bus stops within a five-minute walk. There was also a daycare with the cutest little tikes walking around the neighborhood every morning for their “field trips.” I have never experienced a community that catered to as many people in different stages of their lives as this small neighborhood northeast of downtown Stockholm. We felt safe and comfortable in all areas of the city, and it was not because there was no litter or homelessness. Stockholm is a real city with challenges similar to those of other cities, but because everyone is outside, walking, taking transit and engaging with the businesses, you feel safe, connected and like a part of the community. Shopping for daily needs can be a delight. It is always so delightful to walk into a local shop, find what you need, connect with the person who owns or runs the store and know that you contribute to the local economy. My interactions felt meaningful, and my support felt valued. It was a friendly reminder that small businesses can thrive, even in 2025! Good architecture lasts the test of time, and just because we live in a relatively young society doesn’t mean we shouldn’t design for a lasting one. Stockholm is no different from other cities that have stood for thousands of years. Visiting these cities reminds us that while our lifespans are short, our buildings’ lifespans should not be. We should actively work to design buildings that will outlive us by generations, continuing to provide beauty, contribute to a comfortable experience and endure beyond the trends of today to be loved in the future. Going to Sweden for Midsommer does not mean that you will join a cult and die. My friends were genuinely worried about me, but I bucked the trend and survived a thriving and joyful public holiday. (This is a reference from “Midsommar,” a 2019 horror flick I still have not watched.) 6 REFLEXION
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