Eds andra kiosk

How can collective building and a simple kiosk contribute to increased participation and a strengthened democracy?

The project Eds andra kiosk (Ed’s Second Kiosk), part of ArkDes Open Call 2021 under the theme “Shared Spaces and Interspaces”, was based on the idea that open and inclusive meeting places are essential to a vibrant democracy.

In the late 1990s, a major government inquiry was conducted to address how democracy in Sweden could be revitalized to survive the next hundred years. One of its key conclusions was that a living democracy depends on active and engaged citizens. Yet many of the meeting places developed in the early 20th century—when democracy was being established—have gradually been drained of energy and vitality due to mechanisms such as centralisation and urbanisation.

For shared concerns to emerge—and for conditions to exist where differences can be addressed—spaces for meeting are needed. A simple kiosk can serve as such a place, where people stop and exchange thoughts.
In Håbol, a small locality with around 70 inhabitants, the idea was born to build a new kiosk, inspired by the old kiosk that once stood in the centre of the nearby town of Ed. In addition to providing basic services, the new structure was designed to include a sleeping loft and space for small cultural events such as temporary exhibitions.

The project was initiated by Erik Normark, who has roots in the area, and was carried out in collaboration with Egnahemsfabriken ↗, Dare2Build ↗, and Not Quite ↗. In addition to establishing a new meeting place, the building process itself was intended to be a social activity through a Byggbrigad—Egnahemsfabriken’s method of bringing together volunteers for small-scale construction projects with elements of culture and learning.

Hultevi, a local sports and events ground, was transformed into a construction site during one intense summer week. A total of 31 participants with varying levels of experience took part in building two kiosks and a smaller children’s version. Each day began with planning meetings and safety briefings, and participants rotated between tasks.
The building site attracted curious passersby and became an informal meeting place in its own right. During the week, panel discussions and cultural events were held as part of the brigade’s programme. Representatives from Boverket, ArkDes, and other organisations discussed place development and the social dimensions of construction. Evenings were filled with activities like karaoke and football matches, drawing in many from the local community.

After the building week, additional work was completed and applications for building permits were submitted. One of the kiosks was placed in Håbol, where Erik Normark began operating it in the summer of 2022. Egnahemsfabriken continues to develop methods for collective building that support local initiatives.

The project received media attention ↗, and filmmaker John Areblad documented ↗ both the building process and the people behind the initiative.