A living to be proud of: Economic and cultural patterns in neighbourhoods

Main issues

1. Cultural dimension of urban planning
2. Value of settlements, affordable housing and economic administration
3. The existential dimension: human well-being and pride

Site description Hällefors is a small municipality in the forested area in middle Sweden, Bergslagen, since hundred of years know for its forestry, mining and iron production. Recently large structural transformation in the Swedish society has changed all this. The restructuring of Swedish steel industry hit Hällefors particularly hard. From its most successful period with a well know steel mill and 13.500 inhabitants in early 1970's the municipality counts today only 8 400. Residential areas once built for workers in the steel and saw mill industry, became characterised by empty apartments and social problems, and destruction of several apartment houses became necessary.

Model description
The residential areas of Hällefors to be discussed here were originally designed in 1970-71 to be similar to the traditionally densely built housing areas for the workers at Swedish iron mills. Houses were close to each other and most of the areas between them were covered with asphalt. It was never very popular among the residents, and after the closure of the working places many apartments soon became empty and the average turnover time was up to some 80 % per year. The social situation worsened with unemployment, much destruction of buildings, entries and surroundings, and more than average alcohol abuse in the area.

When the municipality decided to tear down a number of superfluous residential buildings, a process to develop the houses that were to be saved, started. What functions were they to provide, how to change the unhappy development of the area? A basic study was made, together with the residents, on the fundamental meaning of habitation and housing, and how to meet basic human needs. The investigation soon focused on eternal human needs necessary for creating a good future: pride, curiosity, creativity and fantasy. These goals were to inspire a long term more sustainable development locally as well as globally.

The working group defined two working themes "contemporary renaissance and aesthetic functionalism" and "man and universe" where antiquity and Greece was an important source of inspiration. The housing company intended with these themes to give the residents in the area a deepening identity with the area and pride to foster well-being and feeling to be at home. The residential area Polstjärnan (Polar star) was developed with artists having a dominant role. Space for play of children, artistic decoration of the houses, entries etc. were rich, and some 25 sculptures were introduced, and the surroundings became more green. Colours became important and in particular lightning was developed, so although the area is well lit, it is still possible to watch the sky and stars. Today the area is very popular. The turnover time for residents has decreased from some 80 % per year to 12 %. Damages to decorations, and buildings have practically ceased. In spite of the investments in art Polstjärnan has a better economy than the average Swedish residential area.

Örebro University, Novemus
Gunnar Persson
SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
e-mail: gunnar.persson@sam.oru.se