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. This initiative imposes significant demands for more housing, attractive living environments, and long-term sustainability. The challenge is to create sustainable housing in a short period while leveraging existing resources and establishing enduring high-quality living environments.

Sustainable living environments are shaped by continuity, multiple perspectives and local knowledge. With this starting point, the work on the project ‘Visions in the North step 2‘ continues, which is an independent part of the earlier ‘Visions in the North step 1‘, conducted in 2022. The initiative is led by the Council for Sustainable Cities, managed by ArkDes, in collaboration with Boden, Gällivare, Kiruna, Luleå, Skellefteå and Umeå municipalities.

Through a call for proposals during spring 2024, the Council for Sustainable Cities selected six interdisciplinary teams of designers, architects, visual artists and other innovation actors to address specific locations in the municipalities. The starting point is to create sustainable living environments. The purpose of the initiative is to explore and bring fresh perspectives into the urban development process, aiming to discover new methods for formulating long-term management and development strategies.

The project is divided into two phases. Phase one runs from May 2024 to January 2025. In February 2025, phase two begins, and a maximum of three of the six teams will be chosen to continue their work. Using prototypes, they will work with municipalities to explore how temporary solutions can support long-term planning and development.