The City of the Future

–The City of the Future CROWN PRINCESS VICTORIA moves to Haga Page 16 Two of Sweden's largest investments for the future SWEDBANK ARENA AND THE NEW...
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–The City of the Future

CROWN PRINCESS VICTORIA moves to Haga Page 16

Two of Sweden's largest investments for the future

SWEDBANK ARENA AND THE NEW KAROLINSKA SOLNA Page 3 & 18

SUSTAINABLE SOLNA

is taking shape Page 15

Karolinska Institutet

WORLD LEADERS IN RESEARCH for life Page 4-5

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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PHOTO: PETER KNUTSON

“The New Karolinska Solna and the Swedbank Arena are being built in Solna. These are two of Sweden’s greatest investments in the future and will truly consolidate Sweden on the world map.”

Solna has great pulling power

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s Chair of Executive Board of the City of Solna, my objective is for Solna to become the best city in which to live and work in Sweden. We offer a wonderful environment to live in as well as a competitive business climate, satisfying both residents and businesses. We have a wealth of evidence to indicate we are on the right track. Solna has had the fastest population growth in Sweden over the last six years. For the third year in a row, the city has topped the ranking produced by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise as Sweden’s most business-friendly municipality. No other municipality has achieved three consecutive firsts and Solna has never fallen below fourth place.

Of course, not all of this is down to luck we have been working towards this goal for many years. A healthy business climate provides more job opportunities and this, together with an expanding population, creates opportunities to develop the first-rate social

conditions that we want to be able to offer Solna residents, not least within education and care and nursing services. Our work to meet the current demands for living and working in Solna has been intensive. Using our vision of a sustainable Solna as a starting point, we are building on the qualities of Solna, and our city is growing in a way that is eco-friendly, pleasing and safe. Six new city districts are being established, which will incorporate a mix of attractive living accommodation and workplaces. These districts will be linked to the rest of Solna by extending the Tvärbanan (Lateral Line) light rail service, thereby strengthening our existing public transport facilities, which are already good. At the same time we are working to improve the quality and range of services available to the residents of Solna.

We can only conclude that Solna has

In 2010, work will start at the other end of our city on the New Karolinska Solna, which will be the most modern hospital in Europe. This new hospital, combined with the investments made by Karolinska Institutet, now celebrating its 200th anniversary, will lay the foundations for the area to become one of the world’s leading locations for life sciences for the future. As you can see, there are many exciting things happening in our city and Solna certainly has something for everyone: residents, visitors and businesses. You will receive a warm welcome when you come and visit our city! n

more to offer than other places. Solna is a place where many people of all ages want to live, including young families and older people. Their

Lars-Erik Salminen CHAIR OF THE SOLNA MUNICIPAL BOARD

Questions concerning this broschure: Kristina Tidestav, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tel. +46-8-734 20 00 CITY OF SOLNA

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SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel will also become Solna residents when they move into Haga Castle Palace after their wedding. I am, of course, extremely pleased about this. Before the royal couple move in, Haga Park, the world’s first National City Park and a unique recreational area for visitors for generations, will be given a major facelift, which will benefit everyone. Two of Sweden’s largest future investments, the New Karolinska Solna and the Swedbank Arena, are being built in Solna and will truly consolidate Sweden on the world map. By constructing Arenastaden and the Swedbank Arena (the new national football stadium), Solna will lift its status as a sports and events venue. Arenastaden will be a vibrant city district offering a sustainable and good environment.

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EDITOR: Per-Åke Hultberg LAYOUT: Magnuson Media AB REPRODUCTION/PRINT: Bildrepro Sthlm AB PHOTO FRONTPAGE: Jeanette Hägglund

Building work starts at the New Karolinska Solna

world-class ILLUSTTRATION: Tengbom arkitekter

university hospital with human approach

The New Karolinska Solna The hospital will provide tertiary and specialist care, with a focus on efficient patient flows, high standards of patient safety (including single rooms for in-patients) and more collaboration between the areas of healthcare, research, training and education.

The construction

work has started and the aim is to admit the first patient in December 2015.

The time has finally come, all of the decisions have been taken and the construction of the New Karolinska Solna will start in the summer. This will be one of the world’s best and most modern university hospitals. The hospital, which will open in 2015 and operate in close collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, will offer healthcare, conduct research and provide opportunities for education and training.

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The name ‘Karolinska Hospital’ is synonymous with highly specialised healthcare, where quality is guaranteed. The New Karolinska Solna, which is being built in the existing grounds of the hospital adjacent to Karolinska Institutet at Solnavägen, will no doubt live up to and exceed the reputation of the old hospital. This is a guarantee given by Lennart Persson, Administrative Manager.

“It will be a world-class university hospital that together with Karolinska Institutet will be the driving force behind the entire life science sector in the Stockholm region,” says Lennart Persson. “As the New Karolinska Solna will be a highly specialised hospital, this not only means that we will be caring for the most seriously injured and sick people, but also that healthcare, education, training and research – both academic and industrial research – will be fully integrated and that there will be quick and efficient exchange of knowledge between the hospital and KI. In other words, the New Karolinska Solna will play a major role in con-

tributing to both high quality research and the development of new pharmaceuticals. This will in turn mean that the hospital will have rapid access to new knowledge, new pharmaceuticals and new care methods. It is all about the fastest route to the patient,” Lennart Persson explains. “This will be a dynamic and creative environment, where doctors and other care staff will work alongside professors, researchers and technical staff to create the conditions required to ensure the optimal development of all concerned,” Lennart Persson says.

During the planning stages, the motto for the project has been that ‘The patient comes first’. This means that when planning the hospital, account was taken of what is best for individual patients. The patient must receive the right care from the right person at the right time. “This involves providing the highest poss­ ible level of patient-centred care, focussing on patient safety, integrity and comfort in a way that is more clear and tangible than is currently possible,” says Lennart Persson.

The total area of the hospital will be 320,000 m2 and will include a patient hotel. There will be 600 beds in total, 125 of which will be intensive and intermediate care beds and 75 of which will be post-op beds. There will be approximately 100 beds for outpatients as well as 100 beds in the patient hotel. Investment costs of SEK 14.5 billion will cover the costs associated with construction, property development, borrowing, demolition, etc. The construction iwork has started and the aim is to admit the first patient in December 2015.

This means, for example, that patients will become much more participative in their healthcare and will have the right to quick and accurate diagnoses as well as receiving care unfettered by waiting times. All patient accommodation will be provided in single rooms, harmoniously designed with space for relatives. This will not only provide security and privacy, but also reduce the spread of disease.

One major advantage for both patients and staff is the fact that the New Karolinska Solna will be considerably more centralised than the current hospital, which is spread over an area as large as Stockholm Old Town. This will create close links between clinics, wards, laboratories, operating theatres and so on. “But above all else the new hospital will be an environment – both externally and internally – which will instil a feeling of peace and security in patients, a modern and attractive environment with lots of light and space, quite simply a hospital that has been created for people,” Lennart Persson concludes. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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“Along with

PHOTO: LErik Mårtensson

the other universities involved, we want to help Sweden to compete internationally within the field of life sciences,” says Harriet Wallberg-Henriksson, President of Karolinska Institutet.

Joint drive puts Swedish research back at the top Solna is at the centre of Europe’s most dynamic life science clus-

ter. With Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital at the core, there is an intense concentration of research and entrepreneurship within the areas of biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals and medical engineering.

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One important component of this exciting development is the Science for Life Laboratory, at Karolinska Institutet’s campus in Solna, which was inaugurated in May 2010. Harriet Wallberg-Henriksson, President of Karolinska Institutet since 2004, is one of the champions of the project. She became a Professor of Physiology in 1998 and has been a member of the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet since 2002. “It is an incredibly exciting project and we are extremely happy about the initiative," she says. "Along with the other universities involved, we want to help Sweden to compete internationally within the field of life sciences. We are convinced that Sweden has the potential to lead the way when it comes to knowledge-intensive and knowledge-generating operations and entrepreneurship.”

The major effort made by the Government in the form of a Research Bill and SEK 5 billion in funding for the higher education sector could not have come at a better time. The largest share of the pot went to the field of 4

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

molecular biosciences at Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal institute of Technology, the University of Stockholm and Uppsala University. “The investment made by the Government has been unique in many ways. Sweden has historically been known for its biotechnology and life sciences, with Pharmacia and Astra as major Swedish flagship companies. Although they no longer exist in quite the same form today, their knowledge and skills live on.”

Research in recent years has provided new unique opportunities to map diseases by studying human and animal genes. We can use sophisticated techniques and methods to investigate large patient populations and simultaneously examine genetic predispositions and the behaviour of individual proteins. “We find ourselves in an era where we are on the way to discovering completely new treatment methods that will be able to help people with serious diseases that we have previously been unable to cure or relieve. I believe there will be many new research breakthroughs thanks to

1000 seats

The new lecture theatre will seat 1000 and be used for Nobel Lectures, large symposia and events, as well as lectures linked to the research and education performed at Karolinska Institutet.

the technical platform offered by SciLifeLab,” says Harriet Wallberg-Henriksson.

She hopes that medical science will in time be able to focus on prevention, rather than on solely curing diseases. “Then we will all be able to live healthier and longer lives, which is an enormously stimulating target to work towards,” says Harriet Wallenberg-Henriksson. n Charlotte Lund Phalén

The lecture theatre angled towards

the future New buildings at the KI Science Park, a new lecture theatre

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“Yes, we are certainly experiencing extremely rapid expansion at the present time and have been very fortunate in getting the funds necessary to develop," says Rune Fransson, Director at KI responsible for innovation and infrastructure. Karolinska Institutet, together with the New Karolinska Solna, is playing a key role in regional efforts to realise the vision of making the area around KI one of the world’s leading areas for life sciences by 2025. This work is being conducted in collaboration with, among others, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, University of Stockholm, City of Solna, City of Stockholm and Stockholm County Council.

The major investments and support at KI both now and in recent years mean that KI is on track towards realising this vision. These investments relate to both new funding for research, where KI has received a substantial reinforcement of its resources, and to new infrastructure. “Not only are there several new buildings that are essential to the growth of KI, but we also need to replace some of the current buildings that have become run-down and outdated," says Rune Fransson.

The latest addition is a new building for Karolinska Institutet Science Park, which is home to some 50 businesses. In-

novation activities started at Karolinska Institutet in 1996, the aim of which is to nurture and further develop research findings into commercial products. The pharmaceuticals company Biovitrium recently relocated to the KI area and will occupy large part of the building. The new Science for Life Laboratory research institute will occupy the remainder of the building (see article on page 9). A third building will be ready for use at the science park by the start of 2013. A new lecture theatre is also being constructed. This has attracted a great deal of media attention and the build has been made possible by a record donation of SEK 350 million from the Erling-Persson Family Foundation. The building was designed by the leading Swedish architect Gert Wingårdh, and will be a triangular construction made of glass reaching for the sky. It is certain to be a prominent landmark, which is essential in the opinion of Rune Fransson.

“The new hospital will be so large that the new lecture theatre, which is located at the boundary of the hospital and KI campus grounds, has to stand out. We want to make it spectacular,” he emphasises. The lecture theatre, which will seat 1000, will be completed in 2012-2013 and it is intended to be used for Nobel Lectures,

PHOTO: JEANETTE HÄGGLUND

and a huge investment in research, including a new research laboratory – together these mean that Karolinska Institutet, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2010, will have the capacity to further consolidate its position as one of the world’s leading medical universities.

New investments

– “Not only are there are several new buildings that are essential to the growth of KI, but we also need to replace some of the current buildings that have become run-down and outdated,” says Rune Fransson, Director at KI responsible for innovation and infrastructure.

large symposia and events, as well as lectures linked to the research and education conducted at Karolinska Institutet. It will also house some of KI’s administrative functions. “We certainly have an exciting future ahead of us,” concludes Rune Fransson. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET Karolinska Institutet, ranked 42nd

among the world’s top 100 seats of learning, holds the highest position in Sweden. This ranking is produced by the Jiao Tong University in Shanghai and is based on research performance, measured by Nobel Prize awards and other recognitions as well as articles published in scientific journals.

Biovitrum moves to the new Karolinska Science Park Biovitrum, a pharmaceutical company with around 300 employees,

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moved into Karolinska Science Park in January. Biovitrum has specialist expertise in the area of blood disorders and was established as a spinoff company from Pharmacia in Uppsala. Today the company conducts research and drug development in areas such as haemophilia. “One of the reasons behind the move was

its proximity to Karolinska Institutet and the wealth of other research,” says Erik Kinnman, Head of Investor Relations & Public Affairs at Biovitrum. “Here we have much better premises that are completely new and have been designed

and optimised for research. We had been looking for large, open spaces such as these, and the move also means that we can also accommodate our newly acquired pharmaceutical company, Swedish Orphan International Holding AB.” n SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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Solna – one of Sweden’s municipalities

of the future Solna, together with Stockholm and Gothenburg, lies at the top

of the most recent barometer assessment of Swedish municipalities conducted by Kairos Future, a research and analyst company. Solna is an attractive location for both residents and businesses.

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“It is a matter of making the most of opportunities as they arise. Solna is conducting more building work than other municipalities and is also successful in relation to emerging entrepreneurs, business development and especially at attracting businesses from the

Skill - "Solna has all of the external growth factors required and has also been particularly adept at exploiting these factors,” says Mats Lindgren, CEO of Kairos Future AB.

outside,” Mats Lindgren emphasises. “Some municipalities have had external conditions that are as good as Solna, but they have not used these external factors with the same strategic acumen,” he says.

“Being at the top is not something that should be taken for granted, despite being located in the Stockholm region. Solna, which is the municipality ranked second in Sweden, could just as easily be in, for instance, 47th place if it weren’t for the purposeful and long-term commitment to making the most of its favourable preconditions and always being forward thinking. That applies to both politicians and management. They have clearly been able to improve a municipality that is already good," concludes Mats Lindgren. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

The ‘Framtidsbarometer’ • The ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of some fifty or so factors that according to research and historical correlations have proved to be very significant in terms of the ability of municipalities and regions to attract people and promote the growth and development of businesses. • The ranking indicates future potential – not how good or bad the municipalities are.

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SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

PHOTO: ANNA DIDRIKSSON

The study shows Solna lying at the very top alongside Stockholm and Gothenburg. Only Uppsala, out of the top ten municipalities, is located outside the local labour markets of the three metropolitan areas. According to Mats Lindgren, this is explained by factors such as proximity to colleges and universities, the breadth of the labour market and a rich variety of accommodation. “It is evident that people prefer to move to the more densely populated regions, to areas where a large number of people already live – regions with high employment rates and highly skilled people,” says Mats Lindgren. He also points out that Solna in particular has managed its assets well and thoughtfully over several decades, especially over the last ten years.

PHOTO: Kairos Future

“Solna has all of the external growth factors required and has also been particularly adept at exploiting these factors,” says Mats Lindgren, CEO of Kairos Future AB. What potential for growth is offered by the municipalities of Sweden? What generates growth and what potential do these municipalities have to attract people and allow businesses to grow and develop? These were the questions that formed the basis of Kairos Future’s Report ‘Framtidsbarometer’ (barometer for the future).

Invånare Population

90 000

Illustration: Magnusson Source :SCB

75 000

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YEAR År

DIAGRAM:

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5 201

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30 000

Population trends in the city of Solna

A systematic investment in the future The transformation of Solna over the past decade is the result of

strategic decisions and hard work. Solna has transformed from being a municipality with problems to a city with real confidence and strong development at all levels.

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‘Growth’ and ‘success’ are words that are synonymous with Solna. However, this has not always been the case. Many people won’t recall how bad things were in the 1980s. Solna had social problems with many people living on social allowances. Construction tailed off and the population reduced by almost 10,000 in just a few years. Solna was a municipality with problems. Something had to be done. It was not possible to solve the problem by making savings and raising taxes. The city had to grow and start to build. A strategy was initiated that would in time prove to be a goldmine for the City of Solna.

Central government -owned land was purchased, plans drawn up and the land was then resold at a good profit. Land at Frösunda, Ulriksdal and Västra Järva has now, or is in the process of being, transformed into new and attractive city districts. “This was the moment when the entire development we are now in the midst of was founded,” says Lars-Erik Salminen, Chair of the Executive Board of the City of Solna. “Population trends were reversed and the city started to grow, businesses moved in and confidence began to return.” “Since then we have seen enormous city-wide growth at all levels. People and businesses are literally queuing up to move here. As we usually say, we are making a systematic investment in getting to the future first,” says Lars-Erik Salminen. Solna’s recipe for success is founded on

growth through collaboration with the business community. Together with representatives of different sectors of the business community, academia, culture and sports and other active stakeholders in Solna, the City has produced a common vision for the future of Solna, which is gradually First to the future – “As we being achieved. usually say, we are mak-

Everyone benefits by working

ing a systematic investment in coming first to the future,” says LarsErik Salminen, Chair of the Executive Board of the City of Solna.

together to create attractions and excitement in Solna. Lars-Erik Salminen explains that this involves generating a creative environment, where exciting things are continuously happening and where there is confidence and a desire for perpetual renewal, development and growth. This is the kind of environment that people want to live and work in. “My task as Chair of the City Executive Board is to contribute to the city’s growth and development and ensure that we have an environment that is safe and secure. All of our residents should be satisfied and happy here.” n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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The school of

PHOTO: Jenny Thorell

the future is being created in Solna A great atmosphere:

Nada Toubi, Monique Sall, Daniel Sundgren, Saleh Sadi and Godfrey Collins are in their final year at Solna Gymnasium. They have seen how the college has developed during the three years they have studied there and believe the focus on ethics and morals has led to a great atmosphere at the college. “Everyone is friends here and if a problem comes up it is dealt with,” says Nada Toubi.

Dedicated teachers A fine sense of community spirit. A good at-

mosphere. These are all terms used by students at Solna Upper Secondary School (Solna Gymnasium) to describe their school. Although it is doing extremely well, Solna Upper Secondary School will become even better through learning from other successful schools in Europe.

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Head teacher Eivor Kebert’s room has one window that looks out onto the school corridor. ”I work on the principle that I can see everyone and they can all see me, which leads to interesting meetings and discussions. I regard myself as an educationalist and want to interact with the students,” says Eivor Kebert.

Eivor Kebert believes that the success of the school can be explained by the good dialogue between staff and students and a drive to clarify fundamental human values. And Solna Upper Secondary School is certainly a success. Between 2007 and 2009, there was a 30 per cent increase in the number of students completing their upper secondary school programmes with a pass or better grade, and Solna Upper Secondary School is now the first choice for an increasing number of students. Eivor Kebert

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SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

emphasises the importance of having the right staff in the right positions and who apply clearly defined procedures, following up the results of every student. “You can’t just say that students should shoulder their own responsibilities. You have to provide them with the tools to succeed,” she says. The students also talk about the dedication of the teachers and the ability of staff to cope with problems when describing their school

“The teachers considerable expertise, they are dedicated and helpful and want you to succeed," says Monique Sall who is in her final year of the civics programme specialising in economics and whose timetable includes toplevel football. Over the period of a year, Solna Upper Secondary School participated in an initiative to im-

prove the school, where all of the head teachers in the City of Solna, together with City executives, visited schools in other European cities to gather knowledge and inspiration. Eivor Kebert looks on this initiative as a means of finding new pearls of wisdom for the school.

Solna Upper Secondary School also gives students the opportunity to choose sportsoriented courses, where they train with clubs working with the school for three lessons during school hours. This cooperation with Solna’s top level sports activities is reflected in the results of sports successes at Solna Upper Secondary School. The boys’ football team has qualified for the World Championships and the girls’ teams in both basketball and football will play in their respective Swedish Championship finals.

Despite things going so well for Solna Upper Secondary School Eivor Kebert doesn’t want to rest on his laurels. “We will never stop trying. New students and new challenges are coming along all the time and we must always be receptive and aware of what is happening around us." n Jenny Thorell

PHOTOS: Erik Mårtensson

“Largest ever budget allocation – the centre received the largest ever budget

allocation when the Government granted funding for strategic research – almost SEK 400 million for the period up until 2014, which is absolutely fantastic,” says Mathias Uhlén), Professor of Microbiology at KTH.

“This is a unique research

The building

environment that understands the importance of joining forces in order to move science forward and conquer problems,” says Jochen Schwenk, above, a biochemist from the University of Tübingen.

blocks

of human life are being mapped here The Science for Life Laborato-

ry opened in Solna in the spring of 2010. This is an international research unit and a hub for life science research throughout Sweden.

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“Research into the processes that jointly constitute life has seen enormous progress over the past ten years,” says Mathias Uhlén, Professor of Microbiology at KTH Royal College of Technology. He is responsible for the strategic research area around the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). SciLifeLab was initiated by the Presidents of KTH and the Karolinska Institutet and the ViceChancellor of the University of Stockholm and represents a unique joint initiative.

“The centre received the largest ever budget allocation when the Government granted funding for strategic research – al-

most SEK 400 million for the period up until 2014, which is absolutely fantastic,” says Mathias Uhlén. “The centre is located in one of the modern buildings known as ‘the Eggs’. Each building covers an area of 3500 m2 and they lie just outside the Karolinska Institutet,” Mathias Uhlén explains. “Here the architect has tried to create an open environment that functions as a meeting place for both researchers and visitors. The purpose of the unit is to be a resource for scientists from all over the world who need an infrastructure for their research into molecular biosciences.” The core of the initiative consists of an infrastructure for many different methods, such as DNA sequencing, protein analysis and microscopy. SciLifeLab will be able to offer largescale analysis of biological material with high accuracy and capacity.

“For me as a researcher educated in Germany, this is a unique research environment

that understands the importance of joining forces in order to move science forward and conquer problems,” says Jochen Schwenk, a biochemist from the University of Tübingen. He joined Mathias Uhlén’s research team in 2005 and became part of the largest research project undertaken in Sweden to date – the mapping of human proteins.

“The primary objective of the project is to profile proteins in blood from biobanks at the Karolinska Institutet. This is done to enable us to identify the parts that can be used to describe differences between various health conditions. Humans offer a unique source of the reagents we need to be able to search for proteins in blood plasma,” says Jochen Schwenk. “This is an extremely unique era where all of the building blocks of human life are being mapped – genes, DNA and proteins. SciLifeLab will play a leading role in this mapping," concludes Mathias Uhlén. n CHARLOTTE LUND PHALÉN

Karolinska Institutet – 200 years of serving life Karolinska Institutet is a world-class player based in Solna.

The Institute celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2010 and there will be a number of meetings, events and activities involving research and education to mark this throughout the year.

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Karolinska Institutet (KI) is one of the world’s leading medical universities. The mission of the Institute is to contribute to improving human health through research and education. Forty per cent of Sweden’s medical research is conducted at KI and the university has the country’s widest range of medical courses. Karolinska Institutet largely represents the history of medicine in Sweden. The Kungliga

Carolinska Medico-Chirurgiska Institute was founded in 1810, when the decision makers of the day established a “seat of learning to benefit those with skills in the field of medicine”. KI was the first Swedish seat of learning to focus exclusively on medicine and is currently the only university in Sweden to be centred purely on medicine. The Institute integrated for the first time

in Sweden practical medical training and research with theoretical disciplines. This integrated approach laid the foundation for most of the advanced healthcare currently offered in Sweden.

In 1895 Alfred Nobel entrusted Karolinska Institutet with the responsibility of awarding the annual Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Many of the discoveries made at KI have been of major international importance, such as the pacemaker, the gamma knife, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, the Seldinger technique and the purification of insulin. n SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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PHOTO: Katarina Fast Ehrlén

Kulturskolan

– a school with a living cultural heritage Playing in an ensemble

requires concentration. It is even more exciting if there are 150 parents in the audience.

Kulturskolan has been selected as one of the best performing

arts schools in Sweden. Head teacher Inger Carlonberg is justified in feeling proud of the school that she heads. For the City of Solna, the award is proof that they are working on the right lines.

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“We are a school where the cultural heritage lives in constant symbiosis with modern technology and contemporary methods of expression. We are always trying to improve our activities; there is always more to do," says Inger Carlonberg. Kulturskolan in Solna is a municipal school where 1,600 pupils attend courses in music, art, dance and theatre. The school also works closely with schools and pre-schools in Solna, something that is reflected by the ‘Startskottet’ initiative, where children between the ages of five and eight can take part in a varied cultural programme.

Startskottet has been around for a number of years now. The initiative aims to give all children the chance to experience culture and be introduced to the opportunities offered by 10

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

culture. It is well thought of and the work was rated highly following an evaluation. Most of the activities at Kulturskolan revolve around music, with more than 800 pupils enrolled. There are courses available for most instruments and musical styles, and six-year olds and pensioners can come to play and have fun together.

“It is really cool to see small children performing with older people and in this way Kulturskolan has become a place where children and adults meet up and where age isn’t important,” says Inger Carlonberg. Students can also take courses in theatre, art and dance at Kulturskolan. Solna has a long tradition in dance, with the first municipal school of dance opening 40 years ago.

“Our dance classes are constantly improving. I would say that this is the most modern discipline at Kulturskolan. We have 450 students between the ages of four up to upper secondary school level who are studying artistic dance. There is an exciting gender perspective in this discipline, as dance is about daring to use and express your body as a human and not as a girl or a boy,” says Inger Carlonberg. n Emma Fahlstedt

KULTURSKOLAN In 2009, 1,600 students were enrolled

at the school, which has 40 members of staff (36 of these are teachers). Kulturskolan is run from the old Huvudsta folk school and adjacent annex. In addition to the courses on offer, students at the school arrange a number of performances, concerts and exhibitions each year. Kulturskolan had 22,316 visitors who attended 130 performances in 2009. Kulturskolan also provides cultural services for other schools in the city.

EXCITING profile homes for its elderly residents At Oskarsro home for elderly

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Magnus, who works at the home, strikes a chord on his guitar. The tune is the beloved classic Calle Scheven’s Waltz and they sing: “On Roslagen´s isle, in a flowery bay, where ripples wash in from the sea, the reeds slowly rock, and the sweet new-mown hay is wafting its fragrance to me … .” Most join in, but some just sit and listen, enjoying the music. Oskarsro is one of seven homes for elderly Solna residents with its own profile – a song and music profile. The initiative to create profiles for eldercare homes came from the City of Solna. The idea was conceived two years ago and this year the plan is really coming to fruition. Solna is the first place in Sweden to have profiled eldercare homes, of which Malin Appelgren is very proud. She is a City Commissioner responsible for eldercare in Solna and innovator of the concept.

“The older you GET, tthe more time you have to develop different interests. Sometimes people assume that all elderly people have the same interests, but nothing could be further from the truth,” she says. ICT, animals, art/handicrafts, nature/gardening, food/drink and film/literature/theatre are six of the other profiles embraced by Solna’s eldercare homes. “Life should continue to offer interesting experiences and opportunities for development when you move to a home,” says Malin Appelgren. “Elderly residents shouldn't be in an isolated environment that has little contact with outside world. Quite the opposite!” For example, a public art gallery is being run at Berga, which has an arts profile. When the gallery was opened, the residents mingled with 200 invited guests, ate canapés and drank wine. At Oskarsro the care home is directly adjacent to the performing arts school, which provides residents with direct contact with the city’s music scene. A home

PHOTO: RIKKARD HÄGGBOM

Solna residents the sound of a guitar and voices drift down from the top floor. The residents have gathered together for coffee and to sing traditional songs. “Music’s fun,” says Sigrid, a long-standing guest at the home.

CALLE SCHEWENS WALTZ Magnus, who works at the home, strikes a chord on his guitar. Most sing along, but some just sit and listen, enjoying the music. Oskarsro is one of seven eldercare homes in Solna with its own profile – a song and music profile.

that has a literature and film profile regularly organises film showings at Filmstaden.

“A group of elderly gentlemen at one of the homes with an Internet profile has started to play online chess. Being connected to the net also enables them to keep in touch with their families via Skype and web cameras,” says Malin. Solna had already begun to contract out the running of its homes for elderly people to private companies by the 1990s. Today only nine care homes are run by the City. For the City of Solna the quality of the private tenders is extremely important. Stakeholders competing to run the homes are therefore assessed in terms of quality and not just on the price tag. Malin Appelgren says that she is very happy to be involved in the running of the project and believes that Solna has set the ball rolling. “The project has attracted a great deal of attention throughout Sweden. Several other municipalities have visited us to study our model,” says Malin Appelgren. Staff members working at the various care

homes also see the project as a positive step. Annette Zippis manages the operation at Oskarsro. “Things are going well. Our job is to make sure that residents enjoy living here. We all work together under the same conditions and towards the same goal,” she says. An- Eldercare nette has worked homes “Elderly residents shouldn't be within the eldercare in an isolated environservices for many ment that has little years and is particu- contact with outside world. Quite the oppolarly positive towards site!” says Malin Appelthe collaboration gren, City Commissioner responsible for with the City. eldercare. “The attitude of the City of Solna is very open. They are interested in what we have to say, listen to our opinions and want to share good ideas.” n Edith Söderström

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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new Solna is taking shape 1

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Arenastaden is a new city district that is being devel-

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oped, with Swedbank Arena – the new national arena for football – at its heart. The arena will be opened in 2012. A hotel, which will be the tallest in the Stockholm region, Scandinavia’s largest shopping centre and around 10,000 places of work and 2,000 new homes are being created adjacent to the arena. The first phase of construction also includes a new head office for the power and heating company Vattenfall Norden.

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Karolinska

Solna City

A worldwide centre of excellence for

Life Science research and enterprise is growing at Karolinska – Norra Station. Investments include a new university hospital, the New Karolinska Solna, the Science for Life Laboratory and other research initiatives in the KI area, together with new homes and places of work. In total, this new city district will have 36,000 workplaces and 5,500 homes. The investment is estimated to amount to SEK 50 billion, the largest investment of its kind in Sweden.

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Järvastaden is a new city district that is being developed by the boundary between Solna and Sundbyberg. This new district will have 4,000 homes – apartment blocks, terraced houses and semi-detached houses – restaurants, shops and other services. It is estimated that 12,000 people will be living in Järvastaden when the district is completed in 2018.

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The old racecourse at Ulriksdal is about to be de-

veloped into an attractive new city district. 1,500 homes are currently being planned and built, 500 of which will be townhouses. There will also be 125,000 m2 of premises for offices, shops and other services. New Ulriksdal will be developed in phases and is planned to be finished 10 to 15 years after construction started in 2009. 12

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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Ingenting

There are plans to build homes and offices at Ingenting, a new city district adjacent to a former National Laboratory, which was designed by the internationally renowned Swedish Architect Gunnar Asplund, and is one of the country’s most important buildings of the modern era. Around 700 new homes and 48,000 m2 of business premises will be constructed in this area of cultural and historical interest.

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Designs are currently being

drawn up for the area around Solna City aimed at developing and highlighting Solna Centrum shopping centre. The building of new homes and workplaces together with a new public transport service using the Tvärbanan (Lateral Line) is planned for the area, which will create a more distinct city atmosphere and provide a better link between the shopping centre and Råsunda city district. There are also plans to substantially improve Solna Centrum.

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Tvärbanan

Tvärbanan (Lateral Line) light rail service will be extended to Solna Station from Alvik via Solna Business Park and Solna Centrum. It will be possible to travel to and from Solna by tram from 2013.

Hagaparken

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Karlberg

20 Solna Station 21 Frösunda city district 22 Karolinska Institutet

14 SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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The BEST BUSINESS environment in Sweden

For the third year in row, Solna is at the top of an annual rank-

ing of the business environment in Swedish municipalities conducted by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. This is the fifth time in the 2000s that Solna has occupied the top position.

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“Solna is consistently given very high ratings by its companies. This means that Solna is a municipality that cares about its businesses

and is continuously working to improve their conditions. This makes Solna an example from which other municipalities can learn,”

says Carina Centrén, who is responsible for the local business environment at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Solna’s ambition since the end of the 1990s has been to be the most business-friendly municipality in Sweden. This ambition was first achieved in 2004. Since then Solna has occupied the top spot in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2010. n

Collaboration with the business community – Solna’s prescription for low unemployment The unemployment figures speak for themselves - Solna has

coped well with the financial crisis when compared with Stockholm County and Sweden.

The average open unemployment in Solna was 2.4 per cent for 2009. This is lower compared with both Stockholm County (3.1 per cent) and Sweden as a whole (4.0 per cent). “Despite the financial crisis and recession we have managed to keep unemployment at a low level. This is the result of a close collaboration with the business community to match Solna residents who are looking for work with the jobs and work-experience programmes available,” says Kristina Tidestav, Deputy CEO of the City of Solna who is responsible for commercial issues.

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The average figures for youth unemployment and unemployment among those born outside of Sweden were lower for Solna than for Stockholm County in 2009. Youth unemployment was 2.4 per cent in Solna compared with 3.4 per cent for the county. The unemployment level for those born outside of Sweden was 3.5

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SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

per cent in Solna compared to 5.8 per cent for the county.

Despite low youth unemployment, the City has introduced a youth guarantee which means that the City of Solna guarantees all young people registered with the Swedish Public Employment Service a place on a training programme. The guarantee offers young people the freedom to choose between courses available via Solna’s adult education services, supplementing their educational grades or going on longer vocational training programmes at an upper secondary school. Matching Solna residents who are looking for work with jobs and work-experience programmes has also had an effect on subsistence allowance. The number of households, the average allowance and the total support paid has gone down compared with 2009. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

Low unemployment - “Despite the financial crisis and recession we have managed to keep unemployment at a low level,” says Kristina Tidestav, Deputy CEO of the City of Solna.

Building environmentally

friendly cities

Solna is a city that is expanding rapidly. Although

this entails considerable potential, requirements have also been imposed for the city to grow in a way that is not only environmentally friendly, accessible and pleasing but which also promotes health and is kind to the environment.

To ensure the long-term supply of environmentally friendly district heating, Solna and Sundbyberg have decided to jointly build a biofuel-based district heating facility in Norra Kymlinge, south of Kista. The facility will produce both eco-labelled electricity and district heating and is expected to be commissioned by 2014 at the earliest. Lars-Erik Salminen points out that this

investment means that Solna and Sundbyberg will significantly reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, which represents a huge step in the work to create a sustainable society. “The new facility will provide current residents with access to locally-produced electricity and heating at very attractive prices,” he states.

Traffic is also a priority issue for Solna, not least in environmental respects. A determined effort is currently underway to reduce the negative impact on the environment by reducing the need to travel by car. Solna already has good public transport services with access to two commuter train stations, three underground lines and a number of bus serv-

PHOTO: ISTOCK

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“We have had the most rapid population growth in Sweden over the past six years, which requires an increase in access to renewable energy. This must be done at the same time as reducing energy usage,” says Lars-Erik Salminen, Chair of the City Executive Board in Solna. Norrenergi AB, which produces, distributes and sells district heating and cooling to customers in Solna and Sundbyberg, is an important component in this work. Currently 98 per cent of the district heating produced by Norrenergi AB is generated from renewable sources. This means that 95 per cent of homes in Solna are heated using renewable energy.

ices. Further improvements will be made to these services. The first step will be to extend the Tvärbanan (Lateral Line) light rail service from Alvik to Solna Station, via Solna Business Park and Solna Centrum. When this new service is in operation in 2013, the journey from Alvik to Solna will only take 17 minutes. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

ÅF takes big step forward by moving to Solna

PHOTO: JEANETTE HÄGGLUND

Four years ago the consultancy

company ÅF decided to move all of its Stockholm-based operations to Solna. It has now been eighteen months since 1,000 people moved into one office building at Haga Norra in Solna.

Why did you move to Solna? “It was for a combination of factors. We wanted to have our entire workforce under one roof and at the same time needed a better location for our head office. In conjunction with this the City of Solna, even at the highest level, displayed a very clear and considerable commitment to get us to move to Solna, and here we are today. Solna has certainly lived up to its reputation of being

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a City that looks after businesses,” states Jonas Wiström, President and CEO of ÅF. How has this initial period in Solna been?“ “It has exceeded all of our expectations. We have wonderful premises with open-plan offices and better communication possibilities than we had previously,” says Jonas Wiström and emphasises that the move to a Green Building has meant an annual reduction in rental costs of SEK 5 million. Besides changing offices and your location, what else has the move meant? “The move has generated more pride in the company, partly because we have all of our employees under one roof and partly because of the building itself. We have a better sign location here and it is also easier for our customers to

visit. We are closer to Arlanda airport and don’t have to pay the congestion charge.” The only drawback that Jonas Wiström can see is the lack of an underground station. The extension of the Tvärbanan (the Lateral Line) light rail service to nearby Solna Station is something Jonas Wiström that he warmly President and CEO of ÅF welcomes. n SAMUEL HULTBERG

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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PHOTO: JEANETTE HÄGGLUND

Haga Park has been a peaceful oasis for recreation and enjoy-

ing nature since the 1700s. Crown Princess Victoria will soon move into Haga Palace with her husband Prince Daniel. This palace is where King Carl XVI Gustaf grew up with his sisters, the Haga Princesses.

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“Of course we are extremely happy that people will be living there again," says Anders Ekegren, City Commissioner responsible for issues concerning urban development. He is referring to the fact that the palace has only been occupied sporadically since 1964, when the palace became guest accommodation for visiting government dignitaries. Turning the palace back into a permanent royal residence, 60 years after the family moved out, has naturally involved a great deal of work, both externally and inside the building. Planting around the palace follows the English landscape style.

Haga Palace

“It involves planting small bushes to tall trees,” says Gunnar Björkman, Park Manager for Royal Parks in the Stockholm Region. “The plants enhance Haga Park and frame Haga Palace beautifully.” A new waterside walkway, which is three metres wide, has also been laid alongside Brunnsviken. Anders Ekegren is quick to dismiss rumours that public access to the popular park will now be severely restricted.

once again a royal residence Haga Palace – The Queen’s Pavilion

Gustav IV Adolf, who then used it as a royal residence until the end of the First World War. The palace was also known as the Queen’s Pavilion. The palace was renovated and modernised in the 1930s to become the residence of Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sibylla. King Carl XVI Gustaf and his four sisters, the Haga Princesses, were all born in Haga Palace and lived there until 1947 when Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf died. Ready. Haga Palace is almost ready to Since then the Government has used the become the residence of Crown Princess Vicpalace as accommodation for visiting fortoria and Prince Daniel. eign dignitaries.

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SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

“Most of Haga Park is still open to the

PHOTO: SOLNA STAD

PHOTO: JONAS EKSTRÖMER/SCANPIX

The palace was built on the orders of

public. The only area that is restricted is in the immediate vicinity of the palace, required for both security and privacy reasons,” says Anders Ekegren, who takes for granted that interest in visiting the park will increase now that there is a royal crownprincess in residence. He sees this as a very positive development. He believes that Solna will consequently attract even more attention than it does today. n PER-Åke Hultberg

HAGA PARK

– more than just Haga Palace Haga Park is one of the world’s best examples of an ‘English park’ and forms part of the world’s first National City Park. The park has some beautiful pavilions as well as other buildings of great historical importance. There is always something new to discover in Haga Park, whether in summer and in winter.

PHOTO: ANNA DIDRIKSSON

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Haga Park has really been spruced up and the Royal national Park has now been restored to its former glory. Both Haga Palace and the Copper Tents are gleaming after their restoration work. Although Haga is currently associated with the Crown Princess, it was Gustav III who laid the groundwork for the park’s unique design. Gustav III Pavilion is open to visitors in the summer and it was this palace that the King left to attend the fated masked ball at the Swedish Opera House in 1792. There are several

unique buildings in the park, each of which has its own exciting history. It is worth visiting the well-known cobalt blue Copper Tents, which were built as barracks for the royal guards, and the old palace foundations, which are all that’s left of the Gustav III’s dream to build a monumental palace. The foundations of the old palace are transformed into a theatre stage during the summer months, something which would doubtlessly have pleased theatre-loving Gustav III. n EMMA FAHLSTEDT

Solna invigorated by events and experiences Solna offers an endless variety of things to see and do, from the royal palaces and parks of Haga and Ulriksdal, to national festivals and international matches, the legendary Filmstaden and the beautiful beach at Huvudsta.

SportiS events are another visitor magnet in Solna, which is why the City is continually working to attract more events, such as the UEFA Women’s Championship in 2013. If Sweden were to be selected as the host country, the final would be played at the new national

arena, Swedbank Arena. “Living in a city where so much is happening is great fun for residents, and the experience and visitor industries are a growing business area, creating both job opportunities and growth. In this particular case, it is also great to give our women footballers the chance to play and watch world-class football on their own home turf,” says Caroline Strand.

The visitor industry and tourism is increasing significantly in Solna, and Haga will account for some of this growth. The Crown Princess and her husband moving to Haga Palace will mean that more visitors will be interested in visiting the park. “We will continue to roll up our sleeves and work hard. We have a number of exciting projects with the Office of the Governor of the Royal Palaces and various businesses and it is now a case of having the courage to try out new ideas and forms of partnership. It is inspiring for Solna to be involved in all of the exciting things that are happening at the moment,” says Caroline Strand.n

PHOTO: JEANETTE HÄGGLUND

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The City of Solna focuses on the ‘total event experience’, to make the experience as positive as possible for the visitor. This is down to a good network of stakeholders whose ambition is to raise Solna to even greater heights. Caroline Strand, Chief Marketing Officer at the City of Solna, works closely with the visitor industry. “We are working on various projects with business and other important partners, such as the Office of the Governor of the Royal Palaces, sports associations and cultural stakeholders. We are currently developing Haga Park as a tourist attraction. There's a new website – visithaga.se – and a new approach to the guided water traffic, including a new landing stage, and touring coaches to Haga," says Caroline Strand. “Our mission is to improve Solna and ensure that we provide a good return to our citizens.”

Working together

– “We have a number of exciting projects with the Office of the Governor of the Royal Palaces and various businesses and it is now a case of having the courage to try out new ideas and forms of partnership,” says Caroline Strand, Chief Marketing Officer at the City of Solna.

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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SWEDBANK ARENA

ILLUSTRATION: ARKITEKTERNA KROOK & TjÄDER BERGS ARKITEKTKONTOR, POPOULUS (HOK SPORTS)

forms the heart of a new city district

Swedbank Arena can accommodate an audience of 65,000 for concerts and seat 50,000 for football matches

Crown Princess Victoria cut the first sod. Now the supporting

framework has been delivered, most of the south stand has been completed and the roof will be lifted into place in the autumn. In 2012 the Swedbank Arena will be ready for its opening ceremony. Sweden will then have a modern national football stadium as well as a multipurpose arena for major events, while Solna will have a completely new city district with the arena at its heart.

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Major changes are taking place in the old industrial district around Solna – you could say a total transformation. From his office on the seventh floor of a building in the middle of Arenastaden, Christian Alexandersson, CEO of Arenastaden and the Swedbank Arena, enjoys following the daily progress of the unique new multi-arena as it rises from the ground, pillar by pillar.

“It feels fantastic to have been involved in laying the foundations for something that will provide extraordinary experiences,” says Christian Alexandersson. He continues by saying that the aim of the arena is to be a leading venue in the Scandinavian experience industry, not only for football but also for other sports and events. The arena should be pleasant

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to visit, enjoyable and comfortable. This will be a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arena that can be quickly transformed to host different types of event, from football matches to major concerts with artists from all over the world, as well as events on ice and motor events such as bandy and speedway. Trucks can drive straight into the arena to load and unload equipment. There is a sliding roof, which means that events can take place throughout the year in either an attractive indoor arena or a natural outdoor atmosphere.

The arena can accommodate an audience of 65,000 for concerts and seat 50,000 for football matches and amazingly can be emptied in just six minutes. Security around the arena was a priority matter during planning, involv-

ing both the police and emergency services. Five emergency drills, addressing 24 possible scenarios, will be conducted before the arena opens. Christian Alexandersson stresses that nothing will be left to chance. The end result will be much more than an arena.

“At the same time, a number of houses, offices as well as a 400-room hotel, which is going to be the tallest in the Stockholm region, are also being built nearby. Arenastaden in Solna, including the Swedbank Arena, will be a unique city district,” explains Christian Alexandersson, as he looks out over the construction site where currently 200 people are working. It is difficult to envisage that this area will be transformed into a modern, pulsating urban district with the atmosphere of a city in just a couple of years. There will eventually be 2,000 apartments and 10,000 workplaces in Arenastaden, including a new head office for Vattenfall Norden, which is a major employer. “It is exciting to see the arena taking shape day by day. No arena on this scale has ever been built in Sweden,” Christian Alexandersson emphasises. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

Quick and easy to get to Arenastaden A third of the Swedish population will be able to get to Arenas-

taden and the Swedbank Arena in less than 90 minutes. You will be able to get there quickly and easily however you choose to travel and particularly if you use public transport to Solna Station – one of Sweden’s busiest stations.

T “Arenastaden in Solna

including the Swedbank Arena, will be a unique city district,” says Christian Alexandersson, CEO of Arenastaden.

The new Solna Station will be ready in time for the opening of the Swedbank Arena and will have a northern entrance for Arenastaden. At the same time, a commuter train service to Uppsala (via Arlanda) will be put into operation. In addition to the commuter train – seven minutes from Stockholm Central Station – the Tvärbanan (Lateral Line) light rail service will be extended from Alvik via Solna Centrum to Solna Station. Two underground stations (Solna Centrum and Näckrosen) are also within walking distance.

At the current time, there are already a number of bus services that converge on Solna Station, and the City would like to extend the underground line from Odenplan to Solna Station via the New Karolinska Solna. How-

ever, one thing is certain – it will be easier to get to see international matches and other major events in the future. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

Transport facts • 7 minutes by commuter train to Stockholm Central Station • 9 minutes by underground from Solna Centrum to T-Centralen • 6 minutes from the centre of Stock- holm by car • 25 minutes by commuter train to Arlanda Airport • 15 minutes by bus from Solna Cen- trum to Bromma Airport • There are ten different bus services in the area

The best workplace in Sweden The SAS Institute, which is

based in Solna, has been recognised as the best workplace in Sweden for the fourth year in a row. A workplace where employees enjoy their work is synonymous with success.

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“Happy workers lead to a more efficient business,” comments Liselotte Janson, CEO of the SAS Institute, when the company came top of the ‘Best Workplaces in Sweden’ within the category ‘Organisations with up to 250 employees’. The survey was conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute, an analyst and consultancy firm. “We have worked very hard to establish a company culture with enduring trust between the company and its employees.” says Liselotte Janson. “This means that everyone

in the company has a great deal of respect for one another and that everyone can be creative and enjoy freedom while also assuming responsibilities."

“WE HAVE MADE SURE WE HAVE THE RIGHT person in the right position, so that everyone feels they fit in their roles. That creates a good cycle; a good atmosphere contributes to good results. Good results make work more enjoyable, which in turn creates a good and enjoyable atmosphere and so on," says Liselotte Janson. “We have a clear strategy of treating our employees with respect and seeing the whole person. If you treat workers as if they make a difference to the company, then they will make a difference,” Liselotte Janson states. A simple concept lies at the heart of their business model: happy employees lead to happy customers, which ultimately improves the company's results.n

COMPANY CULTURE –

“We have a culture that rewards innovation and encourages colleagues to pursue new avenues,” says Liselotte Janson, CEO of the SAS Institute.

FACTS Every year the Great Place to Work Institute identifies the best workplaces in Sweden based on employee relations with management, work tasks, organisational structure and each other. The SAS Institute is a leading company for the provision of data to support decision making, where advanced analysis represents an integral part of the work.

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

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FILMING

The shooting of Änglavakt, a film starring Michael Nyqvist and Izabella Scorupco. The film premi e located in Solna.

The history and of Swedish filmmaking

Filmstaden in Råsunda was the hub of Swedish film production from the

Filmregion STOCKHOLM - MÄLARDALEN

PHOTO: JEANETTE HÄGGLUND

Is a member organisation for municipalities who want to use film and television to increase their competitiveness and create growth and employment in collaboration with the film industry. Members: the City of Solna, the Municipalities of Botkyrka, Gotland (via the Gotland Film Fund), Nyköping and Nynäshamn, Regionförbundet Örebro/ Filmpol Mitt, the City of Stockholm and Filmallians Stockholm-Mälardalen (FAS), which is the industry’s interest association.

1920s until the 1970s. Now Filmstaden and Solna are once again on their way to reclaiming their position as Sweden’s strongest cluster for filming. It is therefore self-evident that the City of Solna has become involved in Filmregion Stockholm-Mälardalen, which is located at Filmstaden.

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"Here in Solna there are around a

thousand people whose work involves moving pictures in some way or another, and much of this takes place at Filmstaden,” says Anders Ekegren, City Commissioner and Chair of Filmregion Stockholm-Mälardalen.

“Films have always been important to Solna and are an excellent way of advertising and marketing the region and municipality,” says Anders Ekegren, City Commissioner and Chair of Filmregion Stockholm-Mälardalen. “Just look at what the Wallander films have done for Ystad. Jobs are generated in a creative industry that itself generates a number of positive effects for both tourism and the local economy at the same time as strengthening its own cultural identity,” Anders Ekegren continues.

Anders Ekegren stresses that filming at Filmstaden never really stopped. Scenes from several Swedish television series and films have been recorded here. Anders Ekegren also points out that Solna has many unique and authentic

Making Solna safe and secure “Although safety is difficult to measure, surveys show that

Solna is a safe place to live and work,” says Marie Hummer, Chief of Community Police in Solna.

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A close collaboration between the City of Solna, the community police, schools, social services and other external stakeholders means that we are now jointly tackling the problems of crime, drugs and vandalism. The aim is simple – to reduce crime and improve safety and security. It is forecast that the population of Solna will increase from its current figure of 65,000 to 80,000 by 2015. According to Marie Hummer an increase of this magnitude will bring 20

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

new challenges for all of the people involved and working in the city.

“Solna’s not only an expanding city – it’s also a city that’s well-run. That’s why the prospects of improving safety and security and preventing crime are good, despite increasing population numbers,” she says. The work to improve safety and security in Solna has been divided into four main areas: crime; drugs; accident prevention; and well-be-

environments that lend themselves to filming, not least the palaces in the area. However, the focus is not currently on making films. Instead, it is the number of film companies that have recognised the advantages of locating there. This trend started around ten years ago when SF – Svensk Filmindustri – moved back to the area. Since then Universal and 20th Century Fox, the US film production companies, have located their Scandinavian offices here. A number of smaller Swedish companies have also moved to the area.

“One thing has led to another. Today, a large proportion of all Swedish voiceovers for animated films are recorded at Filmstaden at SDI Media. Here in Solna there are around a

ing and safety in outdoor environments. Crime prevention initiatives are the most important aspects for the community police in Solna. “Our youth work is by far the most important. We have activities where police officers visit schools and spend time with the pupils to get to know them in order to create a good platform for dialogue,” says Marie Hummer.

Another important aspect of our crime prevention work is neighbourhood watch schemes in all kinds of residential districts, which aim to prevent burglary and theft. “It has been shown that a strong neighbourhood watch network really does reduce the risk of burglaries and thefts,” says Marie Hummer. “Our work involves arranging informative

PHOTO: ANNA DIDRIKSSON

FUTURE thousand people whose work involves moving pictures in some way or another, and much of this takes place at Filmstaden,” says Anders Ekegren.

“Although we had the track record, skills and experience, we were forced to watch the Stockholm region lose almost all of its filming to the provinces within a relatively short period of time. Around 90 per cent of all Swedish films were produced in the Stockholm region up until the 1990s. This had fallen to 10 per cent just ten years later. Filmregion Stockholm-Mälardalen, which involves both municipalities and private companies, is successfully working to reverse this trend and Solna is naturally an active partner in this work,” he says. “Of course we think that more movies should be filmed here. The major breakthrough was the Stieg Larsson Millennium trilogy, most of which was filmed here in the region. Now the tide has really turned!” n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

meetings and talks so that more associations can be set up.” Despite a high level of safety and security in the city, Marie Hummer believes that there is still much to be done.

“We want to have a more visible presence both at Solna Centrum and locally out in the various city districts. Feelings of safety and security increase when we become more visible,” says Marie Hummer, who also emphasises that

Children from the audience are included in the interactive

There is always something new to experience here

Culture holds a clear and distinct place in the development of

Solna. There is always something exciting to discover, whether you are young or old.

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Teater SAT – the oldest amateur theatre society in Solna – performs new and contemporary productions at the outdoor theatre at Huvudsta beach every summer as well as periodically during the year. “In addition to performances by Teater SAT, the unique Solnadals Värdshus offers many exciting cultural encounters between the public and some of Sweden’s most prominent artists,” says Annika Malmborg, who is responsible for culture and events in the City of Solna. Solna has traditionally had a major interest in dance, and the first dance school in the city opened over forty years ago. Street Star is one of the associations that keep these dance traditions alive, hosting the annual Street Star Festival where dancers from all over the world come together.

The City of Solna works to promote cultural experiences from an early age and this is encouraged in different ways, including through Kulturskolan and the library. “We believe that there should be a high-quality programme for children with skilled teachers. Solna Kulturskolan is one of the leading cultural schools in Sweden and we are very proud of this fact. We also offer popular after-school activities that allow children to develop by being actively

creative in various artistic expressions,” says Annika Malmborg. The City of Solna awards culture and music studentships to encourage and develop talent and interests in both children and adults. The fundamental principle underlying all cultural work is collaboration with clubs and associations as well as the business community.

“We have developed many exciting cultural projects in collaboration with others. The task of the City is to be the spider in the web and have a close dialogue with our citizens. Culture should be easily accessible and that is an aspect that we would like to improve even further,” says Annika Malmborg. There are a large number of recreational and historical cultural environments in Solna where cultural events are arranged on a regular basis. Libraries and outdoor venues arrange events for all ages. Summer is the peak time when a number of cultural venues are open, such as Confidencen, the oldest rococo theatre in Sweden located in the grounds of Ulriksdal Palace, or Kafé Sjöstugan at the north of Bergshamra. The latter is also an important organiser of cultural events, including a range of concerts and handicraft workshops.  n Emma Fahlstedt

the police are only one aspect of the safety and security work being conducted in Solna. “Solna won’t become safer and more secure through our efforts alone. A safer society requires a good collaboration between the City, police, social services and other stakeholders. Fundamentally, Solna is currently such a safe and secure city because of the joint acceptance of responsibility and commitment to the city.” n SAMUEL HULTBERG

One of several safety and security projects ‘Förspel’ is a football-related project that has been jointly organised by Solna and AIK Fotboll AB since 2009. The project involves filling the square at Råsunda with music, youth activities and other entertainment prior to the derby and other high-risk football matches. Solna’s community police force participates in the project within the framework of crime prevention and operational tasks for football.

PHOTO: JEANETTE HÄGGLUND

ered in the spring of 2010. The production offices were

Children on stage

performances at Confidencen.

Neighbourhood watch

“It is a fact that a strong neighbourhood watch network reduces the risk of break-in and thefts,” says Marie Hummer.

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

21

New city districts

ILLUSTRATION: PEAB

in wonderful environments for residents

Private houses

The new houses at Järvastaden and Ulriksdal represent a break in tradition for Solna.

New homes and workplaces are springing up in the six new city

districts in Solna. New forms of housing and sizes of apartment are being created that meet the needs of Solna residents at all stages of their lives.

A

Apartment blocks have historically been the main form of housing in Solna, predominantly small apartments. Not so many years ago, more than 50 per cent of the housing stock comprised one- and two-room apartments. However, the new city districts, in particular Järvastaden and Ulriksdal, are changing things significantly. The present construction boom in Solna has two historical equivalents. The first was a twenty-year period starting in the 1890s, when areas such as Hagalund, Huvudsta and Råsunda were constructed. The second period was when the districts of Bergshamra, Skytteholm and Solna Centrum were developed, starting after the Second World War and continuing until the 1960s. 22

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

Apartment blocks were prioritised during both these periods of building work. This also explains why detached and terraced houses only make up around three per cent of the housing in Solna. Most of the 800 private houses that do exist can be found in Råsunda, Råstahem, Solna kyrkby and around Bergshamra.

This is why the new building work at Järvastaden and Ulriksdal represents an important break in tradition for Solna. On the part of the City, it is important to ensure that Solna residents have the option to stay in Solna when their families grow. Consequently larger apartments are now being built – apartments with four rooms or more, which have been in short supply up until now – as well as a large

number of private houses. “It feels really good that we can now finally meet the demand of Solna residents for housing that is both close to nature and closer to the ground, but which is also near both public transport and the E4/E18,” says Anders Ekegren, City Commissioner responsible for issues concerning urban development.

Part of Järvastaden, which will eventually become a city district with 12,000 inhabitants, is going to be a garden city with two- and three-storey terraced houses that will each have a small garden. The townhouses in the new district of Ulriksdal are reminiscent of typical terraced houses, but are different in that their gardens are more like large patio areas. These are intended as alternatives for city dwellers who don’t want to spend a great deal of time gardening and seek to avoid taking on all the normal arduous duties of house owners. n PER-ÅKE HULTBERG

PHOTO: BILDBYRÅN

The Elite League beckons

League (SEL), the top league.

AIK men’s ice hockey team made it to the Swedish Elite

Solna – one of Sweden’s

best sporting cities Solna lies in the top league of leading sports cities in Sweden.

Both men and women in the city have achieved great sporting successes over a broad range of disciplines. “It’s very creditable, but we’re still not satisfied. Solna could be even better at sports,” says Kennet Siverling, who is responsible for sports issues at the City of Solna.

I

In 2006, Solna decided to improve sport in Solna by investing SEK 136m. Now, four years later, significant improvements can be seen on the sporting front. A new ice rink, a new riding school, renovated and improved facilities for sports such as football, athletics, bandy and floorball are just some of the investments made by the City. However, Solna still has its foot on the accelerator.

Solna invested a further SEK 50 million in facilities and sports associations last year and these investments have borne fruit. Solna’s children and young people are twice as active

as the average for the county of Stockholm as a whole.

“This isn’t just proof that Solna is a strong city for sport. It’s also a health indicator and means that our children and young people are active, in good health and quite simply feel good,” says Kennet Siverling. There is no doubt that Solna’s residents have reason to feel proud of the city's sporting achievements. When 'Sport och affärer' magazine ranked Sweden's best sporting municipalities in 2009, Solna came out top in the category youth and scope of sports. Solna was

fourth overall, with only Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö ranking higher.

“The reason for Solna’s residents have reason to feel proud of the city's sporting achievements. When 'Sport och affärer' magazine ranked Sweden's best sporting municipalities in 2009, Solna came out top in the category youth and scope of sports. Solna was fourth overall, with only Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö ranking higher. “The reason behind Solna’s success was the early recognition of the need to provide funding for sports,” says Kennet Siverling. “Solna has a history of providing good sporting facilities and we were one of the first in Sweden to install Astroturf and synthetic ice. Good facilities have provided youth and general sports associations with the resources they need to be able to successfully produce top-level sportsmen and women in their respective sports.” n SAMUEL HULTBERG

Sporting success: AIK Football (men): Winners of Allsvenskan (the highest league in Sweden), the Swedish Cup and the Super Cup in 2009. This meant that the club became the first ever to win the treble. The club has played in Allsvenskan for 80 seasons and has won the Swedish league title eleven times. Founded in 1891. AIK Football (women): Finished fourth in the Women’s Alls-

venskan in 2009. Home matches are played at Skytteholms IP. Founded in 1970.

six championship finals. Founded in 1998.

AIK Hockey: Qualified for the

won two Swedish championship titles and have come second twice. Founded in 1996.

Solna Vikings (women):

AIK Women’s Bandy: With 13 wins in 17 finals, the team has won more Swedish championship titles than any other team. Founded in 1976.

Vasalunds IF: Have played in the second highest league for 22 seasons. Play home matches at Skytteholms IP.

Elite League in 2009. Winners of seven Swedish championships, they play their home matches at Hovet in Stockholm. Founded in 1921.¨

AIK Women’s Hockey: The women’s team has won three Swedish titles and has played in

AIK Floorball: The team has

Solna Vikings (men): Swedish champions six times, most recently in 2003 and 2008. Swedish champions eight times, most recently in 2008 and 2009.

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

23

WE ARE BUILDING SOLNA TOGETHER

ADDRESS FOR VISITING Solna Stad Stadshusgången 2 (Solna Centrum) SE-171 86 Solna SWEDEN 24

SOLNA THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

ADDRESS

Solna Stad SE-171 86 Solna

TEL

+46-8-734 20 00

Akademiska Hus Archus Biovitrum Berg Arkitekter BAU Diligentia Fabege Förenade Care Handelsbanken Solna Humlegården Ikano Bostad Ingridskolan JM Järvastaden Karolinska Institutet Swedish Military Academy Karlberg Norrenergi Nyréns Arkitektkontor PEAB Swedish Police Academy Ramböll Rodamco SAS Institute Skanska SKB Solna Gymnasium Solna One Stockholm County Council AB Storstockholms Lokaltrafik Sweco Swedbank Unibail - Rodamco Vasakronan Wåhlin Fastigheter ÅF

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