An observation tower for gatherings, stories, and hope for the future

A new gathering place is taking shape in the Scharins area of Skellefteå. In the heart of WasteLand, an observation tower has been erected, offering visitors the chance to experience the site from above while also creating space for culture, storytelling, and community at ground level.

The tower is the result of a collaboration between the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), the Municipality of Skellefteå, Society Expo 2026, and several local companies. The project was carried out by Norra Timber, Skelleftebygg, Byggbetong, and Stena Stål, among others.

The project demonstrates how academia, the business community, and the public sector can work together to create new value in public spaces through sustainable architecture, reuse, and local expertise.

From student idea to reality

The observation tower is based on the winning proposal, Lille Sara, developed by master’s student Joppe Feyaerts at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design. The jury particularly highlighted the proposal’s ability to create an inclusive gathering place through its circular form, flexibility of use, and the simple, repetitive construction that enabled building in collaboration with students and local stakeholders.

At the heart of the design is the space created at its center. The circular structure encloses an open area for meetings, performances, storytelling, exhibitions, and everyday activities. Visitors move from the enclosed space up to the viewing platform, where the landscape opens up and offers views of the Skellefte River, the forest, and the development of the Scharin area.

Sustainability and Reuse

The tower was built with sustainability in mind. The structure consists mainly of wood and incorporates reclaimed materials from the renovation of the Lejonström Bridge. By combining local materials, reuse, and a resource-efficient design, the project demonstrates how future urban development can combine architectural quality with circular solutions.

A place that changes over time

What makes the tower particularly unique is its relationship to the landscape. The tower is situated amidst the trees and will evolve alongside its surroundings. As the vegetation grows, the view will also change. In this way, the tower serves as a reminder that communities, nature, and people are constantly evolving and being shaped by their time.

Connection to Society Expo 2026

Lille Sara is a concrete example of the questions Society Expo 2026 aims to explore: How can we create attractive and inclusive living environments? How can we build sustainably using local resources? And how can collaboration between different stakeholders create new opportunities for people and places?

The project contributes to the development of the Scharin area as a place for culture, learning, and encounters. At the same time, it demonstrates how international knowledge, local expertise, and shared ambitions can be put into practice.

The tower is not just a viewpoint. It is a place for people, ideas, and stories—and an example of how the community-building of the future can take shape through collaboration.

Learn more: SE26 project