Few Swedish architects evoke such strong reactions as Gert Wingårdh, whose work has been internationally acclaimed but also harshly criticized in Sweden. The extension of Liljevalchs art gallery, known as Liljevalchs+, on Djurgården in Stockholm is one of the clearest examples of his controversial output, which Wingårdh himself considers the most beautiful thing he has done. Critics have labeled it a macabre concrete block, Sweden's ugliest new construction, and, according to the Architecture Uprising, an ugly parasite among the beautiful buildings.
The criticism often centers on Liljevalchs+ and other public buildings breaking away from their surroundings, such as Djurgården's older wooden houses and historical expression. This highlights a clear dividing line in the architecture debate between those favoring classical, traditional buildings and those defending contemporary expression. Public opinion leans toward the traditional, with a SOM Institute survey showing 66% prefer classical architecture and only 26% prefer modern.
In recent years, the issue has become increasingly politicized, with proposals for special 'architecture zones' where new buildings should mimic older styles from the Christian Democrats' Nike Örbrink, and in Gothenburg, the Social Democrats have pushed for building less modernistically and more classically. Gert Wingårdh believes that this desire for more classical architecture partly stems from a more troubled world where people seek security even in their cities.