Visions in the North step 2

In Norrbotten and Västerbotten, some of the largest investments ever in green transition, technology and infrastructure are currently underway. The investment places great demands on more housing, attractive living environments and long-term sustainability. How can we create sustainable housing in a short period of time while utilising existing resources and creating good quality living environments in the long term?

Good living environments are shaped by continuity, multiple perspectives and local knowledge. With this in mind, the work continues with the project Visions in the North step 2, an independent part of Visions: in the North, which was carried out in 2022. Behind the initiative is the Council for Sustainable Cities, led by ArkDes, in collaboration with Boden, Gällivare, Kiruna, Luleå, Skellefteå and Umeå.

Through a call for proposals in spring 2024, the Council for Sustainable Cities selected six interdisciplinary teams of designers, architects, designers and other innovation actors to take on concrete sites in the municipalities. The starting point is to create sustainable living environments. The initiative aims to explore and bring new eyes into the urban design process and find new ways to create long-term management and development strategies.

Process – the work of the teams

Since the project began in May 2024, the six selected teams have inventoried and analyzed locations, conditions, and needs in designated geographic areas within each municipality. Based on the analyses, they have developed concrete proposals for development and management plans that address the municipalities’ challenges.

Among the teams’ proposals are ideas of how to revitalise 550 derelict houses through a new business model, how to clean up an industrial area using tens of thousands of green plants, and how to design public spaces for cultural expression in collaboration with the local community. These proposals were presented at a final seminar in January 2025. Learn more about the teams’ innovative work and reports below.

In 2025, three of the teams will continue their work as part of Visioner i Norr Step 2: När horisonter möts in Gällivare, Berätta mig vidare in Kiruna, and VEX in Umeå. Through prototyping, they will collaborate with the municipalities to explore how temporary solutions can be used for long-term planning and development strategies.