One of the most popular Christmastime traditions is using baked gingerbread to build little houses and decorating them with frosting, candy canes, chocolate and gumdrops.
Gingerbread house competitions and exhibits are held in the U.S. and around the world. The Gingerbread House exhibition at the Arkdes Center for Architecture and Design in Stockholm has been drawing some of Sweden's most promising, up-and-coming creators each year since 1990.
Participants of all ages are granted unlimited freedom to express themselves in deliciously creative ways. Artistry and passion are evident in each edible work of art.
This season's theme focused on "New ways of living — different ways to construct." It was inspired by rising global population densities and urbanization.
The gingerbread house creators had "to think about this theme in the way that architects and designers do," said the Arkdes Center's Karin Aberg Wearn.
The judges were impressed with Louise Thornell's circular house, which had something for everyone, including a candy-filled swimming pool.
"It's a very loving concept ... but also extremely well-baked and a very new innovative way of using glazing and so on in the bake," Aberg Wearn said.
The gingerbread houses will be on display until January 10.
