Welfare Landscapes: Green and Recreational Spaces in Transformation

One-fifth of Sweden’s housing stock consists of buildings constructed between 1965 and 1974. This contested architectural legacy often sits at the center of debates about preservation and renewal. Public spaces and residential outdoor environments from the same period are similarly being reconsidered in terms of their function, appeal, and need for renewal.

The project is guided by two overarching research questions:

• How were residential landscapes designed and used from the mid-twentieth century onwards, and how are ideals of health, recreation, and social cohesion reflected in the photographic material in the ArkDes collection?
• How have these welfare landscapes changed over time, and what can they teach us about the development of our cities today?

Welfare landscapes are changing significantly. Urban densification is reshaping existing connections, while wear and insufficient maintenance are altering their character. At the same time, new forms of recreation are placing new demands on how these spaces are designed and used. Understanding the qualities and potential of these landscapes is therefore essential if they are to remain an integral part of green and sustainable urban environments. Examining their histories and transformations also contributes to a broader understanding of twentieth-century architecture, landscape architecture, and urban development.