Biophilic Urbanism: a New Era of Wood-Based Design

A city of wood: though there has been recent interest in Biophilic Urbanism and the existence of wooden structures, no project of this size has been created out of this raw material

Contemporary cities are increasingly turning toward biophilic urbanism—an approach that brings nature back into the urban environment. While wood as a building material has an age-old history, a new wave of projects is combining timber’s low environmental impact with forward-thinking design. In Sweden’s capital, an ambitious undertaking aims to become one of the world’s leading examples of this trend by using wood, not just as a structural novelty, but as the cornerstone of an entire urban district.

A Wooden Vision for Stockholm

Though interest in wood-based structures has grown in recent years, no project of this magnitude has yet materialized in Europe. That is, until Stockholm Wood City, an upcoming district developed by the Swedish firm Atrium Ljungberg. Set to transform the Sickla area in southern Stockholm, it aspires to be a global showcase of large-scale wooden construction and a model for biophilic design principles at the neighborhood level.

When complete, Stockholm Wood City will span more than 250,000 square meters of gross floor area, including offices, residential spaces, restaurants, communal areas, and shops. According to Atrium Ljungberg’s CEO, Annica Ånäs, the project not only underscores Sweden’s innovative capacity but also responds to a growing demand for forward-thinking, sustainable solutions. Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with the first buildings ready by 2027. Ultimately, the district aims to provide 7,000 office spaces and 2,000 homes.

Why Wood? Exploring the Biophilic Benefits

Biophilic urbanism advocates for stronger connections between humans and nature within cities, whether through living green walls, natural building materials, or biodiversity-friendly planning. In this context, wood is an excellent candidate. A protective char layer that forms when exposed to high temperatures ensures structural strength over time, and modern mass timber products can last for generations.

Recent research has shed light on the wider benefits. A 2020 study published in Developments in the Built Environment found that wood-based construction can lower emissions by up to 69% compared to conventional building materials like cement and steel. Another 2023 review of bio-based building materials emphasized how using wood reduces waste generation, weight, and on-site energy needs, making it an ideal match for sustainable urban development.

Notably, large-scale projects built from timber are gaining recognition from influential initiatives like the New European Bauhaus, yet no venture on the scale of Stockholm Wood City has ever been attempted. The design team, featuring the Scandinavian studios Henning Larsen and White Arkitekter, is leaning on both modern engineering and centuries of Nordic craftsmanship to bring this ambitious neighborhood to life.

A Mixed-Use Neighborhood Rooted in Community

While the word “mixed-use” might sound technical, most people have encountered places that seamlessly blend living, working, and leisure. This type of design weaves residences, offices, retail, and communal services into a compact environment where daily needs are accessible within a short walk or via public transportation.

In the Sickla district—where over 400 companies, from major corporations to small startups, already operate—many existing features make it ripe for a human-centric transformation. Beyond offices, there are homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and more within convenient walking distance. With further investment in public transport, including the extension of metro lines, Sickla is poised to become a prime example of low-carbon mobility and reduced car dependency.

Pedestrian-Friendly Planning and Human Connection

Biophilic urbanism isn’t just about materials—it’s also about crafting cities that prioritize human interaction and health. By designing neighborhoods at the human scale, with easy access to green spaces and natural materials, planners can foster a sense of community and well-being. Within Stockholm Wood City, daily errands, café meet-ups, and social gatherings are meant to be accomplished on foot or by using shared transport, reinforcing a lifestyle where personal vehicles become optional rather than mandatory.

Additionally, Stockholm’s broader sustainability goals, such as aiming to become fossil fuel-free by 2040 and halving building-sector energy use from 1995 to 2050, make such wood-based projects not just environmentally beneficial but also highly aligned with municipal policy. In response, the project will incorporate solar power generation, energy storage solutions, and efficient resource use to minimize the overall ecological footprint.

Managing Energy for a Greener Future

Buildings account for roughly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, with 11% linked to production of materials like steel and cement. By choosing mass timber instead, developers can reduce embedded carbon and streamline construction. In Stockholm Wood City, resource-efficient methods will go hand-in-hand with circular flows of materials. Beyond the structure itself, the project team is planning to include rooftop solar arrays and underground borehole systems to provide heating and cooling, illustrating how green building strategies can extend through every phase of a building’s life cycle.

From large corporate offices to small community spaces, each tenant will play a role in shaping how these spaces interact with the environment. By creating an ecosystem of shared values and goals, Stockholm Wood City’s approach to energy management will further cement its status as a living laboratory for biophilic urbanism.

Looking Ahead: A Holistic Urban Future

What sets this project apart is its ambitious melding of architectural innovation, environmental responsibility, and social connectivity. By prioritizing wood, Stockholm Wood City exemplifies biophilic design on a neighborhood-wide scale. Drawing on a holistic approach to urban life—where buildings, transportation, and communities evolve in harmony—the district points the way for other global cities striving to balance growth with sustainability.

Henning Larsen and White Arkitekter, the architectural forces behind the neighborhood, are known for their commitment to people-focused, eco-conscious design. Their work in Sickla goes beyond aesthetics, signaling a shift in how we envision the urban fabric of tomorrow. If successful, Stockholm Wood City will serve as a powerful case study in biophilic urbanism, encouraging cities worldwide to follow suit—one timber beam at a time.

Editorial Team