Circular thinking in “sparkstaden” KirunaIf we think in a circular way, respect planetary boundaries, and

Move naturally

– build an ac- cessible and walkable city, a mix- ed and dense city, close to nature and leisure.

In a city where places for work, food, living, culture and recrea- tion is mixed the need for trans- port is reduced. By using the con- cept of “Bokaler” where you place premises in street level and hou- sing on top you have the possibi- lity to live and work in the same building.

Most travels can be done by wal- king, cycling or kick sledding and this means more people on the stre- ets at all times which creates a safer and more vibrant neighbour- hood.

A mix of housing types attract pe- ople of all ages and needs, and a strong sense of place develops.

This also increase the opportunity to move within the block or the building in different phases of life, and still be a part of the same community in your neighbour- hood.

Down shift

– have smaller living space, more common space, and in- corporate places for sharing, ren- ting tools etc.

By building every block or neig- hbourhood as a “village” in the middle of the city, with a common hub for cultivation and sharing of things in each courtyard, one can strengthen the community and in- crease the opportunities to sha- re both knowledge and things with each other.

Green spaces

- By letting wed- ges of nature into the city you always have a close connection to nature and the surrounding mounta- ins. And easy access to mushrooms and berries.

A use of green spaces in the city are good for city dwellers mental health and wellbeing, they provi- de places for exercise and recrea- tion, work as a lung for the city by absorbing co2 and pollutants and improve air and water quali- ty. By incorporating opportunities for gardening and urban farming it can also provide the citizens with food.

Community

– create spaces to hang out with friends and family in every block, many generations living together, a sense of com- munity in the neighbourhood, give possibility to maintain relations over time. Every citizen should be able to participate fully in all that the city has to offer. The city should be inclusive and ac- cessible to everyone.

Reclaimed, reused, recycled and renewable

materials - Our first choice should be the materi- als that are already available. The second choice is to use renewable and plentiful materials. Source materials as locally as possible to reduce transports.

Low energy architecture

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can use sun, wind, daylight and form to reduce energy use. Renewa- ble energy sources such as water, wind and sun should be used when possible.

Today we see the consequences of money ruling a global world. Industrialism has affected our way of planning and building cities, using the machine and a production line as a model for living . Our entire lives are divided into parts both in time and space. We live in a consumption wheel where we produce and consume more than we need and are emptying

our planets recourses. We create mountains of waste and illness with this short-term linear way of thinking.

Circular thinking in “sparkstaden” Kiruna

If we think in a circular way, respect planetary boundaries, and let long-term quality of both human life and the planets supporting ecosystems be our goal , we can build cities that supports a longer and healthier life for us and our planet . The development of a new

city centre in Kiruna is a good opportunity to test this way of thinking.

STUDIO 3, PLANET KIRUNA UMEÅ SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

SPRING 2020 UMA 3/MALIN GYLL