New observation tower opens at WasteLand

On June 4 at 1:00 p.m., the new observation tower at WasteLand in the Scharin area will be inaugurated. The tower will serve as a new gathering place where visitors can experience the landscape from above, while also providing space for culture, storytelling, and activities at ground level.

The observation tower was designed by master’s students at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO) and was developed through close collaboration between academia, the business community, and local stakeholders. The project was implemented by Norra Timber, Skelleftebygg, Byggbetong, and Stena Stål, together with the Municipality of Skellefteå and Society Expo 2026.

The tower is built from sustainable materials, including locally sourced heartwood pine and reclaimed wood from the renovation of the Lejonström Bridge. The choice of materials reflects the project’s ambition to combine innovative architecture with circular solutions and a strong local connection.

The site has been designed to offer more than just a view. At ground level, there are spaces for gatherings, storytelling, theater, exhibitions, and other activities connected to the history and future of the Scharin area. From the tower, views open up over the river, the woodlands, and life in the park.

What makes the tower particularly unique is its relationship with the landscape over time. As the trees grow and the area changes, the view from the tower will also change. In this way, it becomes a place that follows the area’s development and serves as a reminder that communities, nature, and people are constantly in motion.

The inauguration is part of Society Expo 2026 and demonstrates how collaboration between different stakeholders can create new places and values in public spaces. The project combines architecture, sustainability, reuse, and local expertise in a concrete example of how the community building of the future can take shape.

Representatives from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Norra Timber, Skelleftebygg, and Byggbetong will be on hand at the opening ceremony to discuss the project and the collaboration behind the tower.

Opening

Location: WasteLand, Scharinsområdet
Date: June 4, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM

Come discover the view and learn more about the project behind the tower.