Ugglan Car Park by STADSTUDIO: A Context-Driven Urban Parking Design in Sweden

The Ugglan Car Park by STADSTUDIO redefines conventional parking architecture by seamlessly integrating functionality with urban connectivity. Located in Sweden, this 1,500 m² project, completed in 2020, demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can transform a utilitarian structure into an active part of the city fabric.

Designed under the leadership of Alexander Lenre Simittchiev, the project responds directly to its surrounding context. One of the key design challenges was to ensure the car park did not act as a barrier but instead enhanced movement within the neighborhood. By dividing the ground floor into two levels that follow the natural terrain slope, the building extends the public realm, creating a fluid transition between streets and nearby residential areas. During the day, it functions as a pedestrian-friendly connector, encouraging movement and interaction.

A defining feature of this modern parking structure is its focus on openness and natural ventilation. Two partially glazed stairwells remain uninsulated, promoting airflow and reducing reliance on mechanical systems, an example of sustainable parking design strategies. The primary structure uses in-situ prestressed concrete, delivering both durability and a refined architectural finish.

The façade design plays a significant role in softening the building’s visual impact. Small perforations in the concrete allow natural light to penetrate deep into the interior while creating framed views outward. This is complemented by a wooden lattice layer, which introduces warmth, texture, and a human-scale aesthetic, transforming the typically rigid appearance of parking buildings.

At street level, the project emphasizes placemaking. Inspired by pocket park concepts, the base incorporates greenery and carefully detailed entrances that encourage pause and interaction. These horizontal surfaces blend harmoniously with the façade, enhancing the pedestrian experience and embedding the structure within everyday urban life.

The Ugglan Car Park stands as a compelling example of sustainable urban infrastructure, where architecture, landscape, and mobility converge. By prioritizing context, materiality, and user experience, STADSTUDIO elevates a parking facility into a vibrant, community-oriented space.

All photographs are works of  Johanna Jonsson