Saturday, February 28, 2015

Stockholm´s Skyline. | Strömparterren






Photo:  © Al Oliver 2015



A view of Sweden´s Capital as seen from "Strömparterren", a little peninsula connected to the small Helgeandsholmen Islet in Central Stockholm. In the background, the sculpture by Carl Milles "The Sun Singer" and some other famous landmarks, including the Grand Hotel, Palmeska Huset and the southern side of Kungsträdgarden Park.





Saturday, February 21, 2015

Skogskyrkogården, a Mystical Place. (Stockholm, Sweden)





Located in the South of Stockholm, Skogskyrkogården is a cemetery that due to its harmony between natural landscapes and architectural design, earned to be named as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. This wonderful architectural  (an why not even spiritual) complex was designed by the renowned architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz, in 1914 - 1915 and the works began in 1917, being finished 3 years later. Just as its name in Swedish say (The Woodland Cemetery), this cemetery is placed in a forest among pines and boasts several true jewels of design like the Skogskrematoriet, designed by Asplund and completed in 1940, all in complete harmony with the surroundings: hills and forests, dark and sunny lighted atmospheres. You can barely think of death as the end as you get yourself to the top of the meditation grove (standing just in front of the main entrance) and watch for the beautiful landscape that somehow resembles Skåne in Southern Sweden. 

As you follow your way, you start to get into to the forest, and shadows replace the light creating a matchless atmosphere of self-reflection  and perhaps, just for a moment, you could be able to see rows of ethereal people standing by the graves, watching you nicely and quietly, with a face of peace following in silence your steps, 


































































Photos:  © Al Oliver











Thursday, February 19, 2015

Nordic Horizons.



Welcome to Nordic Horizons, an online journal founded by Al Oliver, photographer specialized in Architecture and Life Style that aims to provide coverage and analysis of some of the issues and affairs regarding Scandinavia in the form of news stories, photography, opinion pieces as well as provide other useful information for all the people interested in the Culture of this part of the World.

From time to time we will also feature reviews, interviews and collaborations with members of the Nordic Cultural scene, mainly with a focus in Architecture, Design and Life Style.


We at Nordic Horizons will be glad to receive your feedback and comments.


Unless otherwise stated, photos here are © Al Oliver



Thanks for joining us!!



Al Oliver and The Nordic Horizons Team.




The Swedish Royal Opera. Stockholm, Sweden. 
Photo:  © Al Oliver