Power of Places

ongoing

Malmö

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.

Nyhamnen

*Photo: Olle Enqvist. 2024.* Inauguration of the amphitheater.

Team Layered’s inventory of the Ferry Terminal in Nyhamnen focused on the site’s migration history, as well as its existing greenery, materials, and building structures. Their site-specific research has been translated into a prototype that initiates the careful management and reactivation of the location. The old car ramp at the Ferry Terminal has been transformed into an amphitheater, while the area’s wild greenery is enhanced by the creation of an urban forest on asphalt. Dismantled fences are being repurposed and woven into pergolas, providing spaces for gathering. Concrete barriers are redesigned into furniture. During the spring of 2024, the prototype has been realized in Nyhamnen. Together with local artisans and the public, Layered is crafting a new meeting space for the people of Malmö.

Through Layered’s work, the area is now gradually reopening to the public, being tested as a public space with new uses. The amphitheater was inaugurated on June 8 as the first step, with the next phase being the establishment of an urban forest. In 2025, 40 large and 150-200 smaller trees will be planted around the Ferry Terminal’s blue train ramp. The forest will consist of species selected to withstand current and future climate challenges.

Team Layered’s work is summarized in a report that outlines strategies and methods for how maintenance of existing resources can serve as the foundation for development. The report also includes proposals for how the City of Malmö can continue this work over the next 3–5 years. Read more in the report.

Torget

In the 2024 installation on Torget, ArkDes’ new meeting place where you can take part in discussions on how architecture and design can help address the challenges of tomorrow, you can immerse yourself in Power of Places. The piece is based on team Layered’s inventory and prototype in Nyhamnen. Together with local artisans and the residents of Malmö, Layered has woven an installation that draws from everything that already exists. The work offers ArkDes visitors a glimpse into contemporary societal challenges and the practice-driven research conducted at ArkDes in collaboration with partners across the country.

*Photo: Olle Enqvist. 2023.* Nyhamnen, Malmö.

*Photo: ArkDes. 2024* MalmöVÄV weaves patterns with ropes and fences. Nyhamnen, Malmö.

*Photo: ArkDes. 2024.* Sophie Toresson, Betty Norling, Sofia Kroon Walter, Teresa Montesino Hammarskjöld, Tyra Mohager and Linn Karlsson from MalmöVÄV have brought Layered’s ideas to life by designing and weaving patterns from repurposed harbor rope into the fences that currently enclose the area. These woven fences now serve a new function, forming roofs for the outdoor furniture in the space.

Rosengård

With sensitivity to processes already carried out in Rosengård, Team KoRP refined an inventory method—a “hearing aid”—to listen to the voices that have already shared their stories about the place through various forums. With fresh eyes, KoRP delved into material that has emerged from and about Rosengård. Municipal and state documents, previous research, media portrayals, music, art, and poetry were studied alongside the built environment.

KoRP’s method highlighted Rosengård’s architectural heritage, revealing its different layers and cultural legacy. The inventory also raised questions about how ownership structures impact the maintenance , care, and development of existing buildings and architecture.. The team’s work provides valuable insight for the City of Malmö in future urban development processes.

Team KoRP chose to conclude their project early, and a physical prototype was not developed.

Team

Nyhamnen – Team Layered: Daniel Feldman, architect, Anna Sokoloff, art advisor and curator, Sumayya Vally, architect, and Maria José Arjona, performance artist.

Rosengård – Team Art Collective for Spatial Practices (KoRP): The team is represented by Malmö-based artist Hanni Kamaly. With the project ‘Close Your Eyes’.