Lilla Bommen

Lilla Bommen is a high-rise office tower on the Göta River waterfront in Gothenburg with a distinctive cylindrical shape. The structure rises 22 stories with its signature red and white striped exterior, measuring around 86 meters tall.

The building was designed in the 1980s and completed in 1989 after seven years of construction. The collaboration between architect Ralph Erskine and the local firm White Architects shaped the final design.

The building is affectionately called 'The Lipstick' because of its cylindrical shape and red-white striped pattern. This nickname reflects the maritime traditions that run through the city's identity.

The tower sits right on the water and is easily accessible from public areas of the city. The ground level houses retail shops and restaurants, while upper floors contain offices, and visitors can access a public observation deck.

The building's foundation required deep stabilizing piles driven into Gothenburg's clay soil to safely support the tower's weight. This engineering solution was necessary to secure stability on the city's challenging ground conditions.

Location: Gothenburg

Inception: 1989

Architects: Ralph Erskine

Floors above the ground: 22

GPS coordinates: 57.71333,11.96778

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:43