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Street Moves: Hultsfred

Photo: ArkDes. 2023. Opening of Street Moves on Oskarsgatan with theater on the tables by Kalmar Byteater and Suzanne Osten.
Oskarsgatan

Hultsfred

Community table, urban gardening, and reuse for a safer and more welcoming city center.

After image
Before image
Oskarsgatan before and after Street Moves. Photo: Örjan Karlsson

Oskarsgatan serves as a vital connection between two key areas in Hultsfred—the station district and the town center. To strengthen this link and enhance safety and vibrancy in the city core, Hultsfred Municipality invited input from stakeholders and the public about the street’s future. The goal was to support local businesses, foster community engagement, and create a safer, more inviting public space.

On May 19, 2023, the newly transformed temporary street was inaugurated. The section between Torsplan and Stålhagsgatan became a shared-space area featuring a long community table, raised garden beds, and evening lighting. From that day on, the table could host events inspired by the residents and local organizations—perhaps a food festival, chess tournament, or picnic?

The design team in Hultsfred included director and theater leader Suzanne Osten, Outer Space Architects, Studio Era, and Studio Doms. The process had a strong local foundation: construction students from Hultsfred Gymnasium’s vocational program refurbished the tables and chairs, while children from local preschools—including Ekbacken, Råsebäck, Örtagården, Växthuset, Silverslätten, Silverliljan, Furuängen, and Målilla—planted the garden beds.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their dedication and creativity!

Illustration: design team Studio Era, Studio Doms, Outer Space architects and Suzanne Osten. Vision image of Oskarsgatan.
Oskarsgatan from above.
Photo: Studio Doms. 2023. The community table and chairs are recycled furniture from Hultsfred residents and the Lions flea market.
Photo: Studio Doms. 2023. Planting by Hultsfred preschool children.
Photo: Studio Doms. 2023. Oskarsgatan during evening hours.
Photo: Studio Doms. 2023. Sit down at the community table for a picnic!
Photo: Örjan Karlsson. 2023. The community table on Oskarsgatan, Hultsfred.
Photo: Studio Doms. 2023. The furniture was refurbished by students at Hultsfred upper secondary school.
Photo: Örjan Karlsson Street Moves on Oskarsgatan in Hultsfred.