In Malmö, an architectural firm designed a building without garages or parking spaces, but to accommodate those who use their bike every day, whether to go to work or for shopping. (Article by Pauline Jallon in We Demain, September 6, 2016)
In Malmö, near the central station, a building with round windows is under construction: the Cykelhuset Ohboy. Literally, the house of the bike. Designed by the firm of architects Hauschild + Siegel, this building will, in December, house those who have abandoned their car.
Located near the city center in order to reduce travel, this building of seven levels and 55 apartments has neither garages nor parking slots. However, in its entry and on each of its floors, garages are available for bicycles only. Its lifts are wider and open on both sides to avoid the tedious maneuvering of the cycles. It will also be possible to store your bike straight into your apartment; the door is wide enough for passing a cargo bike. “If you buy something fresh, you can park directly in front of your fridge for storage,” Cord Siegel, the main architect, told jokingly.
But the building is not restricted to bicycle owners. It will be possible to borrow locally. Folding bikes will be available to people who take public transportation to get to work, and cargo bikes to transport their shopping. Users will also have huge mailboxes to order online and receive their purchases home. Many other services will be available: a subscription for carpool, a “station” equipped with bicycle repair tools, pumps, and washing equipment. In case of bad weather, users can also purchase credits for the bus or the train.
We wondered why people need a car, and we looked for alternative solutions – Cord Siegel.
“Bicycle Friendly” but not only, the building contains all the components of a sustainable living space: balconies are lined with auto-irrigated plants. And on its roof, a greenhouse with a shared garden will allow people to grow their own vegetables, even in winter. Inside, stairs and mezzanines are built from local wood.
Sweden is the 6th most bicycle friendly city in the world. In Malmö, 30% of the population is already using a bicycle and it will be the first European city to propose such a device, but it will not stay long alone: another building of the same type is being built in London.
