Prepared – lift houses and resilient societies in the age of climate change

Step into ArkDes, on to Torget, and into an age of cloudbursts and floods. From 17 October to 2 November, ArkDes invites you to join a conversation on preparedness, climate adaptation, and resilient urban planning, framed through a temporary installation by Ulf Mejergren Architects.

How do we build a society able to withstand climate change and tackle the challenges that come with both rising heat and rising water? Today, many cities are built densely, with sealed surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground. When cloudbursts occur, water instead collects in streets, basements, car parks, and other places where people live their daily lives.

Responsibility is often unclear. Who should for instance pay for protection against heavy rainfall, flooding, or land at risk of collapse? Should we build more flood defences, mechanically lift houses above water, revise regulations, or relocate whole communities from vulnerable areas?

Building a more resilient society demands major investment, but also the courage and willingness to think differently. Municipalities, property owners, landlords, and homeowners alike may need to invest in swift, smart, and long-term solutions. What happens if we fail to act?

From 17 October to 2 November, ArkDes presents Prepared – a programme series on preparedness, climate adaptation, and resilient urban planning. At Torget, visitors will encounter the Lift House a temporary installation designed by Ulf Mejergren Architects, drawing on research into climate adaptation from Linköping University. Visitors can explore the Lift House on Torget during regular opening hours from 15 October, even outside the program events.