The growth of skyscrapers in Sweden: A sign of impending recession?

"The skyscraper is a picture of progress, success and modernity," says Julia Svensson, editor-in-chief of the journal Architect.

"Of course, it's competing to build the tallest house," says Håkan Sundquist, professor of building technology.

Yes, more and more skyscrapers are being built and planned for in Swedish cities. Currently, Malmö's Turning torso (190 m) is highest, but Gothenburg's planned Karlatornet wants to hit the Nordic record (245 m), and Stockholm's planned Tellus towers (237 m) are notched in heels.

- It's almost as if the cities are competing for who is the biggest, best and most beautiful by showing that you can build the highest, says Julia Svensson.

The skyscrapers are often described as grand landmarks and the architecture is sometimes noticed internationally. Stockholm's North Tower Lift, for example, is presented by CNN as one of the ten most spectacular buildings that are part of and "shaping the world 2019". But the tall buildings also attract criticism.

- The sun is low in Sweden, and when you build high, you throw shadow over the streets. It will be dark, humid and boring, says Björn Tarras-Wahlberg, chairman of the Friends of Blasieholmen's Friends, who organized protests against what he calls the "high-rise house" in Stockholm.

Humans have always strived to build high, and approach heaven, says Julia Svensson. And Håkan Sundquist, professor of building technology, is developing:

- It already started with Pharaoh Cheops who built the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. Later, others had power and wealth - in the Middle Ages it was the Church who also wanted to manifest it by building high. Therefore, plenty of cathedrals were built in the Middle Ages.

Today, most and tallest buildings - the skyscrapers - are found in countries such as the United States, China, Japan and Saudi Arabia. The tallest in the world is Burj Khalifa in Dubai with its 828 meters.

- The social vision the skyscraper symbolizes is about looking down on the world from above. It is a privileged position that very few can afford. Most people look up at the skyscrapers from ground level, says Julia Svensson.

Several of Sweden's skyscraper projects were born in times of prosperity. But the projects often drag out on time and take many years to realize.

- Building skyscrapers costs a lot of money, is associated with major risks, and is technically difficult, says Håkan Sundquist.

And since the business cycle runs in cycles of three to eight years, emerging skyscrapers - despite symbolizing wealth - can actually be a prohibition of worse times.

- You usually say that when the skyscrapers come up, the party is soon over and the boom is starting to slow down, says Julia Svensson.