Barkaby Nexus

Barkaby Nexus 

By Ida Berggren, Karítas Ísberg, Fanny Gunnarsson, Maja Gustafsson and Sandra Sjöberg

In 2050, what was once Barkarby's commercial area is now known as Barkarby Nexus. The term "Nexus'' finds its roots in the Latin word "nectere," meaning "bound," which later evolved into "nexus," signifying "a binding together." In contemporary usage, it refers to "a connection or series of connections linking two or more things'' and/or "a central or focal point," as defined by the Oxford Dictionary.

This new name captures the essence of the neighborhood, which has transformed in to a pivotal link connecting Jakobsberg and Barkarbystaden, shaping a unified regional city center for Järfälla. Barkarby Nexus not only facilitates a seamless transportation network between these areas but also serves as a central hub for social interactions, creating a cohesive focal point for Järfälla residents.

While strolling through the area, vestiges of its commercial past remain visible. The once-prominent box houses of commercial chains now blend with a more human-scale built environment and housing. These large structures have undergone a metamorphosis, finding new purpose as indoor growing facilities for urban gardening, communal gathering spaces, workshops, and co-housing residential units. The vast parking lots that once dominated the landscape have given way to additional housing for Järfälla's growing population and open public spaces like squares and gardens. The neighborhood has its own place identity and is safe to live and be in all hours of the day.

During the area's redevelopment, the municipality adhered to a carbon-positive goal by utilizing existing infrastructure and materials. This sustainable approach not only preserves the area's character but also contributes to the overall environmental well-being of Barkarby Nexus.

The neighborhood's significance as a connector between Jakobsberg and Barkarbystaden emphasizes its role in fostering social unity. The establishment of a comprehensive transportation network underscores the importance of accessibility and fluid movement for residents who now find it easy to abandon their cars. The central gathering point further enhances community cohesion, fostering a shared identity among the people of Järfälla. By fostering this, Barkarby Nexus will bridge the barrier that it poses to be today. It will strengthen the physical network both within the area itself but also to neighborhoods in proximity.

The Barkaby Nexus report.

The Poster