The urban transformation in Kiruna – A good example of when citizens’ opinions on cultural heritage are taken into account
How is cultural heritage used when a district is being redeveloped? Archaeologist Ulrika Söderström has studied three urban development projects in Malmö, Kalmar, and Kiruna, which illustrate different approaches to handling cultural heritage and cultural values.
Her findings highlight the importance of involving residents in the process and maintaining an open mind about what cultural heritage can be. She points out the urban transformation in Kiruna as a positive example.
Ulrika Söderström works as an archaeologist at Kalmar County Museum and has recently completed a doctorate in archaeology within the GRASCA graduate school at Linnaeus University.
In her dissertation, Söderström examined how cultural heritage is used in urban planning to contribute to socially sustainable cities. Her research focused on three specific projects: the Caroli district in Malmö, the Valnötsträdet district in Kalmar, and the urban transformation in Kiruna. These projects represent different time periods and different approaches to the use of cultural heritage. Söderström’s work involved interviews and surveys with various stakeholders, as well as studies of laws, regulations, and political objectives.
Include more people than just experts when deciding how cultural heritage should be used in urban transformation projects
Her studies underscore the importance of involving citizens in discussions about cultural heritage and keeping an open mind about what is considered valuable. She argues that the ongoing urban transformation in Kiruna is a good example of this. The project has a clearly stated vision for the future, with contributions from a wide range of stakeholders.
“Ask the citizens what they want. By allowing people other than just experts to influence how cultural heritage is used, we increase the likelihood of creating vibrant and socially sustainable cities where people feel at home”, says Söderström.
The three case studies:
The Caroli district, Malmö (1967–1973): an expert perspective without responsiveness
The redevelopment of the Caroli district in central Malmö was part of Sweden’s so-called “sanitation wave”. For Caroli, this meant extensive demolition of historic urban environments with high cultural value, which were replaced by modern buildings for shopping and housing.
The intention was to eliminate social problems in the district. However, the expected effects never materialised, and the difficulties in making the area attractive have persisted to this day. Söderström argues that the Caroli district serves as an example of the consequences that can arise when cultural values and citizens’ perspectives are neglected in urban planning.
“Decisions were made at an expert level based on what was deemed necessary for the population, rather than what they actually wanted. The large-scale demolitions destroyed not only historically significant buildings but also social structures”, explains Söderström.
The Valnötsträdet district, Kalmar (2008–2018): focus on archaeology, but difficult to grasp
The transformation of the Valnötsträdet district in Kalmar followed a different scenario. The project aimed to convert municipal public buildings into a residential quarter. This site was once the medieval centre of Kalmar, and even before the transformation, there was a good understanding of the cultural value of the district.
Archaeology was used to highlight the medieval values preserved beneath the ground and incorporate them into the outdoor design. The process involved collaboration between several experts, including archaeologists, landscape architects, and artists. Söderström considers the project unique in its emphasis on archaeology and design. However, she also points out that the site is not particularly accessible.
“My study shows that the artistic elements and design of the site are difficult to interpret for those without prior knowledge. Additionally, the area does not feel open or accessible to visitors. Once again, citizens were not involved in the process”, says Söderström.
The urban transformation in Kiruna (2004–): citizen dialogue and mining town parks
Since 2004, Kiruna has been undergoing a relocation a few kilometres eastward due to the expansion of the Kiirunavaara mine. Ahead of the move, several citizen dialogues and surveys were conducted to understand what residents consider culturally and historically valuable. It became evident that people valued not only buildings but also smaller elements such as park benches, a swimming hall sign, and the clock tower from the old town hall, all of which have been preserved.
Citizens are also involved in designing the so-called mining town parks, which are located on sections of decommissioned land. The parks serve as a "soft transition between the mine and the city". Buildings and locations that could not be relocated to the new city centre have been artistically reimagined, allowing them to remain for a time. The idea is to enable Kiruna’s residents to gradually adapt to the changes. Once the area becomes too unsafe to inhabit, it will revert to mining land – fencing will be moved, and the next area will be transformed into a new park.
“Many of the Kiruna residents I interviewed consider the parks to be the best outcome of the city’s relocation. They offer a space for both remembrance and adaptation to the future. The parks have also introduced a new park culture in the city, contributing to social sustainability. The urban transformation in Kiruna is a fascinating example of what happens when citizens are given a say in the management of cultural heritage”, Söderström concludes.
Söderström summarises her findings:
- Include more people than just experts in discussions about how cultural heritage should be used in urban transformation projects. This increases the likelihood that people will feel a sense of ownership and ambassadorship for the places that are created.
- Keep an open mind about what cultural heritage can be and what people consider valuable.
- Sustainable urban development requires future awareness – an ability to envision different futures and alternative possibilities.
In her research, Söderström has developed a model that can be used in urban planning to reflect on how cultural heritage can contribute to socially sustainable urban development.
More Information
- Ulrika Söderström’s dissertation: “Cultural heritage as a resource in socially sustainable urban development: A designed living environment for the future”
- GRASCA: A corporate graduate school for Swedish contract archaeology. Learn more about GRASCA.