, but there are almost no separated (or even painted) bike lanes.
Buses and trams are everywhere, very few cars.
Most roads are narrow and easy to cross (especially because there are so few cars).
Very hilly! Many buildings and parks are built into the landscape, making it feel cozy and permanent.
Loved seeing the green rail tracks in the middle of the city.
There’s a neighborhood that looks almost like Seaport in Boston.