Lively window decoration in the centre of Stockholm

An abstract window decoration of bubbles in red, green and blue hues extends along the façades of the Jakob Mindre 11 city block. Of varying scale and intensity, the 18 window sections are distributed across three buildings on the streets of Regeringsgatan and Jakobsgatan towards the geographic centre of Stockholm – Gustav Adolf Square. Applied on the windowpanes, the hand-painted watercolour bubbles may be experienced on several levels thanks to an underlying reflecting board that has been mounted at a distance to the windowpanes. The mirroring surface reflects both the bubbles on the glass and the cityscape behind it, with its façades, trees, and illumination systems, as well as passing cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Lighting in the window sections animates the decoration during the dark hours of the day. Some of the windows are mounted in deep niches, where the lighting creates an additional effect of illuminating the actual niches and accentuating the three-dimensionality of the façade.

Designed by Marge with the intention of adding activity, movement and liveliness, the decoration was commissioned by the property owner, Axfast, to prevent transparency during the ongoing development of the building and the renovation of the Jakob Mindre 11 city block and to animate a city block which otherwise would be deserted during an extended period.

The experience of the decoration varies depending on the viewer’s distance to the window, time of day, season, weather conditions and street activities. As one passes by the façade, one experiences a sequence of movement. The reflections of the city and its surrounding buildings, including the Royal Opera and the Royal Palace are enveloped in an evocative and dreamy shimmer.