SE26 project
Skellefteå Municipality and Tengbom explore socially sustainable living environments
In Skellefteå, we are currently developing Socially Sustainable Living Environments, a project that aims to make social sustainability a tangible and living part of everyday life for the residents of Skellefteå. Through a combination of co-creative workshops, pilot projects, and prototypes in the urban environment, the project will test new ways of shaping healthy, fair, and inclusive social spaces—places and contexts where people meet and contribute, participate, and feel a sense of belonging in the city.
The project addresses challenges such as increased insecurity, unequal access to meeting places, and socioeconomic differences between neighborhoods. We want to see how community and relationships can be strengthened, both between people and between residents and the public space, to contribute to security, participation, and increased quality of life.
Skellefteå Municipality is driving change towards a more sustainable society, with Tengbom Architects leading the work. The prototypes are being developed by Arctic Design Center and financed with EU funds. The project is a collaboration between these three parties.
What is being done in concrete terms?
- Workshops where we explore the needs and opportunities for social community in different parts of the city.
- Pilot projects where we develop solutions in the built environment that respond to different social goals.
- Prototypes where social values are translated into the built environment, for example, more open meeting places, communal gardens, cultural or creative gatherings, development of public environments, places for play and exercise.
Long-term goals
To make "Socially sustainable living environment" a model for how Skellefteå can work with social sustainability as a cornerstone of urban development. The results should influence municipal processes, how new buildings and public spaces are planned, and how resources are allocated.
Why is this important?
The project contributes to several aspects of sustainability:
- Social sustainability – strengthening security and community through inclusive living environments.
- Economic sustainability – when people enjoy their living environment, more people stay, the number of empty apartments decreases, and security increases.
- Environmental sustainability – when living environments and meeting places are green and land is used more efficiently.
Status and next steps
The project is ongoing: workshops and pilot projects are taking place during the fall of 2025. During the spring of 2026, prototypes will be implemented in the urban environment. During Society Expo 2026, "Socially sustainable living environment" will be visible as one of the municipality's key projects – with an exhibition, workshop, and opportunities for dialogue with residents and other stakeholders.
Illustration: Tengbom.
The project addresses challenges relating to social sustainability in the built environment. The goal is to create healthy, fair, and inclusive living environments. Skellefteå has grown rapidly, and with that growth comes a need for new housing, meeting places, walkways, and public spaces that strengthen community, safety, and health. At the same time, there is a risk of increased loneliness, segregation, and lack of participation. Through Socially Sustainable Living Environments, methods and tools are being developed to create inclusive environments and reduce differences between neighborhoods.
The project is implementing pilot projects in two areas, Trädgårdsgatan and Morö Backe, using a method for analyzing and developing solutions for social values in urban development processes. Through a series of workshops, city walks, and pilot projects, working methods are being tested that make it possible to highlight and develop social needs. This creates a consensus between the municipality, property owners, construction companies, citizens, and associations, which accelerates the transition to sustainable living environments.
Locally, the project strengthens the participation of various actors and residents in urban development. Regionally, it contributes to a model for how municipalities can work with social values as a basis for planning and construction. Internationally, Skellefteå is positioning itself as a pioneer in translating social sustainability into practical processes and methods that can inspire other cities.
In the short term: a developed method for social values, a common vocabulary, increased practical knowledge through workshops and completed pilot projects.
In the long term: an established working model that can be implemented in municipal processes and influence urban development in general. The effects can be measured by following up on pilot projects, resident dialogues, and implementation in master plans, detailed plans, planning programs, and building permits.
The methodology is integrated directly into the municipality's working methods, in collaboration between various administrations, real estate companies, civil society, and other actors. Through regular evaluations and adjustments, the working methods can be refined and continue even after Society Expo 2026. The project combines social, environmental, and economic values, which strengthens long-term sustainability.
Yes. A key issue is to create consensus between different administrations and actors, as conflicting goals may arise. Broad collaboration with construction companies, associations, and residents is crucial here. The project can also benefit from sharing experiences with other municipalities and research actors.
The project is primarily linked to Guldtorget/SARA cultural center and, by extension, affects the entire city, as the methodology can be applied in several neighborhoods and projects. The core of the project is to strengthen social values and work to create equal and good living conditions throughout Skellefteå's urban development.
The target groups are citizens in different neighbourhoods, associations, politicians, civil servants, construction companies and municipal companies. They will be reached through dialogue, pilot projects, exhibitions, workshops and full-scale prototypes during the spring at Society Expo 2026. The prototype on Trädgårdsgatan involves creating an environment for different age groups where various temporary solutions are tested and evaluated, such as pop-up cafés, greenhouses, play areas, creative workshops, bicycle pools, and outdoor stages.
The project is realizing this vision by translating it into practical actions. Through Socially Sustainable Living Environments, a method is being created and tested that makes social sustainability a clear part of planning and construction. It is about creating environments where people feel safe, have a sense of community, and feel included—a good life for all residents of Skellefteå.
Read more: SE26 project
Sidinformation
- Senast uppdaterad:
- 28 January 2026