Power of Places

How can we make the most of what already exists when developing new places? ‘Power of Places’, part of ArkDes’ practice-based research initiative, aims to develop methods and prototypes for how materials, resource flows, knowledge, and experience can be harnessed in societal development.

In the future, development and management will be two words describing the same thing. To create transformation, we need to make the most of all the resources we have—material, knowledge, experience, and motivations—and carefully build on what already exists. Within architecture, design, and art, there are tools for interpreting, shaping, and inviting development, showing how new approaches can lead to meaningful places and interactions. 

‘Power of Places’ explores methods and approaches to nurture, thoughtfully develop, and strengthen the local in societal development processes. If we stop producing new things and instead care for the materials, opportunities, and people already present in a place, what kind of development and aesthetics would that create? 

The project’s case studies focus on the neighborhoods of Rosengård and Nyhamnen in Malmö. Two geographies with different conditions and needs, but both part of the same city. In the spring of 2023, ArkDes and the City of Malmö launched a call for proposals, resulting in the selection of two interdisciplinary teams to survey each area, explore working methods, and develop full-scale prototypes that could serve as starting points for further thoughtful development and management of the two areas. Team Layered was selected to work in Nyhamnen, while Team Konstkollektiv för rumsliga praktiker (KoRP) was chosen for Rosengård. During the summer and autumn of 2023, the teams inventoried the areas’ existing resources and explored methods for further careful development and management.