Inclusive urban planning for modern communities
Published on: December 12, 2024
Urban development encompasses a wide range of expertise and experience to shape environments where people work, live and move around. From dense city centres to untouched landscapes, it requires an overarching responsibility to include and plan for the needs of all individuals in a designed habitat. Designing a city is akin to travelling through time, beginning with the past to understand historical context, and subsequently, showing the way forward. Urban planners and developers are both experts and visionaries, shaping environments with respect for historical knowledge and innovative thinking for the future.
Climate change represents the single biggest challenge in urban and community development projects. For instance, in Sweden, the construction industry accounts for more than 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, nearly equivalent to emissions from all domestic transport. Urban development holds a unique position in climate change efforts, influencing lifestyle, transportation choices and construction.
Integrating architectural and engineering expertise is crucial to addressing climate change, urbanisation and digitisation effectively. A circular economy is essential for accelerating the transition to a sustainable climate, requiring knowledge and the ability to manage information. Digital tools enhance transparency and cooperation in planning, enabling advanced calculations and visualisations of climate-related risks and costs. Sweco’s experts in urban planning strive for responsible clients and long-term solutions, contributing to sustainable societal development.
UN17 Village
Located in southern Copenhagen’s Ørestad, UN17 Village is set to interpret all 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into concrete actions within one building project. This ambitious development comprises five buildings, measuring a total of 35,000 m², and will house over 800 people. The design accommodates a variety of housing types to cater to diverse family structures, with a focus on sustainability, health, climate, biodiversity and social inclusion. The village will utilise 100% renewable energy and collect 1.5 million litres of rainwater annually for recycling and recreational use.
Recycled building materials with minimal degasification will be used in the construction, meeting high standards for physical and mental health. The project aims to enhance the area’s landscape qualities by focusing on recreational use of water, planting, biodiversity and wildlife. UN17 Village will set new standards for sustainable construction, integrating innovative solutions into building design and fostering a diverse and strong neighbourhood.
Stockholm Royal Seaport
Stockholm Royal Seaport is a large urban development project that encompasses 236 hectares in one of Stockholm’s prime locations. Sweco’s experts are deeply involved in the planning and development of this new district, focusing on social sustainability, climate adaptation, traffic planning, promoting biodiversity and implementing energy-smart solutions. The project aims to provide 12,000 new homes and 35,000 new workplaces on sites previously used for gas production and other industrial activities. As the port’s operations are modernised and concentrated at the piers, land is freed up for urban planning implementation.
Stockholm Royal Seaport serves as a test bed for innovative ideas in sustainable urban development, making it a globally unique project that promotes vibrant urban environments, increased resource efficiency and reduced climate impact. The overall environmental goal is for the area to be a climate-adapted and fossil-fuel-free district by 2030. Planning began in the early 2000s, with development continuing in several stages, aiming for full completion around 2030.
Sweco’s contributions span various technical areas, including building and landscape architecture, street design and stormwater management. Notable projects include the design of new student housing in the Söderåsen block, public spaces at Gasverket, and an investigation for transforming an old gas holder into a commercial operation. Ensuring traffic safety and accessibility is a priority, with walking, cycling and public transportation being prioritised. Sweco provides coordination, advisory services and reviews of traffic management plans to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow during construction. The landscape architects have designed Hjorthagsparken and Hästhagsparken with a focus on stormwater management, green areas and biodiversity.
Mooi Mathilde in Eindhoven
In Eindhoven, Sweco’s architects developed the urban vision “Mooi Mathilde” to transform the railway zone between the city centre and Strijp-S. This vision includes green structures, squares, pavilions and buildings aimed at improving quality of life. Key elements include transforming an old police station into residential space, creating a new PSV Square for public use and developing the Buurtpark, a neighbourhood park with amenities for sports and play. The project prioritises pedestrian and cyclist connectivity while minimising car traffic.
The new PSV Square will accommodate football supporters before and after matches at the Philips Stadium, home of PSV Eindhoven, and function well on non-match days due to surrounding commercial activities. An existing tunnel will be extended to separate traffic flows, creating a public square at ground level for cyclists and pedestrians while cars move underground. The Buurtpark will enhance green spaces, providing facilities for sports and play, and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
