Unit 04 Research Book; The Arctic & Kiruna by Jonas Bertlind

2017 | 18

KIRUNA SITE RESEARCH UNIT 04

Unit04 Research Document Contributors

Aล aszewska, Kasia Bertlind, Jonas Granhus, Merethe Groszek, Alexandra Guelfi, Emanuele Kirk, Ashley Mawhood, Freddy Mikalajunas, Airydas Rebeschini, Thomas Rehman, Rana Salter, Ben Silins, Martins Skordis, Stavros Stan, Anastasia Stoyanova, Silviya

Unit04 Tutors

Lundberg, Jonas Grant, Andrew Diu, Eva

Special Thanks to

White Architects Keith Larson Gรถran Cars The locals of Kiruna Town

Contents

Page

Introduction

Arctic Climate Research

Cultural Context

LKAB

Railroad

101

History of Construction

117

Economy

149

Master Plan and White Architects

161

Appendix White Architects Talk

201

Keith Larson Talk

207

Gรถran Cars

227

Interviews with locals conducted by Unit04

231

KIRUNA, MASTERPLAN + UNIT 04

Unit04 Class of 2017/18 RiksgrĂ¤nsen

New Kiruna Research Introduction This year, Unit04 has travelled to Northern most town of Sweden - Kiruna. The town is situated within the confines of the Arctic Circle, specifically falling under the Tundra regions. The town although most famously known for having the worlds seconds largest Iron Ore mine, as of 2004, the town was forced to come to terms with having to move 3km east of its current location. The reason for this was due to the mining company, LKAB, responsible for all mining activities, informing the Kiruna Municipality that the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ground had become unstable due to mine shaft direction of growth. The relationship between Kiruna Town and LKAB is such that this request was no-questions asked sort of request, and indeed,

Unit04 speaking to locals

Kiruna Municipality began work immediately to move their town to a newly specified town.

This document is a research depository essentially covering all things concerning Kiruna, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s context, the masterplan and also Unit04â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement, critique and intentions. Our aim is to make this book a goto resource for not only us, the students of Unit04 but also for anyone who is interested in this unique moment in modern history. This topic, from an architectural point of view throws up many difficult challenges but simultaneously, also, many wonderful opportunities for intervention. Kiruna is interesting in that it has a - just over a century - worth of history and now it has to move. How does one move this short lived history and how does one create safe nesting ground for new histories to be made? CulUnit04 in awe of the beauty in the Arctic

tures to be retained?

ARCTIC RESEARCH

Map, 1879

The Arctic Circle Geography

Legend

Untitled Map Write a description for your map.

The Arctic is the northernmost region of planet earth, and its boundary is called the Arctic Circle. It stretches through the northern parts of North America, Asia and Europe. Unlike its southern counterpart, the Antarctic, the Arctic is a land region, that is predominantly covered in glaciers and snow all year

Arctic Cirlce

around.

The actual north pole is separated from the land regions of the continents by the Arctic Ocean, but

Barents Sea Kiruna

sometimes in winter almost forms a solid ice surface that ties the pole to the North American continent.

The Arctic land regions that is part of the European, Asian, and North American continents is charac-

➤

terized by the hindered of tree growth due to low Data SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO

temperatures and short growing seasons. The term Image Landsat / Copernicus tundra comes through

Data SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO Image IBCAO Image Landsat / Copernicus Russian ‘tûndra’ from the KilImage U.S. Geological Survey Image IBCAO

View from Space (Altitude: 21928 km)

Image U.S. Geological Survey

din Sami word – tundâr - meaning “uplands”, “treeless mountain tract”.

The ground condition of the terrestrial biome, the tundra, is predominantly permanently frozen soil, called permafrost, of varying depth over the seasons,

Kiruna

and the latitude. Around the coastal areas the temperature is slightly higher than further inland. Winter temperatures can be as low as -40 °C, with the coldest reported temperatures much lower than this.

Stockholm

London

| 13

Biome

The biome south of the tundra is called boreal forest. It is the largest terrestrial biome, and is the dominating biome of the northern hemisphere - in North America, Russia and Europe. It is characterized by cold, dry winters and cool short, and wet summers. This biome consist of the trees; spruce, larch, pine and birch. The northern part of the boreal biome is called taiga. In Scandinavia, the most common trees are pine, spruce and birch, where the short grown

In many contexts, the boreal forest in north-east Europe is commonly referred to as Taiga.

birches makes out the last outpost to the north, the tree line, before trees seize to exist, and the Arctic tundra biome, and the mountains takes over the landscape completely.

The boreal forest in Scandinavia is largely evergreen, and grows faster than deciduous trees. The reason for this is they can start photosynthesise earlier in the spring. Soils in boreal forest regions tend to be acidic, with little available nitrogen. Leaves are a

Boreal forest. Common forest in mid-Sweden, and the sub-Arctic region in Scandinavia.

Further north, closer to the Arctic region, the trees grows smaller.

nitrogen-rich structure that deciduous trees must produce yearly. Therefore, coniferous trees that retain nitrogen-rich needles may have a competitive advantage over the broad-leafed deciduous trees. When conifer needles are dropped, they decompose more slowly than do broad leaves; therefore, fewer nutrients are returned to the soil to fuel plant growth.

The Arctic tundra biome offers a very short growing season, and the permafrost prevent roots from penetrating the soil. Moreover, the temperatures slows down the decay of organic matter, which is the main source of nutritions for plant growth. However, in summertime the many hours of daylight allow for rapid growth of plants. Despite this the tundra is poor in plant diversity, and hosts only about 1,700 species.

Both the Arctic tundra biome, and the boreal forest biome, is relatively low in precipitation in Scandinavia, especially the more northern regions. The tundra biome is also low in diversity of mammals, with only 48 species. Notable animals are reindeer, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, snowy own, lemmings, musk ox, and polar bears.

Just before the tree-line, the most common tree is small birches.

| 15

Forestry in Sweden

Apart from being valued for providing biodiversity, helping to regulate the world’s climate, offering soil protection and for their role in the production of a wide range of wood and non-wood products, forests are increasingly seen as having a key role in climate change adaptation, mitigation and in the transition to renewable energy sources.

Sweden is the worlds third biggest exporter of wood products, after Canada (1), and the USA (2), ahead of countries like Finland, Germany, and Russia. 70% of Sweden’s land areas is occupied by boreal forest. This biome makes especially pine and spruce grow Diagram showing

very fast. The country is the third largest exporter of paper and board in the world, producing about 4% of the world’s total production of these wood products.

Swedish standing volume by speices

Of the forest harvested in Sweden, around 45 percent goes to sawmills, 45 percent to the pulp industry and 10 percent becomes firewood, poles and so on. Forest raw material can be found in a wealth of products that one might not ordinarily associate with wood, such as dishcloths, clothing, fuel

Swedish Wood is a department within The Swedish

and medicine.

Forest Industries Federation, that works to promoting Swedens timber export. It organises conferences and seminars on wood construction in countries that include the UK, France and Poland. In the UK, Swedish Wood has developed training films on building

Currently the felling rate is less than the growth rate, which means forests in Sweden increase, and has done so for the entire 20th century onwards. Growth is increasing more in southern Sweden than in northern Sweden, primarily due to the longer and warmer growing season in the south.

in wood for British architects, among many other promotional projects. From their webpage we learn the following things;

Swedish forestry has long led the way in terms of economic and social sustainability. Economic sustainability means ensuring long-term wood production that generates sufficient profits to keep the forestry and forest

Wood is a renewable construction material that stores carbon dioxide. In addition, growing forests also produce oxygen and clean the air. Building a wooden house takes very little energy. And with a structure made of wood instead of traditional materials, the building’s carbon dioxide emissions show a significant drop. The finished building will also continue storing carbon dioxide for its entire lifetime.

management work going. The concept of social sustainability encompasses issues such as aboriginal populations, workers’ rights, recreational issues and opportunities for society, at both local and national level, to survive on its forestry in the long term. Biological sustainability refers to the land’s long-term production capacity, preserving the natural ecological processes and a current hot topic in Sweden, the preservation of biodiversity.

Sweden has sustainable forestry that is subject to legislation requiring nature conservation and replanting. All harvested forest must be regenerated either through planned planting or by leaving trees that naturally produce seeds and new seedlings. The Forestry Act can be seen as an agreement between society and the various parties involved in forestry. It regulates how the forests have to be managed in

Diagram showing climatic benefits throughout the life cycle of the forest.

both production and environmental terms. This act states that there is an obligation to replant forest after felling. The first modern forestry act in Sweden was passed in 1903. Between 1950 until today the forest has increased by 200%.

Growing forest absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This happens through photosynthesis, which converts solar energy, carbon dioxide and wa-

Replanted forest

ter into carbohydrates that are the building blocks of wood. Oxygen is released as part of the process. Through photosynthesis, a normal tree absorbs an average of 1 tonne carbon dioxide per cubic metre of growth, while at the same time producing and releasing the equivalent of 0.7 tonnes carbon dioxide. Growing forest constitutes a carbon sink, because it captures and stores carbon.

Ownership of the land of the forest industry

The ownership of the forest is very diverse, with around 50% individual owners.

Swedish forestry industry is one of the most efficient in the world, with modern machinery that can chop down and process more than 100 trees an hour more than 1.5 million fully loaded timber trucks a year.

Machinery to fell forest increase efficiency

One of the largest timber-, and wood product companies in Sweden is Stora ENSO. - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

| 17

Stora Enso is a major player in the timber and wood product industry, and has around 26,000 employees in over 30 countries.

Nutritions & the ecosystem of the Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean is rich in plankton, which is an important part of the ecosystem. Algae species are the base source of nutrition for the herbivorous Arctic zoo-plankton, Calanus glacialis. It is very rich in fat, and this zoo-plankton is the main food source for both Bowhead whales and Arctic cod. Cod is eaten

Narwals have a long horn, or tooth.

by seals, which in turn is the main food source for polar bears. With less ice to cling on to, the algae risk decrease drastically, and the whole ecosystem will be affected. It has also been established that too much sunlight, which is another consequence of reduced ice cover in the Arctic Ocean, can kill the algae.

The Arctic Ocean is seasonally home for 17 whale species. Narwhals, Belugas, and Bowhead whales are perhaps the most well-known and they are referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ice whalesâ&#x20AC;? because they are particularly well-suited for life in the Arctic. Killer whales can sometimes be seen hunting seals in sub-Arctic regions.

Inuits have long hunted Bowhead whales.

Calanus glacialis

Indigeous people - Inuits & Sami

Over 40 ethnic groups of people live in the Arctic region, and they make up about 10% of all people living there. Generally it can be said that inuits of the Arctic have a special relation to nature, and they have been forced to go through a great difference in lifestyle in the past 200 years, due to regulations imposed by governments that surround the Arctic Ocean. Recently, however, the forming of political organisations has led to international recognition and human, and political rights for many of these people.

Sami’s in Norway. Date unknown.

Rights to land and natural resources are an important part of the culture and survival of indigenous peoples in the Arctic.

Arctic areas are populated by appriximately 4 million people. During the 1950’s and 1960’s the population amongst indigeous people started to grow rapidly because of improved health care, which was a consequence of a large influx of immigrants. These peo-

Sami parlament current location.

ple came to the Arctic to work with extracting the vast amounts of natural resources that are located there. Around 65% of indigeous people in the Arctic live in large settlements, whereas in the sub-Arctic most live in smaller communities.

Many of inuits live off the land, just like they have been for thousands of years, but with climate change and reduced ice coverage in the Arctic

A small town on Greenland

Ocean, many animals that have been hunted risk a significant reduction of population. This is one great concern for the future existance of inuits, and may have implications on the economy, society, culture and health. Additionally, housing, infrastructure and transport connections of coastal indigenous communities are seriously affected by climate changes, with rising maintenance costs and sometimes even the necessity of relocation.

Indigenous inuits on Greenland.

| 19

Famous events & achievements in the Arctic region

The US Navy Engineer Robert Peary claimed he reached the North Pole coordinates, along with Matthew Henson, and four inuit men (Ootah, Seeglo, Egingwah, and Ooqueah) on the 6th of April 1909. However, there have been many doubts throughout the years weather it is likely or not that he actually made it the whole way. Several similar attempts, and calculations have shown that if he had actually

Titanic

made it, it must have been an almost super-human achievement.

Early in the morning hours of 15th of April 1912, the English passenger liner RMS Titanic hit a drifting iceberg on its maiden voyage , and sank about 350km east of the island Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, Canada. More than 1,500 people died in the catastrophy.

K-141 Kursk, operational

Sectoin of the wreck of K-141 Kursk

The first scientifically convincing reach of the North Pole was made by the Norwegian, Roald Amundsen. Along with a small crew he flew over the North Pole on the 12th of May 1926, with the airship Norway.

Fist men on the North Pole, without doubt, was a Russian party in 1948. They were the geophysicists Mikhail Ostrekin and Pavel Senko, accompanied by the oceanographers Mikhail Somov and Pavel Gordienko, amongst other scientists.

Pavel Senko at the North Pole, 1948

In 1977 the Soviet nuclear-powered icebreaker Arktika, became the first surface vessel to reach the North Pole.

The first scientific trip to the Arctic by a nuclear-powered submarine is made by USS Pargo in the summer of 1993. During the cruise, underway data (bathymetry, gravity anomaly, temperature, salinity, ice draft, and images of the underside of the ice) are collected in the deep Arctic.

On 12 August 2000, the Russian nuclear-powered K-141 Kursk was lost when it sank in the Barents Sea, USS Pargo

killing all 118 personnel on board.

Roald Amundsen, Svalbard, 1925

| 21

Reasearch in the Arctic, a few examples

There are many institutions, and science organisations that do scientific research and analysis in the Arctic. NSIDC (National Snow & Ice Data Center) is an organisation that manages and distribute scientific data, perform research, and educates the public about the cryoshere. They are USA based in Denver, Colorado, and were formed in 1976. They use NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Earth Observing System satellite program to extract data, amongst other methods.

The US governmental, USGCRP (United States Global Change Research Program) is another institution that deals with climatic reseach and impact. They have acknowledged the fact that the Arctic ice is continously diminishing, and have several collaborations with other climatic agencies in North America, such as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and NFS ( National Sanitation Foundation), etc.

The Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma), which is a part of the Climate Research Division, is performing extensive research on the Arctic from the base of North America. Canada has several agencies that are investigating the Arctic in collaboration, along its long coast towards the Acrtic Ocean.

The EU-PolarNet is working together with the European Polar Board (EPB) to deveolp strategies to deal with climatic change. The EPB, founded in 1995, is an organisation that focuses on reseach of the poles. It includes research institutes, polar operators, and scientific academies across Europe.

GEUS (The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland) is a Danish institution that perform re-

search and consultancy in issues regarding the Arctic region.

The Norwegian Polar Institute is advising the Norwegian Government on issues regarding the Arctic region, and runs an environmental monitoring program (MOSJ).

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat (SPRS) has a research station in the national park Abisko in

CNBC article, February 2018

the municipality of Kiruna. They are a partner of of EU-funded research program to improve marine based research in the Arctic, and are conducting extensive climatic research in the north of Sweden.

Natural Resources in the Arctic

The Arctic region is rich in many sought after resources, such as fossil fuels and minerals. Some

Building slowly collapsing when the permafrost thawing

estimate that as much as around 20% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil and natural gas could be located under the Arctic Ocean. (https://fas.org/irp/congress/2009_hr/arctic. pdf). This has lead to a race between Russia, China, the US and Norway to claim areas around the Arctic Ocean.

The rising temperature in the Actic, that leads to less extensive ice, means that these operations are more feasible than before. Meanwhile the temperature has started to affect the tundra. As the permafrost are giving way, large amounts of methane gas â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;naturallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fishing boat in the Canadian archipelago

start being released into the atmosphere, which further raises the temperature. Moreover, as the permafrost of the sibirian tundra thaws, cities like Norilsk

that are being mined in the region.

have started sinking, and collapsing. Fishing is another large industry operating in the sub-arctic region. As the Gold is mined in Alaska, phosphates in Russia, zinc in

Arctic ice retracts, this area is increasing. However, a deal has been made be-

Alaska, diamonds in Canada and Svalbard, and iron

tween the EU and nine other nations to ban fishing in the Arctic Ocean until

ore in Sweden, but there are many more minerals

further research of its impact has been made.

| 23

Environmental, Social & Cultural organisations

Greenpeace has long been engaged in fighting oil companies and gas extraction companies in the Arctic region. Several other organisations and NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are helping local people and communities to fight off further extraction in the region as many fears this will further have a negative impact on the local and global climate, and the wildlife in the region, as well as posing a threat to the health of people living in the Arctic region.

The Arctic Perspective Initiative (API) is working to empower local communities and educate people about the nature and culture of the region. They are a non-profit organisation that engange in promoting local arts, crafts, nature and culture, mostly of the North American region, but also in Scandinavia. They seek to raise awereness of the local inuits history, and obtain a sustainable (http://arcticperspective. org/)

IARPC ( The Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee ) is another non-governmental organisation who towards integrations of Arctic communities, and research towards a more sustainable climate in the region. They have many collaborations with NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, states, and academics in the world.

Arctic urban visions

Traditionally in Scandinavia the inuit people of the Arctic has built mostly temporary housing units, using animal furs as cover and insulation, and using the only timber availible in the region; trunks of small birches. This unit is called Goahti. There is similar structures that are more rubust, made from more

Sami goathi

timber and covered in moss, or half-way buried in the soil, when possible. They are called Lavvo.

During the mid 1900’s many architects, engineers and urbanists started gaining an interest in the region. Frei Otto, along with Ewald Bubner, Kenzo Tange and Arup created a conceptual vision that they named Arctic City. It was a vision about what the future of the Arcitc could hold for people moving north to escape crisis and enjoy the unexploited nature, and fresh air. In this Arctic City, people would

Inuit igloo

live in pleasant temperatures, under a great dome

a forced relocation for its first inhabitants, whom originally had lived on the

that covered the whole city, and kept the harsh

main land shores of North Quebec, adjacent to Newfoundland & Labrador.

climate out (https://www.iconeye.com/architecture/

The new town meant they had to be moved much further north, to the Corn-

features/item/10164-frei-otto-s-arctic-city).

wallis Island, in the Canadian archipelago, some 1500km away, where Resolute Bay is located on the south coast. The Canadian government meant to

In the late 1940’s the Canadian govenment sought to

showcase a state of the art town, and the inutis that were moved here were

start populating the Arctic region. The pilot project

meant to adapt their lifestyle into a more ‘convenient’ one. However, the town

was the new town of Resolute Bay in the Canadian

was not finished, and the conveniences were not fully implemented. At the

archipelago. Although the Canadian government

same time the climate in this place is much harsher, and the families could no

aimed to improve living standards of Indigenous

longer use the land as they were used to. For these people this led to extreme

families, the foundation of Resolute Bay town meant

hardship and poverty.

| 25

Arctic urbanism & design implications

British/Swedish architect Ralph Erskine made extensive research and analysis of the Arctic and Nordic climate, and developed strategies to deal with these harsh conditions. During the beginning of the 1970’s he was working with the Canadian government for the plan of the community of Resolute Bay. The town was meant to house a community of inuits and pro-

Resolute Bay

vide them with infrastructure and supportive services that had long been standard in European and North American cities.

Erskine’s strategies deals with snow-drifting, cold northern wind, and the low winter sun. High winds often stir up snow, creating the illusion of continuous snowfall, when in fact the precipitation is average in most parts of the Arctic, including the north of Scandinavia. The main problems are caused by

Ralph Erskine

moving snow and the accumulation and packing of snow against buildings or in other special places. The transportation of snow starts when the wind speed is more than 10 m/s and increases rapidly after the speed 15 m/s.

Arctic urbanism & Ralph Erskine

With the project, the Arctic City, Otto was exploring a future Arctic town conceptually, whereas Erskine was more focused on environmental and social constructs in a feasible, at that time, way. He was commissioned to improve the town of Resolute Bay,

Snow drifting in Stockholm

in the 70’s, and made plans and strategies for the expected influx of people due to oil exploitation in the region, and to integrate the indigenous people socially and culturally. He made extensive research that ended up with a nearly 400 page manifesto document with research, participation and design process, and how to resolve the difference if cultural

Snow drifting analysis

differences. Erskine proposed to move the existing

only one building of Eskine’s original design was built. During the 90’s and

inuit housing units to a site across the bay, and a bit

00’s some of the houses were redesigned and improved, but Erskine’s original

further inland. The new design of the housing incor-

plan is but a memory.

porated strategies dealing with the harsh climate. Part of the design was a continuous wall-like building that stretched almost 1km in an almost circular manner. This building was meant to incorporate a hotel, shops, grocery store, swimming pool, medical services, library, as well as housing units, and was considered a environmental border between the harsh nature and the town. However, with declining

Built part of Res-

economic conditions, the project was slowed down

olution Bay, after

during the early days of construction, and in the end

design

Erskine’s original

Resolute Bay, drawing by Ralph Erskine

| 27

Erskine and Building Design for Sub-Arctic Climate

Two factors - low incident solar energy, and annual energy fluctuation - are the prime causes of the unique climatic conditions in the Sub Arctic. The upshot of this is that the winters are long, cold and dark and the summers are short, mild and light.

Below are some practices that may be employed in an overall planning context to overcome the worst effects of severe drifting:

1. In Arctic regions, it may be advantageous to elevate structures above the surface, allowing the wind to accelerate beneath them to carry the suspended snow through the spaces and to deposit it to leeward.

2. A rectangular object should be placed with its long

Ralph Erskineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climatic studies for Resolute Bay

axis in the direction of the prevailing drift producing wind.

3. The upper surface of objects should be as streamlined as possible. In some cases eg. when equipment or material is stored in a drift area, it may be worthwhile to erect a flat, smooth roof.

4. The downwind distance between structures should be at least 30 times their height if coalescence of drifts is to be avoided. When sufficient space exists, objects should be placed along a line normal to the prevailing-wind to avoid the possibility of overlapping drifts.

Drifting can be minimised if the long side of a building is placed parallel to the direction of the prevailing wind. The drift formed behind the short side may be longer, but is usually less bothersome than the

Ralph Erskineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climatic studies for Resolute Bay

one formed behind the long side. A building having a simple rectangular exterior shape and walls without re-entrant corners or projections is best for minimising undesirable accumulations. The mostnserious drifing :may occur if the wind strikes the sides of the building obliquely. Where several buildings are located close together individual drifts usually overlap to form a large one. Buildings should be placed close together in rows with their long axis parellel to the direction of the drift causing wind.

Finnay found that by streamlining slopes, drift accumulations were reduced. Obstacles having a steep slope <1 :1) had large drift accumulations; those having a gradual slope <1 :6) had much smaller accumulations. Natural snowdrift deposits have a slope of approximately 1:6. In flat country, roads should be constructed at a grade above the expected snow

Ralph Erskineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climatic studies for Resolute Bay

depth in order that the wind speed will be high over the road surface.

To summarise, the planning proposals with relation to building design for the Sub Arctic are:

1 Minimise the surface to volume ratio of the building. 2 Minimise the building volume. 3 House different functions under a common envelope. 4 Utilise open and covered circulation routes. 5 Locate accommodation strategically to minimise heat loss 6 Utilise available incident solar energy by building orientation. 7 Minimise the effect of cold air drainage. 8 Centralise the building heat sources. 9 Minimise the effect of snow drifting by prudent design and layout of structures.

| 29

Ralph Erskineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climatic studies for Resolute Bay

Other existing notable cities in the Arctic region North America Barrow is the commonly used name for the town of Utqiagvik in Alaska. It is the most northern town of

Barrow

Pevek

Alaska, and has a population of around 4,500. Inuits have lived here for more than 1,500 years. The area around the town holds much oil, and most of the economy is based on this industry. The towns remote location makes it isolated and the only way of getting here is via air or sea.

Iqaluit

Nuuk St. John’s

Murmansk

The capital and largest city of Newfoundland, and Labrador in Canada, has about 108,000 inhabitants, and is named St. John’s. It is one of the oldest European settlements of North America, and there are traces from human activity since early 16th century. It was officially claimed a permanent community in 1630’s. During the 18th century the town grew rapidly, and commercial ties with North America were expanded, and the fishing industry became compre-

Borrow, Alaska

hensive. During World War II St. John’s harbour was used as an Ailled Forces base for ships engaged in anti-submarine warfare. During the 1990’s the town suffered heavily by the collapse of the northern cod fishery, which had been the main driver of the economy for centuries. The climate is humid continental, and it is the foggiest, windiest and most cloudy city

St. Johns, Newfoundland &

of Canada. In winter snowfall, or rain is heavy, and

Labrador

yearly the town get a lot of percipitation.

Iqaluit is the largest town in the Canadian archipelago, with a population of about 7,500. It was initially an inutit village but grew as military and naval bases were moved here in the 1950’s. About 60% of the inhabitants are inutis. Even though it is located outside the Arctic circle, the climate here is very cold, because of the deep and cold Labrador current that pass the coastal town. The main trade is fishing.

Iqualit, Canada

Greenland & Russia The largest city, and capital of Greenland is Nuuk. It has a population of around 17,000 inhabitants. Paleo-Eskimo people has lived here since as far back as 2,200 BC, and was at some point during the 10th century occupied by Vikings. Shortly after it was inhabited by inuit people. After this the port town was officially under Danish reign. During World War II the

Nuuk, Greenland

national identity of Nuuk was reawakened, and the inuits of Greenland got some patriotic sense back. During the 1950’s Denmark started to modernise Greenland, to the delight of the citizens. Nuuk today also holds an American and a Canadian Consulate.

Pevek is the northenmost town in Russia and Asia, and has about 5,000 people. In the 1940’s and 1950’s the area around the town held several Gulags. There

Pevek, Russia

were mines where prisoners worked to extract uranium. The mines became unprofitable, and have closed down. The port in the city has seen less traffic in later years and has declined significantly.

Murmansk is a port city in the north-west of Russia. It is by far the largest city in the Arctic with its around 300,000 inhabitants. The Gulf Stream makes the climate similar to the other Russian cities in western Russia. It’s got good connections with railway, airport, freeway connection, and a harbour that

Murmansk, Russia

is relatively ice free even in winter. It has held a naval base, and during World War II it was an important connection between Russia and the Allied Forces, where weapons and goods were brought into Russia.

Scandinavia Norways largest northern city is called Tromsø. It has around 64,000 inhabitants, and is located on the island of Tromsøya, and on the mainland Norway. The city is warmer than most other places located on the same latitude, due to the warming effect of the Gulf

| 31

Tromso, Norway

Stream. It is the cultural centre of the region, and the city centre of Tromsø contains the highest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway, the oldest house dating from 1789.

The Norwegian municipality of Narvik holds a population of around 17,500 people. The first known people to settle here was during the Bronze Age, and later on vikings lived here. It has an all-year ice free port. In the 1870’s the Swedish government started seeing the benefits of transporting iron ore from the port in Narvik, rather than from the town of Luleå on the Swedish east coast. Luleå is further away, and does not have an ice-free port during the wintertime. Narvik’s port is ice-free because of the warm Gulf Stream that pass the Norwegian coast.

Gallevare, Sweden

Gällivare town is situated about 80km south of Kiruna town in Swedish Lapland. It sits around 100km north of the border of the Arctic Cirlce. The munic-

of the town is the mine Malmberget (meaning The Iron Mountain), where

ipality of Gällivare, the third largest in Sweden, has

the mining company LKAB extracts iron ore. The train station Malmberget

around 18,000 inhabitants, and the town accomo-

is part of the railroad stretch called Malmbanan, which ties Luleå town on

dates around 10,000 of those. In 1960’s the munici-

the east coast, to Narvik on the Norwegian coast to the west. This railroad

pality had around 27,500 inhabitants, but this num-

has been used to transport iron ore to both shores from the mines located

ber has steadily declined. Located about 5km north

along its stretch, since the late 1800’s. It also has a small airport.

Narvik, Norway

Sweden The largest port in the north of Sweden is located Tromsø

in the town of Luleå. The town is home for around 75,000 people. The economy of the town is based on

Narvik

a mix of industry, research, education, trade, services,

Gällevare

and technology. The Luleå University of Technolo-

Luleå

Kiruna

gy is located here, and Facebook built its first data centre outside the US outside the city. The city holds several major tech companies, but SSAB steelworks is also a large employer in the city. The city is well connected; you can get here via ship, airplane, train, or by car on the European motorway E4. The city is the end station to the east, on the railroad Malmbanan. The town sits about 260km south-east of Kiruna.

Kiruna town was officially founded in the 1800’s, but local indigeous people have lived here for at least 6,000 years. The municipality is the second largest in the world and it is the northern-most municipality in Sweden. However, the municipality only owns less than 1% of this land, the rest is owned by the SwedLuleå, Sweden

ish state.

The town and its surrounding is known for the Ice Hotel, its church, for hosting the Esrange Space Centre, the Institue of Space Physics, it’s clock tower, for a great place to see the northern lights, for it’s Abisko National Park, winter sports, the yearly Snow Festival, for the Sami Parlament, the yearly Jukkasjärvi Market (a market place founded by Sami people), for reindeer husbandry, for the mountain

Kiruna, Sweden

formation Gateway to Lapland, but most of all it is know for the mining industry and LKAB. The mining activity has been ongoing since late 1800’s and is the main reason for the towns size and location. The past decades of mining has caused much of the ground adjacent to town to collaps, and a long planned move of the town centre has now begun. Due to a strained, complex and delicate history of

| 33

the treatment of the Sami people, the Swedish government is reluctant to allocate land for private use, and most of it is meant to serve as free land for all, much like a national park. Some areas are also officially established national parks. This has meant that the move of the town centre has been more complex than what one could expect, because there is no shortage of unused territory in Kiruna municipality.

Sweden The small town of Abisko, with only 150 all-year around residents, is located just north-west of Kiruna, next to the lake Torneträsk. The town sits at the north part of Abisko National Park, and has its own

Abisko

station on the railroad Malmbanan. The Abisko Scientific Research Station (ANS) is located on the shore of the lake. It was founded in 1903, and since 1935 it has been affiliated with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Extensive research of the Arctic climate has since long been made here, and in later decades it has also focused on the impact of climate change for the Arctic. The station is managed by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and has tight bonds with the Luleå University of Technology, but also University of Tromsø (Norway), Finnish University of Lapland, and Oulu University (Finland).

Abisko, Sweden

Abisko Scientific Research Station

Abisko Scientific Research Station is a unique, modern and comprehensive infrastructure situated in a sub-arctic wilderness area (68º21’N, 18º49’E) about 200 km north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden. It has international standard facilities that support a range of research from observation and monitoring to high-tech experimentation within terrestrial and freshwater environments. The surroundings are characterised by a high variability of topography, geology and climate.

The station is easily accessible by road and rail, and airports are just about 100 km away in Kiruna and Narvik. The main complex includes accommodation and self catering facilities for visiting scientists, students and conference participants, and there are laboratories, offices, workshops, lecture theatres, greenhouses, experimental gardens, storage facilities and a meteorological observatory.

???????????????????

| 35

Long-term datasets

As early as 1903 a research station was developed at Katterjokk, some 35 km west of Abisko. When the building burned down in 1910, a superior facility was built in Abisko, where meteorological monitoring and natural science research started in 1913. The station now holds a unique environmental record that extends 100 years back in time, as well as a vast portfolio of research activities totalling some 3,000 scientific publications.

The stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long term records consist of many environmental variables such as climate, snow depth, ice thickness and ice duration on TornetrĂ¤sk. The moni-

A researcher taking atmospheric readings at the Abisko Scientific Research Station

toring also includes hydrology, water chemistry, flora and fauna, as well as phenology, geomagnetism and atmospheric carbon isotope composition.

Climate change research

Ecological research at Abisko covers the birch forest, mires, mountain heaths, alpine regions, glacier forefields, lakes and rivers. All aspects of life in the close region (from microbes to tourists) are included, and the time scales used in the research reach from

One of the long

hundreds of millions of years ago to the upcoming

held at the sta-

future. The impacts of climate change are more serious in

term datasets

tion - temperature fluctuations since 1913.

the north, and Abisko Scientific Research Station is playing a leading international role in these studies. The station hosts a unique set of long-term environmental manipulation experiments that attract scientists from all over the world. These experiments seek to understand the impacts of increased carbon dioxide concentrations, UV-B radiation, soil temperature, air temperature and snow depth on ecosystems

Spectacular views from the station form just a small part of why

and their processes. At the Stordalen mire, 10 km east of Abisko, discon-

climate scientists use this station for their research.

tinuous permafrost has thawed over the past 30 years. Wetland vegetation is considerably enlarged in extent, and methane emissions have also increased. Exchanges of methane and carbon dioxide between large sinks in northern soils and the atmosphere are a concern for future positive feedbacks to the climate system. Many approaches are required to understand, solve and adapt to large scale environmental problems. Traditional ecological knowledge working together with science knowledge is Environmen-

one approach that is being developed

tal monitoring, research, and

by the Abisko Scientific Research Station.

teaching at Abisko.

Studying and Documenting Climatic Trends

Scientists primarily study the climate by monitoring the natural climate gradients. Their observations allow them to establish current trends based on data, and conduct experiments to test how the ecology will react to predicted future climatic changes.

“So what we can do is we can take one of these models and say ‘OK, in twenty years, what will we expect the temperature to be like here in the Arctic? Ok, it’s going to be about a degree warmer by 2020’.

100 years of climate change at Abisko - figure taken from Loader et al. (2013)

So then what we can do is go out and try to mimic one degree of change.” Keith Larson, PhD - Lecture presented to the Unit at the Abisco Scientific Research Station\ (28/01/2018)

Experiments conducted at the Abisko Scientific Research Station have significantly contributed towards our understanding of current climatic trends in the Arctic. The station holds a tree ring record dating back 7400 years, one of the oldest in the world, which allows researchers to study past environmental conditions during glacial and interglacial periods,

Map indicating existing research being conducted at the Abisko

and compare and contrast with current trends.

Region

| 37

‘So one of the researchers here has been scuba diving in high mountain lakes and in these lakes, he finds old trees. What they’ve been able to do, is reconstruct the climate going back seven thousand four hundred years here, which is one of the oldest tree ring records in the world. What you can see here are warm phases and cold phases. Remember when I talked about glacial and interglacial periods

Trees respond to their environment: In years of lots of precipitation, they

with this kind of Ice Age, Warm Age cycle? You can draw a smoothing line, but that doesn’t mean there

grow faster than in years with less precipitation.

were cold years or cold decades, or warm years or warm decades either in an ice age or in the interglacial warm periods... marine warm air from the Gulf stream dominates on this side, and when it’s cold

Thinner annual rings reflect years of lower precipi-

in Abisko, we get this Arctic air that’s dominated by these Russian or Siberian high pressure systems... you can see that the Little Ice Age in the Northern

taion, whilst thicker rings reflect years of higher precipitation.

Latitudes here really didn’t peter out until right about the time the station was built!’ K.L. (28/01/2018)

Scientists build tree-ring chronol-

Natural vs Human-Induced climatic changes

ogies by starting with living trees and then finding progressively older specimens whose outer rings

The existence of historic data, such as the Abisko tree ring record, allows scientists to understand the close connections between global temperature,

overlap with the inner rings ov the more recent specimens.

atmospheric water vapour, the polar ice caps, and levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) which have always existed throughout our planet’s history. Research in this field demonstrates what happens when one of these climatic variables is disturbed: a chain reaction of positive feedbacks is set in motion until a new, different climate equilibrium is reached.

Historically, during the glacial cycles of the past million years, the disturbance in temperature which set in motion this mechanism of positive feedbacks came as a direct result of the fluctuations in the Earth’s orbit around the Sun:

Milankovitch Cycles - Earth’s natural fluctuations in temperature are caused by eccentricities in its orbit around the sun and its own axis.

‘I mentioned the ecentricity of our orbit; the obliquity, the 1.5-2 degrees tilt in our axis, and then the wobble of our Earth’s orbit (so these are the 20, 40 and 100 thousand year cycles); and what we know is that when we model these, because these celestial mechanics are part of our solar system, we see that carbon dioxide fluctuates, and temperature basically follows that.’ K.L. (28/01/2018)

However, datasets monitoring climate change today indicate that the current distrurbance in the Earth’s climatic equilibrium is primarily caused by human-induced factors. Measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii place current levels at 407.88 parts per million (ppm), the peak of an upwards trend since the late 1950’s, when the station first started collecting such data. Should this value be concerning? Climate skep-

Natural vs Human-induced climatic changes

tics often point out to the naturally induced climatic changes as a way of arguing that current temperature rises are part of the Earth’s natural cycle. However, the Mauna Loa readings allow scientists to compare them against historic data collected through tree ring and ice ring sampling - the chart on the right indicates that throughout the glacial and interglacial cold and warm periods of the past four hundred thousand years, carbon dioxide levels have never exceeded 300ppm. It is therefore fair

Current levels of atmospheric CO2. (https:// scripps.ucsd.edu/ programs/keeling-

to argue that the human disturbance in the Earth’s

curve/).

natural cycle is an important factor inluencing the climatic changes we experience today.

‘Here’s today, here’s when the carbon dioxide was at it’s minimum (so this would’ve been in our last Ice Age), here’s the previous interglacial period, here’s the previous Ice Age and so on and so forth. But what you can see is, this is carbon dioxide, and it never exceeds 300ppm. Actually, we have ice cores

| 39

Historic levels of atmospheric C02 (https:// scripps.ucsd.edu/ programs/keelingcurve/).

now that go back 1.4million years - which sets a record since up until this last year we had cores going back to just 800 thousand years. During that entire period, during the warmest interglacial periods, the carbon dioxide never went above 300ppm. What will happen in 100 years? K.L. (28/01/2018)

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels over the past 400

Climate Change implications in the Arctic

000 years (source: NASA 2016), as indicated by the Vostok ice core

The Arctic exhibits substantial natural variability, and

sample.

climate change simulations suggest that it is the region of the world where climatic changes as a result of increased greenhouse gas concentrations is likely to be largest.

Scientists aiming to understand whether the Arctic climate system is as sensitive to human-induced and external variations as global climate models suggest so far, conduct a series of environmental manipulation experiments in order to understand the impact of the projections made for the future.

Such an approach aims to compare their findings to the historic data collected so far, in order to contextualise the projected scenarios within the bigger picture of the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural temperature cycles. An overview of their findings regarding the implications of the current climatic changes on the Arctic is presented below.

Precipitation and Snow Depth

In terms of area, snow cover is the largest single component of the cryosphere, covering an average of about 46 million square kilometers (about 17.8 million square miles) of the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface each year.

Scientists measure

About 98 percent of the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s snow cover is lo-

precipitation as

cated in the Northern Hemisphere. On such a large scale, snow cover helps regulate the exchange of

levels of extreme

part of their documenting of the effects of climate change.

heat between Earth’s surface and the atmosphere, or the Earth’s energy balance. On a smaller scale, variations in snow cover can affect regional weather patterns and ecology.

Far from contradicting global warming, record snowfall in Arctic regions is predicted by climate models and is consistent with our expectation of more extreme precipitation events. As climate warms, evaporation from the ocean increases, alongside with

Increased temperatures cause the

an increase in the atmosphere’s capacity to hold

migration of larg-

moisture. Globally, atmospheric water vapour has

into the tundra.

er plant species

increased by about 5% over the 20th century. The extra moisture in the air is expected to produce more precipitation, including more extreme precipitation events.

In Arctic latitudes where temperatures are projected to remain below or at freezing, and where winters are expected to be warmer but wetter, the snow pack is expected to both increase and subsequently take longer to melt in the spring. The migration of

‘For every degree we increase the amtospheric tem-

alien flora into the

perature, it holds about 7% more moisture... So here,

ates the effects of

we look at our data, we can see that in this first period, from 1957 to 1970, here’s the peak amount of

tundra accenu-

increased snowfall through the trapping of snow.

snow in February/March, looking at 1986-2000 we’ve seen a significant increase - so even though the Arctic is warming, it doesn’t mean that it’s not cold enough to have snow; what we see is an increase in the amount of snow!’ K.L. (28/01/2018)

Increased snowfall and suggested changes in the snow cover dissipation are projected to have serious

What happens to snow cover under

repercussions regionally, on both local flora and fau-

global warming?

na, as well as the permafrost.

depth increase in

Average snow

the Abisko region since 1957. [Kohler et al. (2006)]

| 41

Permafrost Active layer:

Permafrost is the term used to describe ground (soil or rock) that remains at or below 0°C throughout

the top layer of permafrost that thaws each year during the warm

the year for at least two consecutive years. Overlying permafrost is a thin active layer that seasonally thaws during the summer. Plant life can be sup-

season and freezes again in winter (source: ACIA, 2004)

ported only within the active layer since growth can occur only in soil that is fully thawed for some part of the year. Active layer and permafrost soil

The thermal properties of snow have important

samples.

consequences for permafrost. Acting as an insulating blanket, just 30 centimeters of snow protects the soil and organisms below from changes in the air temperature above the snow surface. Snow’s cold, moist surface influences how much heat and moisture circulate between the ground and the atmosphere, helping insulate the ground below, holding in heat and preventing moisture from evaporating into the atmosphere.

Through the manipulation of temperatures via ‘Open Top Chambers’, scientists can simulate and study the effects of future temper-

The increase in snow cover predicted, through its influence on ground temperatures, can therefore sig-

ature rises on the permafrost. [Marion et al, 2015]

nificantly affect permafrost occurrence.

‘A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture - what’s the implcations for permafrost? Well if you have a nice thick layer of snow on your roof, what does it do to the inside temperature? It’s insulation. So in an environment like this, where 100 years ago there was very little relative snow accumulation (because it was so cold the atmosphere held a lot less moisture), the snow was lower, the ground froze harder, the active layer wasn’t as deep. So you had two processes - the winter cold, and then you had the summer thaw. Now we get much more snow... look at the below ground temperature! It’s warmer, in every year. So just as you would have predicted - more snow, more insulation, the ground is warmer.’ K.L. (28/01/2018)

Snow depths vs mean soil temperatures [Johansson et al. (2013)]

Therefore in Arctic regions of more continuous permafrost, the amount of snow precipitation influences the depth of the active layer. A sufficient blanket of snow provides insulation to the ground, thereby keeping it warmer than that which would occur under less abundant snow cover or snow-free conditions.

Now take a look at this one: this is the active layer. Every year, the active layer starts to get deeper and deeper in comparison to the control plots. So if

Active layer thickness as mean

that’s deeper, which it is, what does that mean? That

soil temperatures increase ([Johans-

means that in the summertime,

son et al. (2013)]

and potentially in the winter time because the ground isn’t below -6C, we have decomposition taking place of that carbon that has been released. Not only that but the permafrost is thawing so quickly that it’s collapsing, and we have lakes formng in the summertime there.’ KL. (28/01/2018)

Permafrost records show that the frozen ground that many buildings, roads and pipelines are built on, reached record warm temperatures last year, nearing and sometimes exceeding the thawing point, thus making such infrastructure vulnerable when the Permafrost

ground thaws and shifts. As far as the local ecology is concerned, the thawing of permafrost for longer

regions in the Northern Hemisphere.

periods of time, combined with the resultant increase in depth of the active layer, provides the carbon nutrients required for alien species to migrate across latitudinal and elevational gradients and invade the Arctic ecosystem. On a global level, the release of greenhouse gases prevously stored within the permafrost miers back into the atmosphere is a contributing trigger to the series of positive feedbacks which reinforce the climatic changes we experience today. These last two points will be examined in more depth in the sections that follow. Ground Ice exposures in Siberia

| 43

Impact across Latitudinal and Elevational Gradients

Climate change will drastically change vegetation patterns in the Arctic. At least half of current vegetated areas are predicted to shift to a different type of vegetation class, with a general trend of now-present grasses and small shrubs yielding to

Productivity of high latitude lakes: climate change inferred

larger shrubs and trees as the climate warms.

from altitude gradient [Karlsson et al. (2005)]

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;So here we have an elevational gradient; low elevation and high elevation, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working in lakes. You can see in low elevation you have this really beautiful forest around the lake, lots of lushious vegetation - so look at the colour of the water. That water colour is because of the dissolved organic carbon that basically moves in to the lakes from these ecosystems, and also from the plants and animals that live in those places. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fraction of what we call biological productivity. So what we see is that as you move up in elevation up these high mountain lakes, is that not only do you see a change in the biological community, but that change is a reflection of the amount of carbon in the water or the biological entity. So what we do is then look at what happens to the parts of the environment: carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen in the water (we can measure those things); and we can see that carbon (the life block) becomes more rare, or more limited. Phosphorous, another key element of life, becomes more rare as you move up in these lakes. Nitrogen, becomes more rare.

Boreal sub-alpine, middle-alpine, and high-alpine catchments [Karlsson et al. (2005)] ???????????????????

have seen, is that these habitats slowly start to move up the mountains. And so what happens to those species that live in these environments that are adapted to these low nutrient conditions, where do they go? Well the mountains aren’t growing, so they either compete, or they go extinct.’ KL. (28/01/2018)

The northern tree line, beyond which the climate is too harsh for trees to grow, circles all of earth’s northern landmasses for more than 8,300 miles. It is the largest ecological transition zone on the planet’s surface—a fuzzy boundary that actually loops north

Boreal sub-alpine, middle-alpine, and high-alpine

and south.In the far north, climate is warming two to three times faster than the global average. As a re-

catchments [Karlsson et al. (2005)]

sult of this warming, both tundra and boreal forests are undergoing migrations to latitudes and elevations previously considered inhospitable to them.

As higher temperatures drive plants and trees into new environments, this migration, much like the thawing of the permafrost described previously, acts

The tree line is the

as a trigger for the chain reaction of positive feed-

transition zone on

backs which accelerate our planet’s climatic adap-

longest ecological

earth’s surface, circling through the northern land-

tation.

masses of North America and Eurasia for some

Conclusion - A vicious cycle of positive

8,300 miles. (regions beyond the

feedback mechanisms is underway...

trees indicated in red). [source: U.S.

In climate change, a feedback loop is the equivalent

Fish and Wildlife Service]

of a vicious or virtuous circle – something that accelerates or decelerates a warming trend. A positive feedback accelerates a temperature rise, whereas a negative feedback decelerates it. There is emerging evidence and growing concern that arctic climate feedbacks affecting the global climate system are beginning to accelerate warming significantly beyond current projections. The vicious cycle of arctic positive

‘One of the other things that we often hear from

| 45

feedbacks.

climate skeptics, is that the models don’t work very well; well it turns out that almost in all cases, the reason why our models work less well than we’d like, is that we underpredict! In other words, right now, with the tools that we have, we predict these as the values of thawing; but every five years or so, due to the fact that we conduct more studies and learn more about permafrost, these values actually increase!’ KL. (28/01/2018)

Shrubification – warmer climate leads to expansion of shrubs into the tundra.

Reduced sea ice cover is already amplifying warming in the Arctic earlier than projected. This amplification will become more pronounced as more ice cover is lost over the coming decades. The amplified atmospheric warming in the Arctic is expected to spread over high-latitude land areas, hastening the degradation of permafrost and leading to increased release of greenhouse gases presently locked in frozen soils (which in turn will lead to further arctic and global temperature rises...). Arctic lands store large amounts of carbon in their soils and wetlands (including all northern circumpolar regions); they hold twice as much carbon as currently in the atmosphere!

‘So the top 3m, of these pemafrost regions, we estimate that there’s over 1000 billion tonnes of carbon stored. [...] We know that in these top 3m, if that carbon was released, we would be increasing the amount of carbon by 15% - twice as much as in the atmosphere. Thirteen to twenty eight percent of the permafrost is predicted to thaw by 2050.’ KL. (28/01/2018)

Most of the carbon being released from thawing soils is thousands of years old, showing that the old organic matter in these soils is readily decomposed. Carbon uptake by vegetation in the Arctic is increasing, with the longer growing seasons and the slow

Current vital signs of the planet (http://climate. nasa.gov/vital-signs/)

northward migration of woody vegetation causing

done, as the global climate will significantly alter in search for a new climatic

increased plant growth and carbon accumulation

equilibrium, with the cycle of positive feedbacks reinforcing itself and acceler-

in northern regions. However carbon emissions will

ating temperature rises to levels that could cause sudden, irreversible changes

outpace uptake as warming proceeds, with future

in the relatively stable conditions that have allowed humankind to flourish

arctic carbon emissions to the atmosphere outpac-

over the past 2.5 million years.

ing carbon storage.

Changes currently seen in the arctic ecology will result in more of the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy being absorbed, as larger plants on the former tundra landscape absorb additional solar radiation and reduce the albedo effect of the current landscapes. Additionally, the northward expansion of the boreal forest and the increased growth of shrubs fascilitate the trapping of snow, which in turn acting as insulation fascilitates the thawing of the permafrost which encouraged the northerly migration of the flora in the first place.

In sum, recent observations strongly suggest that climate change may soon push some arctic systems past tipping points, with global implications. For example, the additional heat absorbed by an increasingly ice-free Arctic Ocean in summer is already accelerating local and regional warming and preventing sea ice from recovering. Should these tipping points be reached, then it may be too late for humankind to attempt to reverse the damage being

Projected near-surface permafrost extent and actice layer thickness

| 47

Map showing the railway from Stockholm to Narvik

Abisko Research Centre and National Park Abisko National Park

Abisko National Park was founded in 1909, in the same year some of Sweden’s first laws on nature and conservation were created. Its purpose was to “preserve an area with northern Nordic fell nature in its original condition and as a reminiscence for scientific research” and Abisko Scientific Research Station was built near by in order to pursuit the established programme.

Nature Protection Act Source: land.se

Kirunalap-

Source: land.se

Kirunalap-

In 1909 Sweden became the first nation in Europe to establish nine national parks, which still remain protected to this day, in order to protect certain areas on the country. It is important to state that it was the first time that a legislation had been directly aimed at protecting nature itself.

Given the amount of natural resources in the country Sweden has a long tradition of regulating mining exploitation and extraction of minerals. Originally created to protect the economic interest of the country, the laws progressed to aim for the safeguard of the environment. Torneträsk by the Abiskojokka river. In the winter months the area is covered in thick Located 195 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, Abisko

snow with most of the lakes, rivers and streams completely frozen over.

National Park has a varied landscape that changes throughout the seasons. The park is a part of the majestic

With regards to the geology of the site, Abisko National Park is on mountain bedrock

forested valley surrounded on three sides by the Abisko

with veins of limestone.

Alps and the vast lake Torneträsk in the north. The Na-

Inland ice sheets formed the large alpine valley located in the park. The Abiskojåkka

tional Park also stretches further south into the mountains

river flows through the long valley to ultimately rush along in a canyon flanked by

where it encompasses the lake Abiskojaure, connected to

steep cliffs of hard schist and dolomite limestone.

| 49

History

For thousands of years the area has been home to the Sami people, who followed herds of wild reindeer between woodlands and mountains.

People hunted and fished in the area. Remains of pitfalls used to capture reindeer and elk are still visible today. You can also see traces of the old hearths and sites for Sami huts. Several hundred years ago, the Sami became reindeer herders. The Gagna Sami administrative and economic unit still carries on reindeer husbandry here. Nowadays most of the unit’s members live in the Rensjön community.

Abisko Sami Camp (Winter)

Today there is the possibility to experience Sami life by visiting the camp, an exhibition displaying how the Sami lived in the late 19th century. The camp is a reconstruction of a spring and fall residence. There is a hut you can enter to gather around the fire, cook coffee and have some reindeer meat, discussing the life of the Sami people.

The fire is lit and starts to crackle under the coffee pot while listening to the stories, anecdotes and myths about the Sámi. Coffee also has a tastes with a twist of dried reindeer meat. A sense of genuine simplicity aries when you sit inside a Dárfegoahti (traditional Sámi hut) cuddled on a reindeer skin.

The Sámi are a indigenous people who lived by hunting, fishing and herding reindeer. They moved from inland winter pastures to summer grazing in the mountains, everything governed by the seasons and the natural migration of reindeer. Thanks to the contribution from the Swedisg government, the Tourist Association could erect a reconstruction of a Sámi

Source: Kirunalapland.se

Autumn / Spring camp at this location.

The visit will also include an understanding around Sámi’s traditional construction techniques and see other objects from the time when the Sámi lived a nomadic life.

Abisko National Park is home to many species of plants and animals.

Predators such as bears, wolverines, artic foxes and lynx can be seen in the park altough very rare. They are difficult to spot, but during the winter season allows you to spot their tracks.

Reindeer and moose can also populate this area on the hunt for fodder as the snow and permafrost thickness is not as deep here.

Map showing

Other spieces like squirrel, marten, stoat and lem-

plantlife in the park

ming live here.

Golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, rough-legged buzzards and gerfalcons fly above the mountain

The park is dominated by birch forest, housing several species of flowers, herbaceous plants and berries. Specimens of Scots pine can also be found, in some places making up little groves of beautiful old trees. It is the protected Lappfela Orchid that makes Abisko most famous for, growing nowhere else in Sweden.

In some years the rare Arctic leaf warbler has been seen on the slopes of Mount Njullá.

You will find redpolls, willow warblers, bluethroats and bramblings in the birch forest and osieries and golden plovers and dotterels in the alpine heaths. Wading birds thrive in the marshlands and

| 51

Map showing wildlife in the park

red-throated divers in the small tarns. The bird-rich delta where Abiskojåkka empties into Torneträsk is a bird sanctuary during parts of the year.

Birch Forest

Touching on the architectural side about what this area offers, timber can be found in great amount. Birch is seen as a great craftwood , of use and reasonable price. It’s used extensively for firewood and makes wonderful ornamental trees. It has been turned to make all the toy parts you need, tongue depressors, tooth picks, pulped for paper, and turned Light coloured

into high end furniture. There is little it has not been

Sapwood on the left. Richly colour-

used for.

ed Heartwood on the right. Source: Popular-

The Betula family has nine species that are relatively

woodworking.com

well known, but over 50 species found around the world, including many ornamental and shrub bushes. Yellow and paper birch are the two most common while gray birch has also some commercial recognition. White birch, as we know it, is not really a species but rather a combination of either paper and/or gray birch. Red Birch refers to the heart stock of the yellow birch. Almost all members of this family have a smooth resinous white bark, that peels, rolls or curls, in some fashion. Some types of birch bark peels up the tree, rather than the traditional “around the tree”. The bark gets very thick and deeply ridged as the tree gets older. Birches are usually the first to establish in cleared land, but start to die once other trees move in and offer shade. The trees will average a

Birch trees. Source: Smithsoni-

height of 12 meters (can be up to 24m).

an.com

The appearance of the wood will vary between

hearts. The wood is mostly white but as it nears the core will show brown

species, but generally, the sap wood is creamy white

flame patterns, with white sap edges. Yellow birch on the other hand,

and the heart stock, golden brown. Paper birch is

tends to be a larger tree and exhibits a more consistent golden brown col-

predominately sap wood, with small brown knotty

our, with little creamy white sap wood. Often yellow birch shows a nice curl

pattern. In commercial operations, unlike maple,it is rarely sorted for colour.

All birch has a fine and uniform texture, closed pored and no significant odor. Birch dries with a fair amount of shrinkage. It loses almost 16% of its volume going from green to dry lumber and does like to warp and twist if enough weight is not applied to the green lumber as it air dries. Once dried it is stable. It is not resistant to decay, fungal and insect attack. Of all the quality domestic hardwoods, Birch would probably be the lowest in price. This is its most redeeming feature. A beautiful wood to look at and work with, and sold at a reasonable price.

The national park was formed in 1909, making it one of the first in Sweden. Some years earlier a railway was built from the mine in Kiruna to the ice-free harbour in Narvik, from which iron ore could be shipped year-round. During construction, the railway crews known as “rallare” created small communities along the railway as it extended. The “Rallarvägen” hiking trail that was used to transport material is a remnant of that period. With the advent of the railway, growing numbers of tourists found their way to Abisko and the tourist station. Artists, botanists, fitness enthusiasts, alpine hikers and many others have since visited the national park. In recent years aurora borealis tourism has become increasingly popular. Abisko is considered one of the best places on earth from which to view the aurora borealis. That’s because the area lies in the rain shadow of the Atlantic’s damp air and often has clear weather.

As previously mentioned the Abisko National Park is the home of the Abisko Scientific Research Station which will be treated in more detail in the next pages.

| 53

Demographics in Kiruna In the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kiruna had about 20,000 inhabitants. The population peaked in 1976, with 31,200, but the population has since then declined to around 23.000 in 2004. It has been stable for the past 14 years.

Of the around 23,000 people in the municipality of Kiruna 11%, or 2,500 people, were born outside Sweden, and around half of these were born outside the Nordic countries (Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Norway). 300 of the remaining people come from

Women on sidewalk in Kiruna, in

another EU country. Of the remaining, it is notable

spring of 1953

that there are about 300 from Africa, and about 650 from Asia. Many of these people come from war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, and Somalia, but most of them from Thailand (184). Around 100 of the immigrants come from Syria, and around 100 from Eritrea. Around 500 immigrants came to Kiruna in 2016, and around 800 people left the municipality the same year.

48% of the population is female, compared to 50,5% in large cities of Sweden. . About one fifth is under

Anna Lehtola ,

18 years old, and one fifth is older than 65. The large

Samorganisa-

city average is the same for under 18 years old, but here the population over 65 is 15%. In large city ar-

Kiruna LS (Lokala

tioner (LS) - Local Collaborative Organisations, 1976.

eas, the number of born outside the country is 26%. One third is married, and just about one tenth is divorced. The average age in the municipality is 42, compared to 39 in large city areas.

The Swedish members of the party of Unit 4 noticed that the accent in the town of Kiruna, was nowhere near similar to every other town they have been to in the north of Sweden. This might very well have to with that the town was founded in the beginning of 1900, and that most of the people that moved in to Kiruna came from other places than the surrounding

Kiruna central parking lot, at an event in summer of 2004.

municipalities, or towns. This thesis is supported by

Swedish Wikipedia, that reference to the book ‘Kiruna: 100-årsboken’ (Kiruna: The 100 year-book) Moving-net domestic movements 2011

In the presentation at the Town Hall of Kiruna, we

Kvinnor (Women), Män (Men), år (age), kommun (Municipality)

learnt that several young women had stated that many of them felt that there were no real options for them, apart from marry a mine worker and start

Women more than men are leaving the municipality at young age. Important to realise that these moves may also, to a certain extent, happen between municipalities in the north region. However, overall many young people leave this part of the country.

a family, or move to another larger city, (Stockholm was mentioned here). After much struggle we eventually found regional stats from 2011 supporting this argument. The stats are from regional authorities. In another meeting with the plan architects of the municipality, we learnt that Kiruna today has no issues with integration. This is apparently a consequence of that many of the old flats in the city centre are rentals. What the municipality was a bit concerned about with the planned new town, was that segregation could potentially become an issue, as many of the newly built flats will be leaseholds,

Refugees in the Arctic, article about Syrian refugees in Aljazeera

and/or the new housing units will be more expensive to rent.

During an interview with Rebecka, who works at Specsavers in Kiruna centre, we learned she had a few interesting insights she was happy to share with us about the younger generation; Amongst teenagers and young people there appar-

Photogrammetry scan the Royal Diner where the kids hang out before they turn 18

ently, is a sort of friendly rivalry between the communities of Luossavaara (north of the town centre) and Lombolo (south-west of the new town centre).

to as ‘Kupolen’ (meaning The Dome).

She also told us that before teenagers turn 18, and are allowed in bars, they used to (at least when she

Non-Kiruna specific north Sweden statistics:

was young) ‘hang out’ in, what she referred to as

Of the 5,739 people in Norrbotten County as of 2010 could be defined as

‘Gränden’ (meaning The Alley). It is the short dead-

‘managers’, ‘senior officials’ or ‘senior politicians’, 34 percent were women and

end road perpendicular to Lars Janssonsgatan,

66 percent men.

between the central parking lot and the parallel

More women than men have university education in all of the county munic-

road Föreningsgatan. The one bar where most of

ipalities and the realm. In 2011, 40 percent of the women, and 28 per cent of

the young people go when they turn 18 is the Royal

the men in the county, between the age of 25-64, had some form of university

Diner, located in the indoor mall commonly referred

education.

| 55

Circum-Arctic Physiography Chart

Annual temparature wind rose diagroam for Kiruna

Kiruna Climate Analysis and Interpretations Kiruna is located near latitude 67N and about 140km north of the arctic circle. It has an inland subarctic climate of sub category Dfc (D- cold, f-without dry season, c- cool summer) according to the Koppen Geigen classification of world climates, which cover cold climates, which covers large parts of northern Canada, Norway, Northern Sweden, Finland and Russia,

Features of this climate include long and very cold winters, and short cool to mild summers.

Daylight saving time analysis for Kiruna

The low temperatures during part of the year rresult in permafrost, which strongly affects vegetation. At the local scale Kiruna’s climate is influenced by the stark topography, which affects temperature and wind patterns.

Topographical shadows cause inhomogenous warming of

Orthographic projection of the Sun’s path at Kiruna

the land, which generates thermal winds. Snow cover period extends from October until May.

Key information about Kiruna and it’s climate can be summarised as follows:

• Geographical location: 67°51’ N 020°13’ E • Population: approximately 23000 in the entire municipality and 18200 in the city of Kiruna Sun cast analysis bar graph

• Climate: inland subarctic • Mean temperatures in January and July: -14.3 °C and +12 °C, respectively • Annual precipitation: approximately 488 mm • Days of midnight sun and polar night per annum: 50 and 20, respectively. 23

Temperatures in Kiruna vary widely between seasons (mean monthly temperatures at 15.00, UTC, range from

| 57

Temperature spread over the course of the year in Kiruna

-12.7 °C to 15.3 °C). However, during the coldest and darkest months (December, January and February) the temperature varies very little diurnally.

Prevailing wind directions in Kiruna are South, South West and North. South to South West winds account for approximately 39%, and north winds 10%, of annual winds. As shown in the temperature wind rose in Figure 10 (left Extent and type

panel) winds from the South West are strongest, and rel-

of permafrost in the Northern

atively cold. The winds from the West have similar speed,

hemisphere

but are significantly warmer. Constructing lasting buildings on frozen ground is difficult. Huge layers of ice can Due to its location close to latitude 67 °N Kiruna has a “polar night” lasting about 20 days in December, and a “midnight sun” period lasting about 50 days in summer (when

grow underground and thicken over time. When ice forms underground, it expands. This can make the ground move, causing frost heave. Frost heave lifts up the ground, as well as everything on top of it.

northern facades get sunlight during the early morning and late evening hours). However, although the daylight hours are very long during the warmest months, sun elevations are relatively low (maximum elevations range from 0

Building on permafrost is also challenging. Buildings that are heated from the inside give off heat. The heat can thaw the permafrost underneath the building. Once the permafrost thaws, it sinks, damaging the building it supports (Figure 3).

° in December to 45° in June), which makes solar design of outdoor spaces challenging, especially for the late winter months March and April.

Engineers sometimes solve this problem by preventing the ground under the building from getting warm. They put the building on top of a steel frame, a few

Distribution of permafrost and permafrost features along a conceptual transect from the sub-arctic to the continental shores

feet above the ground, so cold air can flow under the house. The cold air stops the permafrost from thawing. Another way to stop damage from thawing permafrost is to thaw the ground first. This method makes the ground more stable to build on. Then there is no danger of the ground beneath the new structure refreezing, because the structure keeps the ground from freezing.

The Arctic Cry-

How does climate affect frozen ground?

osphere

If the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate warms, the ground will warm up. Permafrost and frozen ground around the world may eventually thaw and disappear. The amount and thickness of seasonally frozen ground would decrease. The active layer, where the ground freezes and thaws each year, would get thicker. More taliks would form, and eventually, very little permafrost would be left. Seasonally frozen ground and permafrost will not reach as far south as they

Boreal forest regions in the Arctic

do now in the Northern Hemisphere.

What is frost heave? Rising temperatures will also change how permafrost affects the land. As the active layer becomes thicker, the

When water turns into ice underground,

landscape may change. The ground can become weak.

it expands. This can make the ground

In hilly areas, thawing can cause landslides. In some

move, causing frost heave. Frost heave

areas, thawing changes the landscape, creating slumping

lifts up the ground, as well as everything

ground, unstable forests, and shallow lakes. These land-

on top of it. Frost heave can be strong

Increasing temperatures leading to vast changes

enough to move and damage roads,

forms are examples of thermokarst features.

bridges, and buildings. Frost heave is

How does frozen ground affect land?

especially strong where there is permafrost or deep seasonally frozen ground .

When the ground freezes or thaws, it can change the

When frozen ground thaws, can it change the land?

shape of the land. Some effects of frozen ground may be familiar, such as potholes in a road, caused by freezing

When frozen ground thaws, the environment can change dramatically. For example,

and thawing ground. Sometimes frozen ground creates

thawing permafrost on mountain slopes can lead to landslides.

landforms. People who live in the far north may have seen some of these landforms, but to people living farther

When permafrost thaws on level ground, it can buckle the ground. Trees growing

south, the landforms are odd.

nearby can be at risk. Sometimes, their roots become so weak that trees tilt and fall over. These trees are sometimes called a drunken forest.

| 59

to our landscapes

How much carbon is stored in frozen ground?

There is a huge amount of carbon stored in permafrost. Right now, the Earth’s atmosphere contains about 850 gigatons of carbon. (A gigaton is Vertical sections

one billion tons—about the weight of one hundred

of urban modified

thousand school buses). We estimate that there are

air showing the

about 1,400 gigatons of carbon frozen in permafrost.

layer (UBL), rough-

urban boundary

ness sub-layer

So the carbon frozen in permafrost is greater than

and urban canopy layer (UCL)

the amount of carbon that is already in the atmosphere today. That doesn’t mean that all of the carbon will decay and end up in the atmosphere. The trick is to find out how much of the frozen carbon is going to decay, how fast, and where.

Comfort in outdoor environments is attributed to

Mechanism of

several objective and subjective factors, such as:

heat exchnage

feeling safe; familiarity of settings and people;

human body and

between the

the surrounding

acoustic, smells and visual conditions; microcli-

outdoor environ-

mate; convenience and physical comfort. The focal

ment (adapted

concern is the comfort of pedestrians, because (in

2006)

from Murakemi,

contrast to car users) they are in direct contact with

speeds may be higher at pedestrian level due to the 3D-volumetric prop-

the microclimate and experience variation in atmos-

erties of urban environments. This can occur when relatively high buildings

pheric parameters that affect their perception of the

deflect moving upper air layers (downwash) or by streets orientated to-

outdoor environment. Two major factors that affect

wards the air flow, causing a channelling effect.

pedestrians’ comfort, and thus are key foci of related research are the mechanical impact of wind and

Thermal Comfort

thermal sensation. The physiological approach to thermal comfort assessment focuses on the

Wind

heat balance of the human body. Human body produces heat and exchanges heat with the environment in order to maintain its internal tem-

Areas near high-rise buildings can become particu-

perature close to 37 ° C. The main factors that influence the heat balance

larly exposed to uncomfortable or dangerous pe-

of human body include:

destrian-level winds if appropriate design measures have not been implemented. Wind speed is usually

• Environmental parameters: air temperature, radiation, air flow velocity

higher in rural areas and falls in urban environment

and relative humidity

due to blocking effect of buildings, vegetation and

• Personal parameters: metabolic heat generated by human activity and

other objects in built environments. However, wind

clothing level.

Snow

Compared to wind and sun, little research has been conducted about snow in urban environment. There are some design guidelines available for snowdrift for simple urban settings (e.g. in Swedish: Glaumann, Westerberg 1988). In addition a few publications have evaluated the utility of CFD models for predicting snowdrifts. Use of CFD for prediction of snowdrift

Densities of

in complex urban environments can provide accurate

radiation fluxes are important for

results (Tominaga, Okaze et al. 2011). However, in

determination of form (adapted

contrast to use of CFD for wind simulation, techni-

from Matzarakis)

cal details of CFD modelling for snowdrift are less researched and documented. Besides discomfort aspects of snow, its aesthetic values and potentials for environmental stimuli and recreation also require

Design as means to investigate

more research. In this respect, experimental de-

creative ways of using snow in

sign-based research has potential for creating and

urban environ-

testing new concepts. An example is given in (Fig-

ments. The figure shows schematic

ure 18) that depicts a preliminary sketch of a street

road sections in summer (top) and

profile highlighting the potentials for transport and

winter (bottom).

recreation provided by the seasonal variations in

The lower section shows a concept

subarctic climates. The proposal is concerned with

for accommodating cross-country

using the large amounts of snow available in sub-

ski and snow mo-

arctic cities during much of the year to provide cross

bile tracks parallel to car areas in the

country ski and snow mobile tracks (bottom draw-

street (adapter with permission of

ing). The figure also illustrates the utility of sketching

SWECO Archi-

to define problems and find alternative solutions.

tects)

Balancing climate design principles and analytical tools Schön 1983, Lawson 2005, Cross 2007b). Primary design concepts provide Theories on design and design method provide

the starting points of design, which are elaborated by the designer(s) through

insight into practitioners’ reliance on climatic de-

iterative testing and modifying activities until the design goals defined in the

sign principles. These theories characterize design

beginning of the design process are met.

as a solution-led (rather than analysis-led) process, derived from organizing principles or ‘primary gen-

Based on this understanding of design processes, both types of reasoning

erators’, which relies on abductive reasoning and

about the micro-climate performance of urban form (climate design principles

progresses through self-reflection loops (Darke 1979,

and analytical methods) are useful, but for different design phases.

| 61

Microclimate analysis: Sun and Wind data

There are three key issues that are crucial for improving environmental comfort in cold climates and can be influenced by urban design: - provision of sheltering from wind, - maximising solar access, - managing snow in outdoor environments.

Drawing on a method proposed by Brown and DeKay (2001), the presented approach encompasses wind comfort analysis and microclimate assessment based on solar access and wind velocity measurements. Solar access was analysed on three specific dates: 21 December, 21 March and 21 June (the winter

Workflow of the proposed method

solstice, spring equinox and summer solstice, respectively). For assessing wind comfort criteria in the NEN 8100 code proposed by the Netherlands Normalisation Institute are applied. The solar access analyses for 21

The method was applied to analyse one of the urban

March and 21 June. The square

design proposal for Kiruna’s new city centre. Wind speed and solar access were simulated using a CFD program (Autodesk® Simulation® CFD 2015) and

and the east-west -directed (E-5) street are marked by the dashed line in the rightmost

Autodesk® Ecotect®. The results from the simulations

figures

were then overlaid to produce combined microclimate maps for three specific dates.

The outcomes showed that microclimate conditions would be favourable in only a small proportion of the studied area at the winter solstice and spring equinox, but in nearly 50 % of the area at the summer solstice. Substantial correlation was found between spatial distributions of calculated OUT_SET* values in the study area at the summer solstice and the microclimate assessment map. The analysis of the design proposal for the new town centre in Kiruna suggested that ensuring solar access in east–west orientated streets is challenging in subarctic cities.

Combined microclimate maps for the winter solstice, spring equinox and summer solstice

Solar access is particularly challenging in city centres, the usual locations of the main public spaces such as city squares and the main commercial streets, where planning for comfort is a high priority.

Due to the prolonged periods of cold temperature in subarctic climates, the convective heat loss caused by wind is a major source of discomfort in all seasons and therefore wind-sheltering must be prior-

Results from simulations of pedes-

itized, and solar access has significant impact on the use of public spaces due to its contribution to thermal comfort as well as its cultural significance in the

trian-level winds (h=175m) at 10 and 6 m/s in N and 56W directions. The black arrow

Nordic context (Thorsson, Honjo et al. 2007). Ensuring direct solar radiation for outdoor environments is

indicates the wind direction in each simulation

challenging due to the low sun angles in high latitude cities. Thus, if ensuring solar access is a major design objective large unobstructed spaces between buildings will be needed, but this will probably be impracticable in central areas of cities.

The predicted wind speed for directions N (left) and 55W (right) at mean wind

New Kiruna Centre N and SSW

speed of 3.6m/s

Wind Analysis

at hte pedestrian (h-1.75m)

Wind Study

Wind Direction North (3.5m/s)

| 63

Wind Study

Wind Direction North (3.5m/s)

Wind Study

Wind Direction South, South-West (3.5m/s)

Wind Study

Wind Direction South, South-West (3.5m/s)

New Kiruna Center Shadow Analysis:

Shadow Range Analysis

21 st of March

Shadow Range Analysis

21 st of June

| 65

CULTURAL CONTEXT

Still from short documentary about Kiruna’s move

This is Kiruna - How to Move a City Father and Daughter Johanna and Janne running the ‘Centrum’ store in the family for four generations situated in the centre of Old Kiruna. They talk about whether ‘local moments’ will be retained in the New Kiruna, such as their iconic corner store sign-age.

the corner plot sign

Local Demographics Who lives in Kiruna? Population: 23, 167

Average age: 42.2 years

Household Size:

1 person: 19.7% 2 persons: 28.3% 3 persons: 17%

Population growth over the past 100 years

4 persons: 18, 6% 5 persons: 9% More than 5 persons: 7.3%

Average income per inhabitant (eg from work and pension) : 319 600 kr

Housing

Type of accommodation: Small houses: 53,6% Men to women in North of Sweden

Normal Houses: 10.9% Rent: 22.7% Men vs Women - Statistics and issues About 3,000 new homes are needed in connection

In our research and from the talks weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had from planners and designers, the

with the city conversion

issue of men to women ratio in their adult ages has been of increased concern. There has been growing trend of women above the age of 19, leaving

Hotel

Kiruna and heading south either to Stockholm or another key city for work or

Visiting nights per year (commercial overnight

for education and either not returning or potentially returning in their older

stays): 613 000

ages (as retired pensioners). This not only hit the local economy negatively but also effects the general societal culture of Kiruna. In the new Masterplan,

Office

we will look at how White Architects and the municipality have been looking

Most of Kirunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office space is in the present city

at tackling this issue.

centre, ie in the part affected by mining. The estimate is that about 1000 new office space is needed in connection with the urban conversion.

| 69

Norrbotten County The county covers almost one quarter of Sweden’s surface.

Kiruna

Area

• Total: 20,551.42 km2 (7,934.95 sq mi) • Land : 19,140.33 km2 (7,390.12 sq mi) • Water: 1,411.09 km2 (544.82 sq mi) Kebnekaise is Sweden’s and Sápmi’s highest mountain at 2,104 metres above mean sea level. There are more than 6,000 lakes in Kiruna municipality, Lake Torneträsk being the largest. Seven rivers run through the municipality, named Kalix River, Torne River, Lainio River, Rautas River and Vittangi River, as well as Könkämä River and Muonio River which mark the border to Finland. The untouched geography has also been noted with the establishment of Abisko National Park, by the Norwegian border, established as early as 1909.

Stockholm

Kiruna Municipality

Kiruna Municipality is a municipality in Norrbotten County in northernmost Sweden. It is the northernmost municipality in Sweden, and at 20,715 square kilometres (7,998 sq mi) is Sweden’s geographically largest covering roughly 4.604% of its total area.

Finnish, Meänkieli and Sami have the official status of being minority languages in the municipality.

During the 20th century the mining settlement Kiruna was built in the parish of Jukkasjärvi, at that time a rural municipality in very remote territory. A so-called municipalsamhälle (which was a kind of borough

Interior view of Old Town Hall

established within a rural municipality to take care of some matters of urban character) was instituted in 1908. The settlement grew (it even had a tramway system) and it was decided to make it a city. On January 1, 1948 the whole parish of Jukkasjärvi was transformed into the City of Kiruna. As the vast wilderness around the town itself was included, Kiruna was at that time regarded as the largest city municipality in the world. Only a few more cities were instituted in Sweden, the last one in 1951. Instead the differences between the three types of municipalities

Old Kiruna Town Hall due for dem-

were diminished and finally abolished altogether. In 1971 Kiruna, as all others, became a unitary munici-

olition towards the end of 2018

pality and at the same time merged with Karesuando.

Municipalities with Population Figures 1. Kiruna - 18, 154 2. Vittangi - 789 3. Jukkasjärvi - 519 4. Svappavaara - 394 5. Kuttainen - 364 6. Karesuando - 313

New Town Hall currently under

7. Övre Soppero - 220

construction

| 71

Annual Arctic Light Film Festival

Arctic Light Film Festival

The organisers of the annual Arctic Light Film Fes-

“My Kiruna will be demolished and crushed to the

tival describe the event as ‘a brilliant aurora in the

ground.» When I first heard that they were going

movie industry’s darkness’. A fitting analogy, consid-

to relocate my hometown, I got scared, I panicked.

ering that the festival takes place in Kiruna in Swe-

What would happen to my memories? What would

den’s far north – one of the best bases for aurora

remain from the past? This is a film about my child-

spotting in the whole country.

hood neighborhood and the city I recall. It explores the city’s construction around a big mine, as well as

Feature-length films of all genres have been

the city as monument over modern existence. The

screened in previous years, from documentaries (The

film also deals with reconciliation with one’s past,

Wolfpack, winner of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival)

and the feeling of losing one’s security.”

Liselotte Wajstedt (b.1973) is an artist and filmmaker. She lives and works in Kiruna. Her films lie in the borderland between documentary and experimental arthouse movie.

to horror flicks (Insidious 2) and Hollywood blockbusters (Jurassic Park).

In order to attend the festival screenings, you’ll first need to purchase the film festival association’s mem-

Kiruna’s Arctic Film Festival cele-

bership card for 50 SEK. A ticket to a single screen-

brates local beauty and culture

ing is 50 SEK but there are usually a couple of free and low price (30 SEK) screenings to keep an eye out for as well.

Kiruna Snow Festival

Held every January, the five to six days Kiruna Snow Festival is the biggest event of its kind in Europe.

The Kiruna Snow Festival, an extremely exciting Kiruna Snow Festi-

celebration of winter. Includes a program of winter events and entertainment each year. One can enjoy

val 2018

HOTEL, has arranged the international championships since year 2000.

hearty feasts in giant igloos and take part in skiing and ice skating competitions, dogsled and reindeer

Snow artists from all over the world gather here in order to sculpt something

racing, and the ever-popular snow sculpture compe-

remarkable out of a block of snow, 27 cubic meters in size. They only have a

tition.

few days to finish and the end result is usually quite amazing.

It hosts one of the worlds internationally recognized

For six days the city arranges a variety of activities for all ages at the end of

snow sculpture competitions. There are only a few

January each year. The program usually includes out-door theatre, dog-sled-

of them around the world and Kiruna, which is only

ding, an ark exhibition (it’s a small portable hut which the locals use for

about 17 kilometers from the world-renowned ICE-

ice-fishing on Torneträsk), a handicraft fair, musical performances, and more.

| 73

Reindeer herding in Sami Culture goes back centuries

Sápmi The Sápmi Population of Kiruna The Sami live in four countries Russia, Finland, Norway and Sweden. This large land area is called Sápmi. Sápmi spreads throughout the northern part of the northern caldera, from the Russian Kolahalvön in the east to the Swedish landscape of Dalarna in the south. Sápmi as a concept includes both Sápmi and the people of Sami. The nations boundaries dating back to the 18th century have divided the Sámi people into four states.

History

We know for certain that the inland part ofnorthernmost Sweden was inhabited some10,000 years ago by people

Sami Land

who may have been the ancestors of the Sami. Nordic peoples are mentioned as long ago as the 1st century AD. In time, the rights of the Sami in Sweden were curtailed, and discrimination increased after 1800. Sami culture and language were suppressed until recently.

The State and Sami People

As an indigenous people, the Sami have a different standing than other ethnic minorities in Sweden. The Sami are not immigrants, having lived in their settled areas long before the borders were drawn for today’s nations. In 1977, the Swedish Riksdag recognized the Sami as

Sami Land

an indigenous people in Sweden. Since 2011 the Sami are recognized as a people in the Swedish constitution.

Right to land, water and natural resources

Six articles deal with indigenous peoples’ rights to own, use and control land, territories and natural resources. And that is of course the most controversial part when it comes to the Sami in the Nordic regions. If Sweden is to follow the declaration, it would mean that the Swedish government could no longer maintain that the Sami lands belong to the State.

Sami Land

| 75

Facts and figures

A sameby – ‘Sami village’ – is not a traditional village but a complex economical and administrative union created with the intention of keeping reindeer. There are about 70,000 Sami altogether, some 20,000 of whom live in Sweden.

Although many Sami still live in Sápmi, many others live in other parts of Sweden and are not involved in reindeer herding. About 2,500 of the approximately 20,000 Sami

Sami flag

who live in Sweden are involved in reindeer husbandry.

Religion: Christianity Main occupations: Reindeer husbandry, handicrafts (duodji), hunting, fishing and tourism. Exports: Reindeer products, handicrafts and music. National dress: The gákti, a traditional outer garment.

Change or No change?

Sami Parliament Norway

Even though a new idea of samiity has been introduced, Swedish legislation has hardly changed. State control over the run-up continues and the rules of the Sami Parliament are governed by the Co-operation Act. The Sami Parliament became a people-elected body and a government-led government. On the same day as the Sami Parliament was inaugurated, the small game hunt was released in the mountains, despite the cohabitants’ resistance. The Sami still has no political representation in Sweden’s parliament. Yet the Swedish state has not ratified the ILO Convention 169 on indigenous peoples’ rights. However in 2016, the Sami population of the village of Girjas in Northern Sweden won a historic case against the Swedish state in a long-running battle over land rights. A decision in Gällivare district court granted the Sami village of Girjas exclusive rights to control fishing and hunting in the area, restoring powers that were stripped from the Sami people by Sweden’s Parliament in 1993.

Samebys

New ways and old traditions

A government bill, Strategy for the National Minorities, established in 2010, has created opportunities for the Sami people to care for their culture, traditions and language by designating certain municipalities as administrative centres. Minority reform is important because it also provides financial resources to help preserve minority languages. Nineteen municipalities have been selected to protect, promote, retain and develop Sami culture, and to form consultative groups.

This has meant new opportunities to further Sami interests and include Sami-speaking staff at nursing homes, Sami history in primary schools, and Sami information signs in schools and other municipality premises.

The Sami People

Sami Parliament Tasks

The main task of the Sami Parliament is to act for a living Sami culture. Sami culture includes even activities pertaining to Sami livelihoods. This means that the Sami Parliament can bring up and present proposals concerning all of the different questions that are of particular interest when it comes to a living Sami culture. The tasks are regulated in the Sami Parliament Act, where it is stated that the Sami Parliament shall:

•

Be a central administrative agency for reindeer husbandry

•

Decide on the distribution of the State grants and of funds from Samefonden (the Sami Foundation) for The Sami State

Sami culture and Sami organizations as well as other funds that are placed at the Sami’s joint disposition, •

•

Appoint that board for Sameskolan (the Sami

sidered, including the interests of the reindeer industry for the use of land and

School), as referred to in the Swedish Education Act, •

Contribute to society planning and see that the needs of the Sami are con-

Decide objectives for and lead the Sami language work,

water, •

Inform about the situation of the Sami, as well as carry out the other tasks that are the affairs of the Sami Parliament according to law or another statute.

| 77

Climate Change and Sami life

Fishing

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global

The number of Saami who still fish in traditional ways is rapidly declining. Áslat

average. Since 1900 average temperatures have in-

Holmberg is one of the few young people that still fish in traditional ways. Fishing

creased by 3.5. Last winter, temperature records led

has been key for him to gain traditional knowledge and learn the Saami lan-

scientist to speak of ‘A rctic heatwaves’.

guage.

Warmer and increasingly unpredictable conditions

This summer, he won’t be allowed to fish in the rivers his family has always been

threaten the livelihoods of Saami communities.

fishing in. New fishing regulations imposed by Norway and Finland forbid tradi-

Below are extracts from interviews with Sami people

tional Saami fishing. Even though Saami traditions prioritise nature above all else,

from Sweden and Norway.

it’s the traditional ways of fishing that are now most heavily restricted.

Reindeer herding

Áslat explains how this kind of ‘green colonialism’ makes it harder and harder to keep Saami livelihoods, traditional heritage and culture alive.

The changing climate poses a huge threat to reindeer that struggle to find enough food when thaw and freeze

Deforestation

cover the ground under layers of ice. Recent years have seen mass starvation among reindeer.

“We have 2% old growth forests left in Sweden. That is all we have. It hurts in my whole body and soul, in all of me. You will get depressed if you think about it too

These problems are exacerbated by the forestry industry

much. … But I know that there is constant exploitation of nature up here.”

and big infrastructure like wind parks or hydropower that cut off reindeer herding routes and pastures. Mining and mass renewable energy infrastructure expand heavily in Sápmi despite their severe impacts on Saami livelihoods. Jonas Vannar shares his experience as a traditional

Like many other indigenous people, exploitation of nature, racism and rules imposed by profit-driven, colonialist power structures inflict great harm on Saami communities. Climate change, the loss of nature and identity are seen as a key factors driving up high suicide rates for instance.

Saami reindeer herder.

Transitional Climate

Reindeer Herding

Traditional Sami Buildings Seasonal migration

The Sami maintain a wide range of seasonal occupations. There are fishers found near the coast as well as reindeer herders traveling across the tundra in migratory patterns.

The goathe is used as a base camp for ice fishing in the

Forest Resources

winter, it is an episodical type of structure adapted to the hostile arctic environment. The site is most usually located in a more sheltered environment like the lee side of a prominent hill.

In late spring, the occupants of the large winter villages break up into several smaller families who move along the trails to their respective spring, summer and autumn camps where they can pasture their reindeer, catch fish and hunt small game. At these small camps, Sami families live in tents called lavvu.

Lavuu in Winter

| 79

Form and Structure

Their dome-like form has both a minimum exposed surface area and a maximum amount of structural stability. In this way the building form allows for quick heat response and structural protection from high winds or even the full weight of a polar bear. In both instances, the cover of winter snow drifts creates another level of insulation from the cold.

The Sami have adapted their shelters in order to flourish above the Arctic Circle. Despite their somewhat primitive appearances, and without the help of modern construction technology, the Sami have created systems of building that not only meet the requirements of survival, but also maintain a sense of thermal comfort for its inhabitants. Simultaneously, the structures also have a minimal impact on the environment.

Lavuu Structure

The framework of the traditional lavvu consisted of pairs of naturally bow-shaped pines or rafters with holes bored near the ends and in the middle. Each pair of rafters was held in place by a smoke pole and two cross pieces which fit into the top and middle holes respectively. Two door posts, shaped like hockey sticks, were attached to the front of the smoke pole while a single pole fit on the back of the smoke pole. Twelve to eighteen slender poles from nine to fifteen feet long were laid against this framework. The tent cover was made of two halves, each of which

Lavuu Structure shelter

was tied to the rear post and then stretched around the frame and tied to the two door posts.

The summer cover was made of birch bark whereas reindeer skins were used in colder weather. The skin door had wood battens to hold it flat against the door posts. The winter dwelling used the same basic framework but the frame was much heavier and the structure was covered with logs and sod or turf.

Lavuu Structure shelter

Heat and ventilation

The Sami rely on interior heat gain rather than exteriour. And considering the necessity of heat in an arctic climate, the heat generated from fires is a key design consideration in Sami building. Fire emits heat through a process whereby waves of heat are emitted from a source and radiate outward. Most Sami structures are circular in plan, like the goathe and the lavvu, and in this fashion one can maximize the effectiveness of heat radiation. This also cuts down on the amount of temperature change throughout the space. Because two-fifths of body heat loss is due to convection and another fifth is lost through evaporation, both resultant of air movement, the mini-

Goahti Shelter

mization of air current frequency is central to achieving balance in extreme conditions. The circular forms help to maintain a constant velocity of air currents by centering itself around the hearth for maximum heat gain and eliminating the possibility of pockets of differing temperatures. However, indoor fires require smoke ventilation. As heat rises there is a natural pressure change in hot-cold conditions where heat moves to cold. The heat rises out along with the smoke through the topmost part of the structure creating a constant exit that blocks the entrance of colder air temperatures. Lavuu Plan

Insulation plays a major role in reducing heat loss between indoor and outdoor conditions. The Sami wisely employ the earth around them in their structures as a sort of mortar between structural pieces as well as an overall wall system. The insulative value of a material depends on the amount of air contained within that material. Unlike denser building materials such as heavy timber and animal skins, earth, being a particular substance, includes an optimal amount of air space, even when packed very tightly. In this way, the heat transfer is much slower and allows for a maximum amount of heat control within the interior. The use of earth also is an environmentally sustainable approach to building in the sense that one uses a reusable material that requires little or no

Inside the Lavuu - The Laplander, 1964

processing for use or reuse in the environment.

| 81

LKAB - Iron Ore Mine

Kiruna Iron Mine From a Bird View

Image 3 - Workers in Kiruna Mine

History of the Mine Time Line It all started with farmer Lasun Lassi, that found a black piece of stone. It was in 1642, when he brought the stone back to merchants in Tornea and it turned out to be iron ore.

Time-Line

1890 In meeting in Stockholm, LKAB was officially established and its first managing director was Carl Johan Ljunggren.

Image 1 - Photo of digging the mine

1893 Most of shares are acquired by AGM. Gustat Emil Broms becomes the new managing director.

1898 Norwegian and Swedish Parliaments decided to extend Ore Railway from Gallivare to Narvik. In same time Hjalmar Lundbohm becomes the manager of the site. He is also responsible of founding the town of Kiruna. Becomes the driving force of LKAB and entire region development in Kiruna.

Image 2 - Kiruna Iron ore entry point

1903 The first boat with ore was loaded in Narvik Harbour.

1907 The Swedish State owns part of shares of LKAB and brings trams rolling in Kiruna.

1933 First World War has ended and world economy have gone in recession. That results the lowest ore production in history of LKAB.

| 85

Germans destroying Narvic Harbor

1936 Very strong economic growth follows and LKAB produces more ore then ever.

1940 In Second World War the German forces invades Narvik and blows up Narvik Harbour. All the ore has been concentrated on Lulea.

1945 The Harbour in Narvik is rebuilt

Big Raise Underway at Kiruna Mine

1957 The Swedish State already owns 96% shares of LKAB.

1965 LKAB has its 75 year Birthday

1969 The miners strike has taken action. That becomes the most infamouse industrial dispute in Sweden. The workers only returns to work after 57 days. The result was to switch to monthly salaries. IORE Locomotive

1974 30 Million tonnes of ore were produced

2000 LKAB faces Negative profit

1976 Swedish State owns all shares of LKAB.

2001 The worlds most powerful electric locomotive has been release - IORE locomotive

1978 LKAB was forced to stop work in Kiruna and was for

2004

restructuring loan from the government.

LKAB sends letter to Kiruna Municipality about the ground deformation and that city needs to move.

1985

2015

LKAB record another record profit more then 1 billion SEK.

The company celebrates 125th birthday

Operation and Scale

LKAB

LKAB is Swedish mining company. The company runs its iron ore mines in Kiruna and Malberget, both Northern Sweden in Artic Circle.

The Iron ore is processed to pellets and sinter fines. Iron ore products are transported along the Malmbanan and Ofotbanen ore railways to the ports of Narvik and Lulea for shipment to customers around the world.

They do mining both above and below the ground - open-pit mines and underground mines. Every day LKAB creates equivalent around six Eiffel towers of The LKAB operation in North Sweden

steel.

The production is sold all around the world, most principal markets being European steel mills, as well as Middle east, Southeast Asia and North Africa.

The iron ore mines, the processing plants and ore harbours are located in northern Sweden and Norway and sales office in Germany. The headquarters are located in Lulea, but the main production sites are located in Kiruna and Malmberget and Svappavaara. The LKAB Mine Mountain split

Most of ore is mined in depths of one kilometre in two mines, the deposits are very large, solid slabs of ore, that extends hundreds of metres down the ground.

â&#x20AC;˘

LKAB is the EU largest iron ore producer and mines around 78 percent of all iron ore within the EU.

â&#x20AC;˘

84% of LKAB revenue comes from pellet sales.

| 87

Front Entrance

•

LKAB is 2 worlds largest supplier of iron ore pellets.

•

100% Owned by the Swedish State

•

LKAB is one of the Swedens oldest industrial companies and has customer relationships dating back more than a century.

•

4.224 Avarage number of employees

Kiruna Mine Its the second largest iron ore mine in the world. Its location is in North Sweden, Lapland, Kiruna. Its owned by LKAB but all the shares are owned by Swedish Government. Site mining began in 1898 and the mine have produced over 950 million tonnes of ore.

The Kirunas Orebody was formed at around 1.600ma following very intense volcanic activity.

Formation of Ore body

The ore contains very oure magnetite-apatite mix, that contains more then 60% iron, what is one of most purest iron orebody in the world. The mine has been running over 100 years but only third of the original ore body has been extracted.

•

Annual Production capacity of over 26 million tonnes of iron ore

•

2008 Mine produced 27.5 million tonnes of iron ore.

•

Kiruna mine have ore body which is 4 kilometres long - 80m to 120m thick and depth up to 2 kilometres.

•

Mine have produced over 950 million tonnes of ore

Iron Ore

Mine Section

In the beginning of mine operation, all the actual iron ore was collected from the top of the ground. Only approximately in 1965 they making tunnel systems to collect the ore from the tunnels, as it was started to get too deep inside the ground and wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anymore efficient to be collected from the top. More iron ore was collected more deeper they would create the tunnel system. Eventually where the iron ore was taken out, waste rock would be put in the top of ore.

1999 the depth of mine was 775m, afterwards the new level was down at 1045m. Later on 2008 the new depth

Section of Kiruna Mine

was allocated 1365m and even further expansion is being carried, that will support production until 2030. This level built at an investment of around $1.7bn.

Section of Kiruna Mine

| 89

LKAB - Kiruna Finances

As the mine needs to go deeper, but iron ore runs exactly under the city, the city is forced to move further away for safety reasons. That will come back with very high price. The move is approximately calculated to cost around skr13bn (ÂŁ1.9bn) for the move that will last at least 20 years. This move will be entirely paid by LKAB. This have also lead to sharp increase in mining in Sweden and Finland since 2005. It planned to double the number of mines in years to come.

Operation map Globally

In same time Kiruna is ready to pay the price. As all the locals only benefits from mines expansion. Avarage wages at LKAB have been only going up. As recorded from 2012 the average salary is 58000$ a year. And all employees receives an extra SKR60.000 each a year, if all safety and production targets are hit.

It certainly making Kiruna one of the most wealthy places in Sweden (purchasing power). Houses less than half the price makes the workers feel rich.

Kiruna Mine Workers

General review of 2016 annual and sustainability report of LKAB. Comparing both years most of financial groups have increased profits. Company have been successfully increasing the production of iron ore in recent years. As records shows in 2015 LKAB produced 24.5 million tonnes of iron ore products, but already in 2016 it was 26.9 mt. Operation map Globally

Also amount of ore delivered have been increase, in 2015 it was 24.2 million tonnes but in 2016 already 27mt.

Loss for the year has gone down, when 2015 you had -5686 MSEK in 2016 only -978 MSEK. Interesting situation also in employment field, the female employment have increased, but average numOperation map Globally

ber of employment have decreased by 200 people.

•

16.3 Billion SEK net sales 2016

•

16 200 billion SEK revenue

•

Operation income 7.136 billion SEK

•

Profit 5.686 billion SEK

•

Total assets 56.028 billion SEK

•

Total equity 32.116 billion SEK

LKAB Financial Overview

| 91

LKAB - Carbon Footprint Based on independent analysis, LKAB ha been very efficient in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, from beginning of mining until final production of the steel.

LKAB has done commissioned study to track carbon emission for each step they do while producing the steel. The study was done by Ecofys, and the result was that in the process of making iron ore pellets the LKAB is the most efficient company from all European primary steel companies, leading to 14 per cent less direct carbon dioxide emission. The difference hides in the fact that LKAB mines magnetite iron ore in unusually pure variety. This process requires far less energy to transform iron ore in steel.

“The advantage of the pure magnetite iron we have is that it does not require as great an external energy supply during pellet production as hematite”, Savonen said.1

After the agreement in Paris for climate changes in 2016. LKAB did a full carbon footprint study that was verified Diagram 1 - Direct Emissions

by SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden. LKAB was interested to see in charts how does their production impacts climate.

iron ore to test its whole chain of production for gas emission.

Experts tranced greenhouse gas emission in every single

“Energy consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide from the manufacture

production step, starting from mining iron ore to its last

of our pellets are among the lowest in the iron ore sector. LKAB has one of the

stage of pelletizing. The greenhouse gas emission results

world’s most energy efficient pelletising plants in the world and strives to become

very positive and they became the first major producer of

completely CO2 neutral by 2045”, says Stefan Savonen.”2

Diagram 2 Emission factors per process were used to calculate the total value chain emissions from the total material requirements

Iron Ore Mining To extract iron ore from LKAB mines, the sub level caving is used. The way to do this is by creating cavities in the ore body through drilling and blasting. When all the ore is moved, the waste rock collapses down in cavity. The ore afterwards is moved by using train or loaders. The method is very effective mining method for steep ore bodies, it lets maximum extraction of ore from its body. The actual mining takes place in as â&#x20AC;&#x153;drill-and-blast cycleâ&#x20AC;?.

Drifting Drift Drilling

In order to mine iron ore under the ground, the transport routes in rock are required. Those tunnels known as drifts. Development drift is blasted directly into ore body. If necessary that most likely is, the tunnel is reinforced with bolts and meshes.

Production drilling

When those drifts are ready long holes in length are drilled upwards in fan-shaped pattern. Single drift usually included 15-40 fan cuts. When the drilling is done, special explosives are pumped into the holes and blasting happens every night.

Sorting the Iron

Iron Ore Mining Process

| 93

Production Loading

After blasting is finished all the blast fumes are ventilated away. Iron ore is removed by loaders that can carry about 16-29 tonnes of ore. Then all the ire is taken to vertical shafts, that is also known as ore passes. Where it eventually drops in rock bins.

Chute loading/transport

From rock bins the ore is passed trough crushers and then taken to driver less trains that transports the ore to main level. Processing

Emptying/crushing

The trains empty the ore into large rocks bins, that are delivered to the crusher. The crusher breaks all the ore in 10cm balls, that are afterwards transported to conveyor belts to the ski hoists.

Hoisting

The ore is loaded into a skip, that transports it to surface. Each skip is capable of lifting 40 tonnes of ore. In kiruna mine, the hoisting and reloading takes places in different levels.

Iron Ore Processing

Concentration

After the iron ore has been transported from the under-

out the iron ore, concentration and eventually pelletizing. The end product is

ground mine. The next process takes in 3 stages: Sorting

small round iron ore balls. They are known as iron ore pellets and then they are ready for onward transport to the clients.

Iron Ore Processing

Sorting

In sorting plant, the ore is crushed and sorted in very small pieces and then screened in different sizes for transport to concentration plant. All waste rock is also sorted. When all sorting is finished the iron ore is separated from rest of the waste rock. Its very flexible to do as the ore is magnetic. After sorting next step is concentration.

Concentration

The main target is to remove impurities and to raise iron concent. To remove all this impurities the iron ore is finely ground and separated and that helps to remove such an Pelletizing Iron Ore

elements as silicon, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. After this process the iron content has been raised to around 68 per cent.

After that iron ore goes through process called flotation that is chemical treatment that lets you loose phosphorus mineral apatite.

After that various additives are mixed with the slurry, such as olivine, quartzite, limestone and dolomite, but it depends of product specification and the type of pellet. The last step is to filter the slurry to achieve a predetermined Iron Ore pellet sample

moisture content. After this the last final step is - pelletisation.

and cooling in a rotating cooler.

Pelletizing

In order for pellets to achieve its final properties, they are sintered. The process involves heating in 1.2500c until particles partially melt together.

Pellets are manufactured from iron ore concentrate.

The last final step is cooling, where they are cooled down to 50c and allocated in

First step is to add clay mineral, bentonite to the binder

storage.

in the iron ore concentrate. Afterwards the pellets are formed in 10mm balls in large, rotating drums. After the

Transport

pellets are created they are transported for drying and pre-heating. This process increase the strenght of the

Eventually pellets are taken from the storage and transported by train to ports in

pellets. In Kiruna this process happens in 3 different ma-

Narvik and Lulea, where they are loaded on the boats and delivered to steel cus-

chines: drying and pre-heating, heating in a rotating kiln,

tomers around the world.

| 95

Kiruna’s dependence on Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB)

Kiruna as a community and settlement have initiated

na’s social transformation is caused by counter mining related subsidence.

firstly due to the state-owned mine company, currently owned by LKAB, in 1899. Initially the entire set-

The authorities of the town came up with a masterplan entitled 4-ever

tlement was created in order to keep up the expand-

plan. One of the main aspirations of this 4ever plan is to make the new

ing growth of the mine, which in fact over the time

city efficient and attractive enough to draw other industries into town.

expanded to become one of the largest and most

There is already a lot of recreational benefits in the area, from the tour-

modern underground iron ore mine in the world. At

ism gateways to Sweden’s largest national parks as well as ski areas in its

the current date the mine employs 4000 people from

highest mountains. Also one of the European Space Agency’s main launch

Kiruna totalling to 22% of its 18000 residents.

sites is about 30 minutes away in a remote pine forest.

However advanced or developed, the company finds

Aspirations to bring more investment into the area are challenging. Trans-

it difficult to foresee the role of its people in the

formations that already happen in the area already brought a lot of atten-

future, current plans for re-development of the town

tion but it will be important to settle on solid and coherent plans for the

outline the challenge to move the heart of Kiruna,

future of the town for new residents to see their future’s and their invest-

including most of its 5000 homes and a quarter-mile

ment flourish here. Residents worry some of the promises may never be

square of residential and commercial space, 3 kilo-

accomplished, given some of the previous plans and timeframes have not

metres to the east. The move, also described as Kiru-

been met by the authorities, nor by the mining company.

LKAB has an ever-looming presence in Kiruna’s landscape

The 4-ever plan has already brought a lot of attention due to terms referred to widely by town authorities as ‘social transformation’ and ‘city move’. Oppositions argue that the ‘city move’ is in fact ‘forced displacement’ forced on residents by politicians and the mining company taking care of their own interest rather than good of the whole community.

The mining company has confirmed that everything will be paid for, which includes the relocation of the

Moving one of the

local Sami community with their reindeer pasture

Kiurna

oldest homes in

land nearby as well as mentioned earlier all local amenities and re-built of new houses. However, the entire masterplan is difficult to the residents and local business owners due to a lack of day-to-day basis planning with timeline for evacuating homes and businesses shifting continuously and reliable information being hard to come by. There is a lot of dissatisfaction amongst the residents who have not been guided or asked about the new improvements, some people were unhappy about the way the rail-

LKAB are actively involved in pre-

way and railway station were relocated. Plans do not include any improvements to the public spaces for

paratory work for new developments in Kiruna

Kiruna’s residents.

LKAB have taken on the responsibility of moving particular buildings to New Kiruna

| 97

RAILROAD + WIDER CONNECTIONS

“Porjus and Malmbanan way”

the rail-

Source: From the book “Porjus kraftverk och Riksgränsbanans elektifiering”. Year: 1915 | Place: - | Creator: Okänd | ID: VF000544

Railway system in Sweden Introduction Even within the Arctic Circle, many trains today speed along the electrified tracks that cut through the ice-fields of Northern Lapland. They open-up to the outside world a stretch of territory once looked upon as practically inaccessible. Over the latter half of the 19th century, Sweden has undergone a dramatic economic, political, and social transition. During that time more than 250,000 km of railroads were constructed, making it the most ambitious European infrastructure project to date.

Between 1856, when the first railroad line opened, and the outbreak of World War I, per capita incomes grew 65% faster than in Britain and 20% faster than in the United States. The economic transition during the latter half of the 19th century would have been inconceivable in the absence of extensive improvement of the internal infrastructure. Prior to the railroad network was constructed, overland transport more than 200 km was not feasible and important high weightto-value goods, such as iron ore, could not be cost-effectively hauled more than 30 km. Railroads radically altered the means of transportation, offering transport at higher speed, lower

Railways in Sweden in 1910 Source: Wikipedia

cost, during all seasons, at unitary tariff rates. History Transport Before and After the Railroad

Prior to the railroad network was constructed, transportation primarily took place by pack animals and horse-drawn carts on small unpaved roads, by sleigh over ‘winter roads’, the coast, and

100

| 101

ER Snowclad Mountains: the tarck of the Iron Ore Railway Source: Wonders of world engineering: Lapland’s Arctic Railway

canals. Transport costs were high and distinctly seasonal, since canals, waterways, and harbours froze in the winter months. In addition, goods were mainly transported using several modes and therefore regularly had to be reloaded. Already by the end of the 1860s, the railroad had overtaken water transport as the primary means for internal transportation and by 1870, grain and fuel (coal, wood, and charcoal) constituted more than one-fifth of the tonnage transported via rail. Simply the emerging network allowed cheap transportation of necessities to urban dwellers.

Oxen transporting goods Source: www.flickr. com

Planning and Construction of the Railroad Network Adolf von Rosenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1845 Proposal

The first proposal for a railroad network, presented in 1845, was based on privately funded lines, that were to be managed by private companies. He presented an extensive plan of an entire network. Several of the proposed routes were surveyed by von Rosen. These surveys collected detailed geographical information, and therefore lowered the cost of future railroad construction along these routes. von Rosenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market-based

Swedish Count and Colonel Adolf EugĂ¨ne von Rosen (1797-1886) Source: Wikipedia

approach to railroad construction resulted in a spectacular failure due to an underdeveloped domestic capital market, a lack of demand for transport services, and inflationary pressures following the Crimean War. When the syndicate of British investors that were to finance the main lines withdrew from their commitments (following the speculation and inevitable collapse during the British Railway Mania of the 1840s) von Rosen became confined to raising domestic capital. Despite state concessions and interest guarantees amounting to 4% of construction costs, von Rosen repeatedly failed to raise sufficient capital. Scepticism mounted among politicians against leaving construction of the railroad network in the hands of foreign investors and private enterprise.

Nils Ericson Source: Wikipedia

dag to lead the construction and was given the â&#x20AC;&#x153;authoritarian powersâ&#x20AC;?

Nils Ericson 1855 Proposal

to route the main lines at will. There were two main motives behind his In the Riksdag of 1853/54 it was decided that all major trunk lines of the network were to be planned, financed, and constructed by the state. In 1855, Nils Ericson, a colonel in the Navy Mechanical Corps, was commissioned by the Riks-

plan: to connect the capital Stockholm with the other two major cities (Gothenburg and Malmo) and to stimulate development in disadvantaged regions. The Riksdag initially approved construction of the Southern and Western trunk line, and in November 1862 the 455 km Western trunk line, running from Stockholm to Gothenburg, was installed. Three years later the Southern trunk line opened, connecting the three major

Effect on the economy

cities by rail.

During the first wave of railroad construction in Sweden (1855-1870) the railroads accounted for 50% of urban growth. In cities with access to the railroad network, property values were higher, manufacturing employment increased, establishments were larger, and more information was distributed through local post offices. Access to the railroad network enabled local firms to sell their goods in more distant markets and to obtain raw materials more cheaply. Railroads also lowered the cost of transporting

102

| 103

Iron Ore Train on the Narvik-Lulea route Source: Wonders of world engineering: Laplandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arctic Railway

imported coal, further fuelling an increase in the size of establishments by promoting the use of steam engines. Consequently, establishments in cities with access to the railroad network used significantly more steam engines. This suggests that the first wave of railroad expansion substantially reshaped the urban hierarchy.

Iron Ore Line The Iron Ore Line is a 398-kilometre long railway line between Riksgränsen and Boden in Norrbotten County, Sweden. The first section of the line, from Gällivare to Luleå, opened in 1888. By 1899, the line was extended to Kiruna, and from 1903, all the way to Narvik. The original motive power of the Iron Ore Railway was steam. However, the Operating Department found that steam had its limitations. The steam locomotive is not an ideal form of power in exceptionally cold climates, and the winter temperature in the mountains of

The Swedish Railroad Network, 1870 Source: Bergery, Thor and Enflo, Kerstin. Locomotives of Local Growth: The Short- and LongTerm Impact of Railroads in Sweden

Lapland is often round about zero. The engines, too, were of only moderate power, and at first it was normal for three to be requisitioned for hauling one ore train over the mountains, a wasteful and costly process, particularly in a country such as Sweden, which has few coalfields and has to import her fuel. Large engines were built to reduce piloting and its attendant costs, but shortly before the war of 1914—18 the engineers of the Swedish State Railways decided that electrification would provide the solution of their traction troubles. Electrification took place between 1915 and 1923. Even this was not without its difficulties. They could not use conductor rails, which are most vulnerable to the effects of ice and snow. Having studied methods which were then being adopted in the Alpine countries, they decided to use

Iron Ore Line map Source: Wonders of world engineering: Lapland’s Arctic Railway

the single-phase system, feeding current to overhead contact wires at 16,000 volts, 15 cycles. For the source of their energy they chose the Great Lulea River, near where it flows out of the Suorva Lakes on the first stage of its journey down to the coast at Lulea. They placed the hydro-electric power station at Porjus. As a protection against climatic conditions the machinery was installed in hall 160 feet below ground.

Porjus Power Station Source: Wonders of world engineering: Laplandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arctic Railway

Ore Line impact on Kiruna For the Kiruna ironfield good access to the sea was essential. Deliberations upon the huge issues at stake resulted in the decision to continue the Great Northern Railway of Sweden onwards from Gallivare through Kiruna and Riksgransen on the Norwegian-Swedish frontier to the coast at Narvik. The two rail sections traverse the wildest, loneliest and most silent stretches of the peninsula, where the snow holds undisputed sway for the greater part of the year. Traffic is chiefly confined to the movement of the ore, although there is appreci-

News paper article about the inauguration of the electrification of the main western line, 1926 Source: history. vattenfall.com

able passenger traffic to and from the ironfields. In 1899 Kiruna was little more than a village. A few wooden shacks dotted the flats around the shore of the lake with a rough wagon-track or snow-road, according to season, forming the only means of communication with Gallivare, 60 miles to the south. The construction of the railway has helped shaped Kiruna as an imposing town, with a ceaseless throb of industry in strong contrast to the silence of the wilderness around it. Trains fuss to and from incessantly along the benches, while strings of cars pass from crest to base bearing the valuable ore for transhipment to the railway.

104

| 105

The railway station in Kiruna, Lappland, Sweden Source: www. flickr.com

Map showing the railway from Stockholm to Narvik

World War II - The Navvy Road Kiruna is a city dependent on the mine and the relation between the two as always been strong. As part of a broader view the town has seen also a connection with World War II, located along the railway line that is a feature in the vast artic landscape of the country. World War II is a period of time where the neutral country of Sweden, or at least this is how they presented themselves to the rest of Europe, saw in any case a close relation with the belligerent countries. The Norway government accused Stockholm for aiding the Nazis during the war as they ease the passage of German invaders battling against their neighbours. Sweden let the Germans use its efficient rail network to transport men and materials to the battle of Nar-

A well-known picture from the transit of Germans through Sweden. Picture taken from KW Gullers & CA Nycop Book Then Our Preparedness Year 1939 - 1945. Release Year 1975 Copyright KW Gullers.

vik, where the British also helped, deploying troops to stave off the Nazi hordes. Nazis managed to get troops and supplies to the front lines in Narvik in 1940, with Sweden getting out of their way enabling them to eventually conquest and occupy the country. The Germans in fact rely on Swedish rail network on a large scale during the fighting. Although both the Norwegians and Winston Churchill who deployed British forces there blamed Sweden for helping Hitler strategies, Swedish diplomats always stated the contrary, denying accusations on Nazis using their railway network to get to the front. In his book â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Blood Trackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Norwegian journalist Espen Eidum examined the archives of Germany, Sweden and Norway, merging the information to discover the secrets behind the German strategy on the Swedish railway exploitation.

106

| 107

The first German Eagle rolled through Sweden in June 1941. In total, 105 fulltrains traveled up to the Finnish border. Here German soldiers throw goodies for curious children in Haparand. Picture from the web.

The Navvy Road It is therefore an important piece of the puzzle when considering the context of Rallarveien ,“The Navvy Road”, today has become a

Kiruna and the need of the rail track to reach the port of Narvik.

tourist attraction for a lot of the hiking and mountain walkers, spreading from Abisko in Sweden to

The railway was firstly built by an English company from 1885 to 1889, laying

Rombaksbotn through the station of Katterat. Organized

track from Narvik to Katterat; then work started up again in 1898, and the entire

cultural and historical walks also take place.

railway was completed in 1902. During these two periods many migrant labourers called “navvies” (hence the name of the road), worked on the construction of the

It was originally not not built for tourists to walk or cycle,

railway, creating proper communities arounf the railworks.

but served as a main traffic artery for carrying workers and materials during the construction of the Ofotbanen

The first settlement in Katterat counted several houses where 30-40 families

railway.

lived around the little red painted station. There are still remnants of foundations

The Navvy Road

from the houses the navvies lived in at the end of the eigteenth century. You can also see the remains of an old cable car inwhich they used to transport building materials and supplies in.

Almost right down by the fjord, 6 Kilometers away from Katterat, lie the remains of the old navvies’ settlement, Rombaksbotn. During the years while the railway was being built there lived about 500 people here, with an entire small “town” with shops, barbers’ shops, a skittles alley, a soft drinks factory, hotels and several licensed premises. When the railway was finished in 1902, the wooden buildings were taken down and moved, and can be found over the whole of Ofoten.

Fun Fact

Source: Visit Narvik AS

Every year Narvik holds a folk festival in memory of the construction time of the Narvik and Kiruna railway system. There is also an organized tour from Narvik to Rombaksbotn where the town’s population and people from the areas gather up and take the historical walk to Rombaksbotn. The day is filled with amazing nature, events, music, games, culture and a World Championship in throwing iron ore lumps.

Suggestion for the walking tour Take the train up to Katterat station and then walk the 6 kilometres down to Rombaksbotn, from where we caught a ferry back to Narvik. It is also possible to get off the train at Bjørnfjell station, which shortens the walk to 13 kilometres, all of it downhill. The path is relatively well-kept, with stone paving and steps, and is manageable by all able-bodied walkers. And, as it’s downhill all the way, there is no exertion involved. There are plenty of benches and campfire areas along the path. The most impressive thing, however, are the many information boards, providing in text and black-and-white photographs hard facts as well some of the legends that have grown up around Rallarvegen Source: Visit Narvik AS

108

| 109

Roundhouse At Riksgransen

Not long after Luossavaaraâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB) began mining Iron Ore in Kiruna around 1890 the railway became the focus of growth. The expansion of the network would allow transportation of the mined Iron Ore from both Kiruna and Galliuare to a key harbours in Narvik in the North across the Norwegian border and Lulea to the South..

The Lokstall (Roundhouse) in Riksgransen

The line to Narvik passing Riksgransen was completed in 1899. Around this time rail transporting locomotives were steam powered, which relied on coal and water to travel great distances. Stations were located close together, approximately every mile along the route. Three custody houses were positioned along the route too, where train operatives would stay and monitor the tracks, checking the lines clear and running. Every few stations there was refuelling facilities which could replenish the trains coal and water stock. At Riksgransen these facilities were joined by a maintenance and turning base, trains

Typical Construction Drawing for the Lokstall

could be turned and stored or maintained in the dry and protected from the elements in the roundhouse (Lokstall). The image left top shows the completed Lokstall at Riksgransen in 1902.

These were often constructed of traditional materials walls of granite stone blocks and roofs of timber. Riksgransen is at the highest point along the Iron Ore Line and is exposed to the elements. The construction there-

The Border with Norway is marked by this monument

fore demands robust materials to provide adequate protection from the challenging environment. Granite is a very hard a durable material. The timber roof, pitched in an attempt to reduce snow build up.

The Lokstall at Riksgransen was located at the border between Sweden and Norway, around 50km from Narvik. It was designed to accommodate a number of Ore locomotives - dedicated ore conveyors. These were in need of

Old Vassijaure Station

constant repair and maintenance.

The harsh weather at the site in Riksgransen which is exposed and raised on a table in the landscape forced most of the main services to move to nearby Katterjok and Vassijaure in 1904.

Whats Left of The Lokstall in Riksgransen

Electrification of the network took place between 1915 and 1923. As a result fewer train service stations were required and a large number closed down. This saw the lokstall at Riksgransen close and with it, its timber roof was dismantled to be reused, whilst the stone walls would remain. These walls are still present today and provide a physical reminder of the heritage and industrial progression.

The stonework, of a particular language developed with involvement from LKAB and was used throughout the network for Lokstall and bridges. The remains have now become a museum piece.

Window Opening

More recently there has been designs completed and work started to construct a hotel at the site of the Riskgransen Lokstall. The hotel will surround parts of the walls and will incorporate this into the new internal spaces. The remaining external sections of wall will be restored. Construction work began mid 2017.

Proposed Elevations of The New Hotel

Render of the New Hotel Built Around The Lokstall

110

| 111

Old Vassijaure Station

Connection To Stockholm

North Cape

Railway map of the nordic countries

NORWEGIAN SEA

The main connection from Stockholm to the E

North came after the development of the lines

Harstad

Sortland

Abisko

Svolvær Leknes

to Gothenberg to the West, and Malmo to the

Narvik

Lødingen

Skutvik

Kiruna Kolari Ar

Kemijärvi Bodø

Gällivare

Fauske

Rovaniemi

South. The line to the North, which follows the

Jokkmokk

Baltic Coastline, was completed in 1894. The line

Arcti

Tornio/Torneå c cir cl

Kemi

Haparanda

Mo i Rana

Boden

Sandnessjøen NORTH AT L A N T I C O C E A N

navigates the coastline passing through Gavle,

Luleå

Mosjøen

Arvidsjaur

Oulu/Uleåborg

Storuman

Kontiomäki

Sundsvall, Umea and Lulea.

Kajaani

Nurmes

Ylivieska

Hällnäs

Kokkola/Karleby Hoting

Støren Oppdal

Dombås

in 1902 allowing a fast a safe connection to the

Bergen

Finse

Oslo airport Gardermoen

Nordagutu

Skien Larvik

Strömstad

Turku/Åbo

Mariehamn

Espoo/ Esbo

Kotka

Riihimäki

Vyborg

St.Petersburg Moscow (RUS)

Kerava/Kervo HELSINKI/ HELSINGFORS

Hanko/Hangö

Uppsala

Sala

Arlanda airport

Eskilstuna

Södertälje

Hallsberg Motala

Lidköping

Estonia

STOCKHOLM Nynäshamn

Göteborg Gothenburg

Hirtshals Hjørring

Norrköping Linköping

Skövde Falköping

SKAGERRAK

Kristiansand

Tranås Jönköping Borås

Nässjö

Värnamo Aalborg

Varberg

Alvesta

Oskarshamn

Visby

Berga

GOTLAND

Växjö Kalmar

Randers

Lithuania

ÖLAND

Halmstad

Grenå

Herning

Karlshamn

Karlskrona

Hässleholm Helsingborg Aarhus Helsingør Sölvesborg Horsens Hillerød Kristianstad Kalundborg Kastrup Lund airport Simrishamn Fredericia Roskilde Malmö Nyborg Ystad KØBENHAVN Odense Copenhagen Korsør Trelleborg BORNHOLM Rønne Svendborg Sønderborg Nykøbing Falster Flensburg Rødby

Ringkøbing

Silkeborg

Vejle Kolding

Esbjerg

K AT T E G AT

Västervik Hultsfred

Vetlanda

Frederikshavn

Hanstholm

Skive Viborg

Ribe

Tønder

Russia

Sassnitz (D) Puttgarden (D)

conflict - the coastal lines were vulnerable to

Lappeenranta/ Villmanstrand

Kouvola

Västerås

Karlstad

Trollhättan

Holstebro

The incentive to build inland lines came through

ÅLAND

Frövi

Laxå

Lahti

Nyköping

Thisted

drawn modes of transport.

Hämeenlinna/ Tavastehus

Gävle

Avestad

Örebro

Halden

Sandefjord

Parikkala

Imatra Toijala

Kokemäki

Falun

Fagersta

Sunne

Savonlinna/Nyslott Mikkeli/ St.Michel

Orivesi

Tampere/ Tammerfors

Söderhamn

Ludvika

Kil Moss Fredrikstad

Skagen

passengers which previously required horse-

Torsby

Jyväskylä

Vainikkala

Borlänge Kongsvinger

Lillestrøm

OSLO Drammen

Stavanger

Hudiksvall

Rättvik Storvik

Leksand

Kongsberg

Egersund

various mines along route for both cargo and

Mora

Elverum Hamar

Gjøvik

Hønefoss

Haugesund

Pori/Björneborg Ljusdal

Bollnäs

Gol

Geilo

Flåm Myrdal

Sundsvall

Orsa

Lillehammer

Voss

Härnösand

Joensuu

Varkaus Pieksämäki

Germany

Rostock (D)

Po l a n d

Travemünde (D)

Updated 01.11.2012. MA104.

connects with the Iron Ore line which runs from

to Boden, a few KMs outside Lulea. This then

Lulea to Narvik. Iron Ore Line was completed

Tynset

Kuopio

Parkano Haapamäki

Ånge

Røros

Åndalsnes

Seinäjoki

Bräcke

Ålesund

The first Northern line connected Stockholm

Molde

Vaasa/Vasa Örnsköldsvik

Långsele

Östersund

Åre

Hell Storlien

Umeå

Mellansel

Trondheim

Kristiansund

Undersåker

Enafors

Vännäs

Iisalmi

Swedish Rail Network Today

attack from ships in the Baltic Sea. The inland lines connected major cities from Stockholm

www.nsb.no

www.sj.se

www.dsb.dk

www.vr.fi

through to Gullivare in the North. In 1985 new high speed lines became active on the inland line.

Today its possible to travel via the night train from Stockholm central station to Narvik. The

Aboard the Northern Line

journey time to Narvik is 18 hours, Kiruna 15 hours and to Lulea 10 hours.

Fun Fact

The stretch of railway between Kiruna and Riksgränsen was the first major railway line in Sweden to be electrified in 1915

Stockholm Central

Photo: Ash Kirk, Unit04

112

| 113

HISTORY OF CONSTRUCTION

1900 – Kiruna’s year of birth. The society is officially named Kiruna and the town plan is passes and becomes adopted. The first settlers spend the winter in Kiruna. The population increase dramatically; ten years later the population is 7500.

1903 - The ceremonial opening of Malmbanan, the railroad that stretches between Luleå and Narvik.

1909 - The Hjalmar Lundbohm Cottage, Kiruna’s second building and managing director Hjalmar Lundbohms residence, is finished. He is LKAB’s first managing director, and is considered the founder of Kiruna town. Lundbohm had a vast network with architects and artists, and this came to have a big impact on the town. The Hjalmar Lundbohm Cottage is one of the listed buildings that is

Hjalmar Lundbohm Regarded as the founder of Kiruna

being moved as a consequence of the continued mining, and from the year 2017 the building has found a new location in Luossavaara. It is said that an indigenous Sami reindeer herder pointed the first

1912 - The ceremonial opening of Kiruna church. The architect is

group of miners towards the iron ore and just over 100 years later,

Gustav Wickman. The church will be moved to a site between the

here we are. LKAB are now drilling past 1350 meters with no end of

Kiruna Cemetery and the new Town Hall, according to the new town

the iron deposit in site. As the miners drill deeper, so does it affect the

plan. The move will be complex and the question is not just technical-

town of Kiruna that has enjoyed the benefits of the mining boom for

ly how this will be executed, but also how ‘soft values’, such as memo-

as long as it has been known.

ries, greif and joy, will be moved.

Kiruna - A city in change

1950’s - The lake Luossajävi, who’s name means Salmon Lake, and is located by the mining mountain Kiirunavaara, is attenuated, to

Ever since Kiruna was founded the city has been intimately associat-

allow mining of the so-called Sea Ore. Parts of the lake has been

ed with the mining in Kiruna.

emptied during several turns since then.

The stretch of the mine, both in width and depth has reached levels no one could foreseen when the community of Kiruna was once

1963 - The opening ceremony of the Town Hall. In 2001 the building

planned, and now parts of the city must be moved and rebuilt again.

became listed, but this decision was revoked in 2014, since it has to

This timeline focuses on Kiruna from a city-transforming perspective.

come down due to the continuous mining. Parts of the town hall will live on in other places around Kiruna town; the clock tower on the

1890 - [Image of house] The mining company LKAB is founded and

buildings roof is being moved to the site for the new town hall for

Kiruna’s first building, B:1, is erected by the lake shore of Luossajävi

example.

Kiruna’s History a complete timeline of events Kiirunavaara

Kiruna town lives in the shadow of Mt. Kirunavaara

Timeline of Kiruna’s entire history at the Old Town Hall building

1970 – Kiruna,s Council High School, the Hjalmar Lund-

2004 - The official start of the city transformation. LKAB states, in a letter sent to

bohm School is formed. It is today located within the

Kiruna Municipality, that the mining will affect the urban development of the town. A

area that is affected by the continuous mining industry

prognosis is presented of what impact the mine will have for the town in the future,

Therefore a new school will be built next to the new town

and how the cracks in the ground will stretch in towards the town centre. Since the

centre.

mining is the financial and economic base of the town’s existence, the municipality agrees to move parts of the city.

The part of the city that is named on (the island) which was founded at the base of the mine in the early days of

2005 - The first public dialogs, consultations and information meetings take place

the 1900’s, is slowly being phased out, and emptied due

with the residents before the coming move of the city.

to continuous mining industry. It used to hold housing, community services, commercial activities, and industries.

2006 - The road that leads to LKAB is remade and relocated due to crack forma-

The area was closed down in 2006.

tions in the ground.

1997 - The southern parts of the lake Luossajävi, is being

2007 - The detail master plan of the new Kiruna town is presented.

attenuated, to allow mining of the ore that stretches

2008 - LKAB decides to build a new main level in the mine, KU3 1365. This means

under the lake.

that the mining will go even deeper into the ground.

2000 - Kiruna celebrates 100 years. 2009 - The new Kiruna sewer system is completed. The earlier sewer system was

116

| 117

located near the area of future mining (and the mining worker lads

ore body.

feared being surprised and covered in shait). To start with lot of Kiruna’s new town plan is invisible and exist underground.

The architectural competitions for a new town centre and a new town hall is decided.

Start of construction for the new railroad behind the mining mountain Kiruna.

The railroad station closes and a new, temporary solution is opened.

A new power grid system is constructed, since the old transformation

The first infrastructures for the new town is completed. Tekniska Verk-

station was located in the ground-deformation area, near the mining

en i Kiruna AB completes a new main culvert for long-district heating

mountain. The company Vattenfall (meaning Waterfall) operates the

for the new town centre.

project, that is one of the largest power grid system investments that has been made in Sweden.

2014 - The ceremonial beginning of the construction of the new Town Hall takes place. This is the first building construction project in

2010 - The Viscaria road driveway to LKAB is closed, and the new

the new town centre.

entrance road towards the south is opened. The future town master plan for Kiruna,s new town centre, is passed

2011 - A contract between LKAB and Kiruna Municipality is signed.

and adopted officially by the city council.

The deal holds an agreement of the founding of the Gruvstadsparken (meaning Mining City Park) between the residential areas and the

A new contract is signed between LKAB and the municipality of

mine, so that no one will have the mine as its closest neighbour. As

Kiruna. The contract is the agreed deal of the next area which will be

the houses are being moved or comes down, the park moves closer

torn down and moved. The deal establishes the compensation for

to the city. This park will be moved in several turns but will be open to

municipal infrastructure and land, communal facilities, and Kiruna-

the public. The park will move as long as the mining continues and is

bostäder’s (meaning Kiruna Housings) commercial facilities.

a collaboration between Kiruna Town and LKAB.

2015 - The winding-up of the residential area Ullspiran, which is On the 19th of September the city council decides the new Kiruna

affected by the mining, begins. Today this area is a Mine City Park. In

city centre will be located three kilometres east of the present town

the park were Ullspiran once existed there is now an artistic installa-

centre. The city council also decides of a architectural competition to

tion called “loggbok” (logbook). This is a way to preserve the memory

design it.

of the houses. The forms that is the art installation, comes from the plan drawings of the houses that once existed.

2012 - A new part of the railway behind the mining mountain Kiirun-

A new part of Road 870 towards Nikkaluokta is completed. The pre-

avaara is completed.

vious part of this road is closed due to mining.

2013 - A new dam in the south end of Luossajävi is completed. The

2016 - The programme for the new town square and park is passed

new dam is constructed to secure continous ore mining north in the

and adopted. It is a conclusion of the parameters and the most

desired requests about the new town that has emerged from public consultations.

Parts of the new city centre is sanitated and ground work for building construction begins. The detailed plan is completed.

The businesses who plans to build and invest in the new Kiruna town, signs the contracts. At the end of the year

The first building since the start of Kiruna city transformation has moved to its new location. The labor building B5, LKAB’s fifth building, was built in 1899 and was used mainly to house the city’s bachelors.

the programmes for commercial shopping along the road E10 is ready. This means that the planning for a large new shopping area can proceed. It will be located adjacent to the new part of E10 and interconnected to the new Handelsgatan (meaning Shopping Street). the functions that the old town hall held and the term “Kirunabornas Vardagsrum”

2017 - The first houses moves. The labour residential villa

(meaning “The Residents of Kiruna’s Livingroom”) conveys how the building has been

called B5 is the first building to be moved to its new loca-

used.

tion in Luossavaara. In total eight historical buildings are being moved during the year; the Hjalmar Lundbohms

2019-2024 - The first buildings around the central square, and the Shopping Street

Cottage and the Bolagshotellet (meaning The Corporato-

is estimated to be finished, and the commercial activity moves from the present cen-

in Hotel) for example are part of these. The town-houses

tre to the new one.

on Lingonstigen (road, meaning The Lingonberry Trail) is demolished along with the old railroad station, Järnväg-

The first stage of the City Park is estimated to be finalised. The new Cultural Centre/

shotellet (meaning The Railroad Hotel), Hotell Rallaren

Community Centre is estimated to be finalised, and a new elementary school is esti-

(meaning Hotel The Navvy) and the last residential hous-

mated to open in the new Kiruna.

es in Ullspiran. The new Swimming Pool Complex, and the new high-school is estimated to be finThe construction of the new part of the road E10 begins.

ished in 2024.

2018 - The new Town Hall, Kristallen (meaning The Crys-

2033 - The second part of the City Park is estimated to be finished. The long park

tal), is completed. The building contains, amongst other

will grow along with the new city. Malmvägsparken will be the green Livingroom of

things, the new Regional Art Museum. Several appreci-

Kiruna, and a meeting point for young and old, filled with movement and experienc-

ated features from the old Town Hall are being recreat-

es that comes from ice skating rinks, cross-country ski trails, and warm, lit meeting

ed in the new building, for example the welcoming and

points wintertime’s. The park will have a close and immediate relation with both the

generous entry hall space. The new town hall contains all

town and the surrounding nature.

118

| 119

Kiruna Church

The Kiruna Church

Perhaps the most iconic building in Kiruna, this red timber church, designed by Gustav Wickman and built between 1909 and 1912, originally a gift from LKAB to the congregation. Designed to resemble a traditional Sami cabin, it was voted Swedenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful building in 2013 and will be dismantled and reassembled in the new town centre in 2025-2026.

LKAB Homes Industrial Vernacular Style Centuries before Kiruna was founded in 1900, the presence of iron ore at Kiirunavaara and Luossavaara had been known by the local Sami population. Today the city of Kiruna supports the largest underground iron ore mine in the world, with activities extending to a depth of over eight-hundred metres and a network of four-hundred kilometres of maintained underground roads supporting excavations. Hjalmar Lundbohm, the first director of LKAB mining company (formed in 1890), is widely regarded as the

B1 LKAB house - the first recorded

founder of Kiruna and has thus played a major role in establishing the architectural identity of the local

vernacular style of the region. After observing the disjointed and illegal way in which a ‘mining slum

B1 is Kiruna’s oldest residential building, and was constructed in 1890, the

town’ had grown out of Malmerget mine, situated

same year that LKAB was founded. The modest timber cabin has only two

eight kilometres to the south of Kiruna, Lundbohm

rooms and housed the very first miners who moved to Kiruna to work in the

decided that he wanted his mining town to develop

mine. It was mainly used as a shelter to spend the night in, rather than a fully

into a model community and, with the help of archi-

bonified home.

tect Per-Olov Hallman, drafted up a detailed cityplan that is to this day still regarded as a ‘masterpiece of friendly city planning’. This vision, serviced by LKAB funding, included multiple residential units for workers and their families, a hotel for visiting politicians, a church, a hospital, police and fire stations, and a tram network that could service the needs of both mine workers and civilians alike. Many of these original buildings are still intact, and cross-section of them have been selected as candidates to be moved and accommodated for within the new city plan of

B2 LKAB house

Hjalmar Lundbohmsgarden (B2)

Kiruna. These traditional timber structures are very important to the town’s cultural identity and consti-

Originally called B2, this was the second building every constructed in Kiruna

tute the original contemporary vernacular style of a

and the former home of Hjalmar Lundbohm who lived in it until his retirement

region that saw huge industrial changes during the

in 1920. This large structure was built in four phases between 1895 and 1909

twentieth-century.

and the artist Christian Eriksson contributed strongly to its design.

120

| 121

Bolagshotellat

This striking yellow hotel, built in 1901, is where LK-

Ingenjorsvillan

ABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customers and visiting politicians continue to stay when they visit Kiruna. Due to its large size it

This house was built for LKABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structural engineer in 1900. Complete with

will be moved in three or four parts to its new ad-

a glass porch, bay windows and dormers, this grand villa was originally in-

dress in the Luossavaara area and is planned to

tended for inhabitation by one family with a housekeeper, chef and maid,

resume its function in early 2019.

but has since been converted into two rented flats.

Ingenjorsvillan

Lansmansbostaden

This historic building will be moved into the new city centre, rather than the Luossavaara area. Originally built in 1906 as a residence for Kiruna’s first police officer, who was recruited from Stockholm, the house has nine rooms in total.

Blackhornen

LKAB’s green, red and yellow workers houses are extremely important to Kiruna’s vernacular identity. Designed by Gustav Wickman and built in the early twentieth century, they are nicknamed ‘Ink Pots’ by local residents because of their resemblance to ink pots for fountain pens. There are plans for fourteen of these houses to be moved over the coming years.

122

| 123

Blackhornen

Indigenous Vernacular Style

Although the Sami people inhabit the same limited geographical region, their culture maintains a wide range of occupations, including the fishermen living in coastal areas, as well as the more well-known reindeer herders travelling across the tundra. In response to their different occupations the hardy Sami population created several different vernacular structures which would fulfil their specific requirements.

The lavuu shelter is a simple, easily transportable system of structural poles and reindeer hides, used by the indigenous Sami tribes of Scandinavia. The shelterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design responds to their migratory culture, and can be easily disassembled, transported and erected, as they follow their semi-domesticated reindeer herds across the continent. Because of the harsh arctic conditions, native to their environment, it must be able to withstand strong wind-loads, and this is achieved by grounding it with a wide, stable base, and using fourteen arched lateral support rods

Goahti Construction

Lavvu Shelter

which work together to absorb external forces. The doorway, usually reinforced with wooden slats, is always designed to face away from the prevailing winds, and the lavuu covering, made in two halves, is traditionally made up of several reindeer pelts sewed together with a bone needle and guy thread; the summer covering can be made of birch bark. Despite the lavuuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primitive appearance, without the help of modern construction and advanced technologies, the Sami people have created a structural form that not only meets the requirements for survival, but also Meld House

maintains a level of thermal comfort for its inhabitants. Due to the high latitude of Northern Scan-

ness of heat radiated by the fire, whilst simultaneously maintaining a constant

dinavia, the sun is almost completely absent as a

velocity of air currents to reduce the potential for pockets of differing internal

suitable thermal source for large periods of the year,

temperatures. Heat rises with the smoke, through the topmost part of the

and the shelter has been designed to rely on interior

structure which creates a constant exit that prevents the entrance of colder

heat gain rather than exterior sources. A key design

air from the outside. In addition to environmental considerations, the circular

consideration is the central hearth, and the circular

form also creates a welcoming social area inside the shelter and produces an

form of the shelter helps to maximise the effective-

atmosphere where everyone is considered of equal importance.

Lavvu Shelter

124

| 125

The goahti shelter is very similar to the lavuu, but

replaced with wood resting on the structure, covered with birch bark and

constructed on a slightly larger scale, creating a

then peat to provide a more durable construction.

more elongated shape when compared to the circular form its counterpart. The primary difference

The goathe shelter, or earth house, on the other hand is a permanent

between the two designs is characterised by the top

structure used by Sami fisherman as a base camp for ice fishing in the

of the structures, with a lavuu having its poles com-

winter months. These constructions are usually located in a more shel-

ing together and the goahti keeping them separat-

tered environment, when compared to the lavuu, such as the lee side of

ed. The internal framework of the traditional goahti

a prominent hill. The dome-like form gives the shelter both a minimum

consists of pairs of naturally bow-shaped pine rafters

exposed surface area and a maximum amount of structural stability. The

with holes bored near the ends and in the middle.

form allows for quick heat response and protection from high winds and

Each pair of rafters is held in place by a smoke pole

the cover of winter snow drifts creates another layer of insulation from ex-

and two cross pieces which fit into the top and mid-

ternal conditions. Despite being inhabited episodically, the goathe can last

dle holes respectively. Two door posts are attached

for more than ten years. The sod brick construction fully utilizes the ma-

to the front of the smoke pole and a single post at-

terials potential and over time the shelter melds together, becoming more

tached to the back before fourteen slender poles are

solid and permanent with age. Like the lavuu, the dwelling is very much an

laid against the completed internal framework. The

environmentally sustainable construction, but in this case the use of more

covering is usually made up canvas or reindeer pelts

permanent building materials manages to maintain a minimal amount of

that have been laid against the structure before

environmental impact whilst eliminating the need for annual labour and

being tied down; however, there can be more than

construction.

one covering and versions exist where the canvas is

Early photograph of an indigenous Sami living in Swedish Lapland

126

| 127

Study project for sub-arctic town: sun protection, wind-catching, sense of community, privacy Source: Journal of the Royal Society of Arts Vol. 130, No. 5314 (SEPTEMBER 1982), pp. 642-659

Climate Adaptation and Ground Conditions Architecture the protector, modifier and mediator Architecture the protector, modifier and mediator in the cold regions of the sub-arctic north. Erskine in his ”Democratic Architecture – the universal and useful art: project and reflections” lecture delivered to the Royal Society of Arts on 31.03.1982 urged against reducing the considerations of ways to adapt buildings to the climate to merely their

Frescati, Allhuset, Stockholm University Aerodynamic shape of architecture coming from considerations of snow Source: Journal of the Royal Society of Arts Vol. 130, No. 5314 (SEPTEMBER 1982), pp. 642-659

physical features: “When considering the problems of building in the north, to talk of an architecture of climate would be to tell only half of the story. It is people in the climate, the cities and the landscape, people alone or in the families or crowds that count. Ordinary people, not architects, people who sometimes are born in the north and know it and love it (or hate it), other people who are moving from more populous area to small isolated communities in the wilderness, and who must be given the amenities they previously enjoyed.” Erskine’s strategies: -

Ortdrivaren in Kiruna, co-operative apartments, shops and Church of the Polar Circle - the embodiment of the idea of winter the cell surrounded by the summer units Source: Journal of the Royal Society of Arts Vol. 130, No. 5314 (SEPTEMBER 1982), pp. 642-659

Shaping building with a completely protect-

ed winter part surrounded by separated sheltering outdoor places for spring and autumn. Beyond them there is free place for summer life in the natural landscape with which the north is so richly endowed. -

Here houses should open like flowers to the

sun o spring and summer but, also like flowers, turn their backs on the shadows and the cold of northern winds, offering sun-warmth and wind protection to their terraces -

ment and secondly, accumulating many functions under a common envelope for economy of heating and community of function would ideally result in an

His idea developed around winter cell unit

surrounded by but separated from , the summer units. The first envelops and protects life, and the other shields but makes it more pleasant. Momentous reality and a gracious accoutrement. -

period two things are required: Firs, reducing the envelope for space confine-

tion and heating. -

The warm period. With regards to warm time and especially its short-

ness special summer arrangements of light and open architectural elements should be introduced to accommodate the intensified use

The Cold. For the adaptation to the cold

128

‘introvert’ architecture of simple volumes and intensive experience of protec-

| 129

Snow. Due to snow, cities and buildings should be designed in air,

aerodynamic way, sweeping space for clearing ma-

mosquitos, suggesting that variable screening can be necessary. Wind drift

chines should be introduced as well as catchment,

in snow can be utilized positively for clearance given correct aerodynam-

lay-up and disposal areas for snow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Snow controls

ics. Snow aesthetics must be part of northern experience.

produce snow aesthetics.â&#x20AC;?

Ground Frost. In the lower latitudes the

Air Drainage. In very cold weather there is often relative calm. The

drainage of cold air to low places into pockets in the terrain, townships

ground has a more equable climate than the air,

or buildings becomes very apparent and can lead to great temperature

and could be piled up against the building to help

differences. Drainage away from buildings and communities should be

protect it. In the higher ones the thermal instability of the permafrost layer may lead buildings to float above and renounce contact with the ground. This produces different aesthetics depending on situation. -

Light conditions. Extremes of summer light

and winter darkness produce psychological stress. There is a need for night shading in the summer and for cold exclusion in the winter as well for the light during the day. This needs to the need of shutter and the expressiveness of variable windows. Outdoor illumination and snow reflections reduce winter darkness. -

Wind. Cold air movement gives intense dis-

comfort, and wind protection becomes vital. However, controlled summer air movement disperses

Ski hotel, Borgfjall, North Sweden. Mainly wooden structure, ski slope on roof, local materials, simple finishes, low cost. Source: Journal of the Royal Society of Arts Vol. 130, No. 5314 (SEPTEMBER 1982), pp. 642-659

Built part of Ortdrivaren by Ralph Erskine project for Kiruna Source: Nordic Exodus: Moving Kiruna Published on May 29, 2012

facilitated, and pockets avoided. Town structures, sit-

tensely cold weather the denser cold air flows from the hills and collects in

ing and landscaping will have, as a result, a specific

the hollows and valleys.

character

Solar radiation. This is always a positive

City structure. Continuous strips of higher buildings can encompass

and help protect a township, but must, in lower scale be repeated within its

phenomenon except during summer nights. As solar

structure. Each will improve the microclimate of zones for gardens and small-

radiation is positive and the air is usually cool or

er buildings; they will reflect warmth and sunlight on their southern side and

cold, shadow is mostly unpleasant. North elevations

protect against the cold north winds. Thus can arise a typical and rhythmic

and windows are cold in winter but can be undesir-

structure in the township.

ably hot in the night sun of summer and this should

be minimized. South slopes ad south walls are a

umes which have restricted window size, and are surrounded by light struc-

source of comfort and advantageous for heat econ-

tures. Where the pleasure of more temperate season may be enjoyed.

omy. They also give night-shadow in the summer.

Some buildings have concave/convex wall for easing the snowdrift

The long angle and 24-hour duration of the summer

The highest building (10 and 13 storey high) placed to North

sun give problems with solar heat gainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the variable

They have a steep roof pitch sloping to the north to reduce shadow

window minimizes this problem. Solar gain can be

These roof are designed to prevent snow and ice sliding down the

utilized as an energy resource. The sun is also the

ground level

creation of form.

Microclimate. For microclimatic reasons a

Architecture. Architecture should consist of well insulated simple vol-

The whole scheme is built over a basement garage with a warmed

circulation street connecting the buildings.

township should be built on a slope where radiation

from the low arctic sun is more intensive than on the

minimum surface with moderate size triple-glazed windows.

flat country, and where some protection from the

cold northerly winds can be found. Further advan-

polystyrene insulation internally.

tage can be gained to the south-east to catch the

early morning radiation which tempers the cold night

deep freezing of fish and game.

air. But in more extreme climates the low parts of

valleys should also be avoided, for the still of in-

and wind protected balcony.

Above the base rise the rounded and insulated buildings of a

The cross-wall construction is faced with Siporex units and foamed

Small exterior balconies are designed as hanging racks for natural

Windows of living rooms can be opened to form an Internal heated

Section of 13-floor tower in Ortdrivaren by Ralph Erskine Source: Nordic Exodus: Moving Kiruna Published on May 29, 2012

130

| 131

One of the towers of Kvarteret Ortdrivaren, built by Erskine in 1966

Ralph Erskine Architecture and Town Planning in the North Erskine’s work in Kiruna where initially to be a complete renewal of the city centre but the development ended up limited mostly to a neighbourhood called Ortdrivaren , but the ideas he had about Nordic urban planning became majorly influential nonetheless. His reflections on the scatteredness and isolation of Nordic settlements in the harsh climates had foothold, but he found it was difficult to break with tradition. He could point out how the exceptional costs of road building, maintenance and snow clearance, as well as the discomfort of moving in an open windy community in the winter blizzards where no less than problematic at best. To combat this, he suggested continuous runs of buildings where people could move outdoors in enclosed and heated walkways, in a much denser fabric. Seeing the compromises that where made in the actual development, Erskine was even more convinced of the need to find new forms for northern communities. An example of his reflections can be seen in this abstract from Architecture

Fig 02. R. Erskine building ‘Snusdosan’ in Kiruna

and Town Planning in the North: hood buildings: “When considering the problems of building in the north to talk of an architecture of climate would

- The streamline of the housing counteracts unwanted turbulence and heat

be to tell only half of the story. It is people in the

loss due to high surface area.

climate, the cities and the landscape, in families or

- The roofs to the north are sharply sloping in order to not shade underlying

crowds that count. Ordinary people, not architects,

buildings.

people who sometimes are born in the north and

- Pockets on the roof prevent snow falling down on the sidewalk below.

know it and love it or hate it, other people who are

- The small balconies are only attached in order to reduce heat loss from the

moving from more populous areas to small isolated

main body.

communities in the wilderness, and must be given

- The balconies were supposed to function as natural freezers in winter.

the amenities they previously enjoyed.”

- The balconies are located on the southeastern side to capture the early morning sun that softens the cold night air.

Ralph Erskine took into account both the functional

- The houses were built on a slope to take advantage of the sunlight from the

and the aesthetic when he designed the neighbour-

low Arctic sun.

132

| 133

IMAGE REQUIRED

One of the towers of Kvarteret Ortdrivaren, built by Erskine in 1966

Kiruna Scan-Scapes Unit 04â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Site Studies

3D scan of an original timber house built by LKAB built for the workers

134

| 135

3D scan of the Kiruna Church, built between 1909 and 1912 by Gustav Wickman

136

| 137

3D facade scan of shopfronts along Kirunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highstreet

3D scan of an original timber house built by LKAB built for the workers

138

| 139

3D scan of rock formation with snow settled on it

3D scan of an artistic sculpture in Stockholm, with colourful hats

140

| 141

3D scan of Ralph Erksineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kvarteret Ortdrivaren, Kiruna

Assignment 04 Context Capture Scan Ralph Erskine Building

3D scan showing the ornamental timber facade of a house in Kiruna

142

| 143

Detailed 3D scan of a rock formation covered in snow

144

| 145

ECONOMY OF KIRUNA

Major deposits -mines around Kiruna

Economical Structure of Kiruna Employment MAIN PROFESSIONS • Iron ore industry (19.6% of all jobs) • Space tourism (+100 employees) •

Tourism

industry

supplies

considerable

employment • High technology positions of jobs • Vehicle testing

There are three main departments of economic structure in Kiruna: Kiruna

• Mine • Space research – Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) • Tourism

EMPLOYMENT • Tourism generates about 2,000 job opportunities annually in the county as a whole, which can be compared with the number of job opportunities in agriculture and forestry • In Kiruna 300 persons are employed in tourism

LKAB industry

Tourism is another important sector of the local economy. Kiruna is The public sector is one of the most important

often called the tourism capital of Norrbotten County, hosting nearly

employers in Kiruna. The municipality hires al-

half of all guest nights in the county. Between the most popular tourists

most 17% of all employed and together with

attractions are fishing, hunting and skiing.

the county administration and other public administration and services around 28% of all the employed. To finance its needs, the municipality as well as the county have established their own taxes on the inhabitants’ revenues. In 2012, these taxes were set respectively at the level of 23.05% for the municipality and 10.18% for the county (the total being 33.23%). In Sweden, the total municipal/county taxes vary between 28.89% and 34.52%.

148

| 149

Dog sledding tours on frozen river

Icehotel 365

28th Ice Hotel Rendition

Cafe - Lounge

Souvenir Shop

Ice Hotel campus winter illustration

Kiruna’s Touristic Attractions Borrowing a river The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is a feat of construction and a true wonder. We were lucky enough to squeeze a guided tour of the hotel into our Kiruna excursion. Located 200 miles north of the Arctic circle, the hotel is the world’s first hotel to be constructed from ice and snow. Founded in 1989, it is redesigned and reconstructed every winter. Artists are commissioned to create individual designs for each room, with only one thing in common - a bed made of ice. Temperatures are as low as -5°C inside, but the excitement coming from the experience of spending a night here may

Interior of Ice Hotel reception

make you disgerdard this inconvenience, even more so if you decide to say your marriage vows at the ice chapel!

Summers in Jukkasjarvi were popular around tourists and a variety of activities took place around the Torne River. In 1989 Yngve Bergqvist (who would go on to be the founder of the ice hotel), was inspired by Japanese ice sculpting tradition. With the help from two professional sculptors that he met while travelling,

One of the Ice Hotel sculpture bedrooms

he invited artists to Jukkasjarvi to attend a workshop. Inspired by works produced, the following winter the first ice hotel was constructed on the Torne river itself.

Years later, the ice hotel was officially branded internationally and this year it was rebuilt for 28th time. The construction of the hotel’s external walls is built from 2-tonne blocks of ice. Towards the end of the winter season (when the ice is at its thickest), the blocks of ice are cut from the Torne river. Then, they are stored throughout the milder months in a large fridge. At the beginning of winter season they are lifted into place and bonded together with a splash of water acting as the mortar.

150

| 151

Ice church

They say that the way the river runs creates less bubbles and imperfections in the ice, which gives it its clarity and deep shimmer. In 2016 the ‘Icehotel 365‘ was introduced, which is a more permanent structure with sleeping accommodation, a bar, a chiller room and a space for sculpting events.

As it used to be in the 80’s, activities still take place on

Ice harvesting from frozen Torne

the river and as we arrived, a trailer of huskies waited

River

ready to embark on a dog sled expedition.

Ice Hotel facts: • The construction of Ice hotel requires approximately 1000 tons of ice and 30,000 cubic metres of ‘snice’ (combination of snow and ice). • The ice church hosts just over 100 weddings every year. • The amount of snow needed to build rooms would be enough to make 700 million snowballs. Ice Hotel 365 External view

Light Phenomenon

As solar flares erupt from the sun’s surface, they head outwards towards the Earth in the form of electrons and protons at speeds of 1,000km per second. A large portion of them is deflected away from earth thanks to the earth’s magnetic field, however some supercharged particles make it into our atmosphere and this mainly happens towards the poles where the magnetic field is weaker. As the protons and

Creative sculpting process

electrons collide with the earth’s oxygen and nitrogen particles, the reaction causes photons (light) to be omitted creating the dancing wave of light known as the Aurora Borealis in the northern hemisphere and the Aurora Australis in the southern hemisphere. The most common aurora colour is a pale yellow/green produced primarily by the oxygen molecules some 60 miles above the earth’s surface. Extensive research was undertaken in the mid 1950’s, which

Dog Sledding Tour

have helped us gain an understanding of the science behind the dancing lights. However, ancient folks believed that the lights symbolised the goddess of the dawn as well as various other beliefs throughout history.

Throughout the ages, man has been in awe of northern lights and tried to make sense of them through myth or legend. For the Sami, it was important to meet Aurora Borealis

the northern lights with reverence. Whistling, singing,

diagram

joking, disrespectfully whilst the lights were showing was believed to be dangerous.

During our trip to Kiruna we were sadly unable to see the Northern Lights due to misty and over cast conditions. However it was vaguely visible on the first night of our trip. Northern Lights in Kiruna are available to see from September until late March.

Kiruna

Aurora Forecast for northern hemisphere

Northern Lights and locals

152

| 153

Luossa Hill (Luossavaara)

Luossavaara is the site in the north of Kiruna city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; now inactive iron ore mine formerly operated by the Swedish mining company LKAB. Currently it is used as a ski-resort as well as a hiking path called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Midnattsolstigenâ&#x20AC;? (the Midnight Sun Trail).

A ski resort has three lifts, four slopes and a park with jumps and rails. The total length of the piste is 2500 meters and the fall height is 156 meters.

During summer, ski-resort is mostly inactive, used for

Luossa hill ski resort

downhill cycling in a warmer weather.

Kiruna Downhill cycling association

Aerial view of Kiruna with the Luossavaara mountain skiing area

Esrange Space Centre

In the 1960s Esrange was established as an ESRO sounding rocket launching range located in Kiruna (Sweden). This location was chosen because it was generally agreed that it was important to carry out a sounding rocket programme in the aurora zone, and for this reason it was essential that ESRO equip itself with a suitable range in the northern latitudes. Access to Kiruna was good by air, road and rail, and the launching range was relatively close to the town of Kiruna. Finally and perhaps decisively, Esrange could be located near Kiruna Geophysical Observatory

Esrange Satellite Management Services

(subsequently renamed to Swedish Institute of Space Physics)

Today Kiruna base is used by the international scientific community for launching sounding rockets for microgravity and atmospheric research as well as high-altitude balloons for astronomy, atmospheric research and drop tests of space and aerial vehicles. Three main programmes, Texus, Maser and Maxus, dominate the rocket activities at Esrange and support microgravity research for ESA and DLR, the Germany

Kiruna Space Campus from the air

space agency.

To date, the facilities of Esrange have seen the launches of 550 rockets and 520 balloons and now include a large satellite ground station. With plans on the way for the development of launch capabilities for small satellites, Esrange has grown into one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest ground stations, serving a large variety of customers.

Each year, Esrange also conducts Rocket and Balloon Experiments for University Students (REXUS/BEXUS). This program allows students from universities and higher education colleges across Europe to carry out scientific and technological experiments on

154

| 155

EISCAT Radar antenna in November

research rockets and balloons. Each year, two rockets

fruitful partnership with

and two balloons are launched, allowing to carry out

the Swedish Institute

up to 20 experiments designed and built by student

of Space Physics. The

teams. The REXUS/BEXUS program is realized under

company

a bilateral Agency Agreement between the German

agreement with Virgin

Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish National

Galactic

Space Board (SNSB). The Swedish share of the

whereby

Spaceport

payload has been made available to students from

Sweden would be the

other European countries through collaboration with

first spaceport outside

the European Space Agency (ESA).

the USA that Virgin

signed

2007,

Galactic could use for Looking into the future, there are even more ambitious plans. Private company Spaceport Sweden aims to make Kiruna Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier space hub, based on 50

flight campaigns.

Plan showing Esrange rocket launch field area, where forestry and outdoor activities are limited.

years of scientific expertise and Esrangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very

Students launching balloon

Texus 48 launch in 2011

A REXUS rocket is launched from Esrange in Kiruna, Sweden, 2008

156

| 157

Disclaimer*: The following pages consist of both primary research in the form of Unit04â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interactions/discussions with various stakeholders involved in the Masterplanning process supplemented by information (in the form of diagrams, drawings and images) produced by White Arkitekter

NEW KIRUNA MASTERPLANNING WHITE ARCHITECTS + KIRUNA MUNICIPALITY

160

| 161

Kiruna timeline of events

Why is Kiruna Moving? a look into the events leading up to this decision Kiruna will need to move in order to avoid falling into the mine that is has grown up around. Near 3000 homes, schools and a hopsital will be knocked down. 3km’s east however, a newly designed town will be built.

Kiruna

Travelling to Kiruna makes it seem like a remote

From the documentary: How to move a city?

arctic settlement. Currently, the centre of Kiruna is a car park and this has been a highlight to people that Kiruna’s new town must not fall into careless planning and management, but rather, new Kiruna should be a shining example to the world of what a new town could and should be like.

Kiruna can be an eerily quiet place with the streets often half empty. This is Sweden’s Northernmost City,

Competition entry from Tham & Videgard Arkitekter for New Kiruna Master Plan

situated some 90 miles into the Arctic Circle and a 75 mile drive to the nearest town - Gallivare. The town is home to about 23, 000 people and 11, 000 snowmobiles. Kiruna, otherwise a silent bystander, has recently becoming a global point of discussion as its proposed move is the largest if not the only Competition entry from Tham & Videgard Arkitekter for New Kiruna Master Plan

one of its kind.

Kiruna’s current location is both the reason for its existence as well as the reason for its potential demise: this patch of Lapland - is home to one of the largest iron deposits in the world. After the Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB) mining company was established in 1890 and railway to the area built, the city was thus founded in 1900. From early on, as the mine expanded so did Kiruna. Competition winning entry by White Arkitekter

162

| 163

Why is Kiruna moving?

Quite simply, the extensive mining operation has threatened the city itself. The ever expanding activities of LKAB are leading to ground subsidence and causing land to sink, cracks to appear in buildings which would result in them collapsing into the ground, if they were not demolished beforehand (estimated towards the end of 2018).

In a highly unusual case of urbanism, the whole town centre and its surrounding neighbourhoods are to be demolished – and rebuilt at LKAB’s expense three kilometres east, leaving behind some unaffected areas which will now become the western edge of the new city. The 3,050 homes that would be affected by the impact of the mining – in addition to shops, offices, schools, the city hall and the hospital – will all be bought by LKAB, knocked down and relocated. The process of moving the city will happen in phases, with the majority estimated to be completed by 2040.

Public Consultation

At one particular public consultation event; Peter

Kiruna Bienalle

Niemi,

Kiruna’s

Municipal

Chief

Executive

said

regarding the fact they physically showed people where the new town will be: “But never on this scale

Architectural competition about

and never the city centre” and so he was asked if the

Kiruna’s new

mining is set to continue, is a move of only two miles

chairman Christer

enough to keep the town safe? “As far as we know,”

center. The jury

Larsson shows the contest grants.

Eva Ekelund, head of the department of land and

Göran Cars and

development, replies, “but iron is under the new town

municipal councils

centre, too.” So could the city move again in another 100 years? “It will be too expensive for LKAB to move

Kristina Zakrisson,

are looking at. | Photo: Hans Sternlund

the city again,” Peter says simply.

Competition - Kiruna’s Masterplan

There are three urban situations that are seemingly addressed in White Architect’s masterplan for Kiruna. Firstly, that all people should come and want to stay there for a long time. Therefore, they have proposed life-style choices, self-economy, active public life and White Architects

new emerging economies - as explained by Krister

winning team

Lindstedt, partner of White Architects.

Proposed move of Kiruna’s activity heat signature

164

| 165

Unit 4 discussions with White Arkiteter

During a short visit to Stockholm, before Unit 4 left by

...”one guy stood up and said ‘If I don’t get a beer now, I’m

train towards Kiruna, we stopped by the office of the

going to leave Kiruna’, and everyone was like realising

architectural practice who won the competition for

this is the worst thing you can say in Kiruna that you’re

the masterplan of the new town. We learnt interesting

actually going to leave the city.”

information from the presentation and the discussion

- Victoria

with architects. Presentation at White Arkitekter in Stockholm was given by: Victoria Walldin - Anthropologist/ethnographer Peter Eklund - Landscape Architect Krister Lindstedt - Project Architect

The climate in Kiruna is cold, but not as cold as other places in the Arctic on this longitude. This means that the residents often spend much of their free time

Morning photo from the field trip.

out in nature; hunting, fishing, and engaging in other

Photo taken in the

leisure activities. Where Kiruna is situated, Sami’s used

town.

to shepherd herds of reindeers and the town has a

...”one of the things was so clear, that we collaborated

strong ties to Sami people and their reindeer culture.

on, was nature vs. culture. How they love nature, even more

Naturally

the

town

moving

plans

were

mostly

than Norwegians, they really, really love the

nature, asking ‘Don’t take nature away from us, we don’t

discussed and many points were taken from the

want to be stuck but we want to be in the nature.”

extensive research the practice have made for many

- Victoria

years in the town of Kiruna.

“Everyone wants to talk about it [the town move], not just people like us, but you know brothers and sisters View from present

and they also enjoy talking about this.” - Krister

Kiruna centre. In the far backround the mine mountain can be seen,

Reading between the lines, it is clear that there is a

lit at night

certain pride in this town, and even though the town

”So this [the new site] is in a lower lying area, so it’s

itself is really very young, people are firmly rooted

a pretty depressing place actually, when you go there

here.

for the first time. The existing place is up on a ridge overlooking the mountains and the mine, and this is not

...”you could even ask them ‘A re you angry at the

at all like that.”

mining company because you have to move?’ and

...” this is a time we need to recycle memories.”

they’re like ‘No, they live with us, we live with them’,

- Victoria

that is a tight relationship.” - Victoria

...”you see the mining tower in the background that I told you about, so this

is the only little hill that is close to the town, otherwise

“A lot of people wanted to have a new fresh house, and

it’s pretty flat.”

there was also some excitement about it, there was also some sentimentality, especially amongst the older peo-

“And now they’re losing the beautiful view, of the mine,

ple, who already had seen their areas disappear, the mine

of the mountains, so what could we do about that?

has been eating up the area for quite a while. - Victoria

We wanted to have a close relationship, interrelationship with nature, so those were our two main models – a compact town with meeting places, and a close relationship with nature.” - Krister

“This is the compact town with meeting places, and there are a number of other buildings and activities that also support these meeting places, and these are the outdoor corridors that reach into the town,

The new, more

and this will also be a major corridor out into the

dense town centre

wilderness.” - Krister

...” right now there are around 40 buildings that the min...“it is an interesting good mix of people there, lots

ing company has decided will be taken along. But they

of ideas, for being a mining town it’s not at all just

found in the summer that it’s pretty easy to move, it’s eco-

miners. There are people with ideas, artists, and fun

nomically viable to bring buildings, and the cost they say

people. But the town needs good meeting places,

is just about the same for moving town, building a new

it needs a good central square, there isn’t a square

foundation, putting it up and adjusting it, to what a new

today, it’s just a big parking space in the middle.” -

building would be. So that’s great news actually, that will

Krister

bring character to the new town, that otherwise would look very bland, all new from the same decade.” - Krister

“It’s about 18,000, and quite well off, maybe the older women don’t have that much money but other people have.” - Victoria

Ingenjörsvillan being moved to its new location

166

| 167

Unit 4 discussions with planning director

“So you can see how the cracks are slowly creeping up to the city centre. By the late 2018, the cracks will

Unit 4 was lucky enough to catch planning director

be here, so this house had to be evacuated before the

Professor Göran Cars, and got a presentation from

completion of 2018. And actually it will be removed

the side of the municipality of the project of moving

this summer.”

Kiruna town centre, in the old town hall - a building that will be taken down before the end of 2018.

What Göran told us very much match the presentation by White Arkitekter, to little surprise. It was however good to get confirmation by two parties of the complex situation. We also got a deeper understanding of several complex issues, and a more nuanced over-all picture.

So how to make priorities and how to handle? So who should we listen to? The experts or the people, and I prefer the people.

“So we have to move approx. 3,000 housing units, we have to build a completely new commercial centre,

When you approach the people, to whom you have to

because moving small shops it’s a problem. Because

say – ‘well, you have to move’, you need to be careful

at some point in Swedish towns, the small shops are

how to make them feel like home in the new location.

moved outside the centre of the town, but I’m happy

That’s why you need to listen to their needs, opinions

that we found a solution to this. We will have a very

and ambitions.

functional shopping centre in the new town.”

- Planning Director Professor Göran Cars

Unit 4 in the old town hall, listening to Professor Göran Cars presentation.

Unit 4 discussions with local young adults at the

...“it was a tough decision to place the city centre here. And it was a bit problematic, because this used to be

bar at Scandic Hotel

the city dump. There was a factory there processing “They are all liars. They don’t care about the people

dump and all sorts of activities. And the next thing is the cemetery of the church. And people call it – the

living in Kiruna”.

valley of death.” The main tone, in the conversation with two local young adult men in the bar about moving the town of Kiruna, was a negative one. They explained that they are very happy with the current conditions surrounding the city.

“I don’t see the point of moving the city? Why can’t they expand the mine somewhere else?”, they complained. One of them mentioned that the owners of the mine are creating a monopoly in the town by overtaking

“As the old city is built on hills and you have surround-

buildings gradually, and the next one is going to be

ing views of the mountains, but not in the same way in the new city.“

the airport.

- Planning Director Professor Göran Cars

Typical view from present Kiruna Centre

168

| 169

White Architects Master Plan Evolution from Now until 2100

Although White Architects designed a detailed Master Plan, they estimated the total time for absolute execution would take Kiruna up until the year 2100.

2018

From Today till 2018

2023

White Arkitekter Masterplan 2023

2033

White Arkitekter Masterplan 2033

2100 White Arkitekter Masterplan 2100

170

| 171

Urban development principles Urban Transformation Aims to connect the city in east-west direction and the urban tissue with the nature in the north-south direction. Flexible planting directions for an unclear future, but the flexible quadratic structure opens too much variation in building typology and exploitation rate.

Availability 2033

5 types of public spaces, 5 different scales, 5 tasks: Gaturummen: Clear street hierarchy creates natural venUrban Transformation

ues. Neighborhood parks: play, recreation and snow management in the area. The square: The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gathering place and living room where the city main streets cross each other. Stadsparken: sports, play and culture collect as the backbone of the city Green wedges: landscape-related recreation and large scale ecosystem services 2033

2033

Urban Environment Availability

The customized but clearly oriented street network creates good conditions for a bicycle-based urban communities. Pathways create connections and more populated walks joining the districts but also leading into nature.

2033 Urban Environment

Resources

•

Kiruna portal opens for a systematic recycling of existing infrastructure and buildings. It’s a unique opportunity for a big scale reuse of local materials that does not rely solely on finite global natural resources.

•

The dense and concentrated new Kiruna contributes to effective land use in a place where the desire to extract natural resources needs to be limited.

•

The tight city and robust city structure is also increasing

Resources

the opportunity to create a city for walking, public transport and a sustainable traveling. •

A tight city provides an efficient infrastructure.

•

A system of collaboration between mine and city opens the possibility of Kiruna becoming self-sufficient in terms of energy consumption.

Urban Development Principles Ecology

2033

The city’s wedge-shaped vegetation in the north-south direction weaves ecology and biology directly into the urban structure of Kiruna. The green wedges handle snow 2033

and surface water locally and are thus environmentally and energy friendly. Vegetation in nature parks, quarter parks and gaturum provides protection from wind and

Ecology

cold weather.

Identity The square becomes a landmark and a gathering place through its strategic hub position in the city’s street network and the hexagonal shape. Kiruna’s physical heritage is carried forward through strategic location of cultural buildings and art at public nodes as well as of everyday

2033

objects, parts of buildings and the city square structure.

Identity

172

| 173

Features

•

Maximum mixing and synergy in the city centre is created by high density of urban districts and around important nodes.

•

A clear hierarchy between active, open and still facades provides good conditions for the local business community.

Features Square Formation

The Growing City Location by Location

Tuollavaara-Street

Available for temporary program

City Park

Kiruna grows eastward as the existing city center was position east of the mine. The future Kiruna is being developed from the existing Kiruna and the city will never be divided into two. The city’s new east-west main street Malmvägen is complemented by two new east-west stretches. The new city center is a development that will

porary

roject in ark

Pilot Project in City Park

Ring Travel Center

Market Driven Densification areas

Strategic Proje Stadsparken

Step 1: Square formation

Jägarskolan Step 2

accommodate the trade and that city life entertainment. Tuollavaara-Street

City Park

Kiruna Church

When the city becomes more alive in east, Kiruna will

Possible Site for Hjalmar School

TGA Areas

move.

Kiruna is not moving - it is developing. The new investments are placed with due regard to the deformation zone on the east-west motion axis in such a way that the investments have a reasonable depreciation period. It means Ring Travel Centerthat the big investments Market Driven such as railways Densification areas

Strategic Project Stadsparken

Portal

Quarter Park

and hospitals are placed in the city center or east of

tep 2

the city center. The housing will be located further west,

Nature Park String

Step 2: The city grows to the east

Kvartersnod Nature Park

closer to the existing Kiruna.

North-South Streches

Step 3. The city grows to the north

Development Before Settlement

New urban environments are already evolving before

gradual steps of development and settlement. Other stages will have to be done in

the present Kiruna is discontinued. The city is developing

a larger grip. The first stage with the New Square and the surrounding neighbour-

coherently. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Urban Townsâ&#x20AC;? are being built next to

hoods in the city centre belongs to the latter category. To the city centre the trade

each other with clear stretches that tie them together so

and service businesses should maintain their overall attractiveness and not lose cus-

that as much as possible already established service can

tomer base, the trade moves in coordinated form from the current positions to the

be used. Only then can a corresponding settlement be

new city centre. The settlement of the existing Kiruna includes letting deformation

implemented in the existing city. Some parts of the city

area become an asset and quality for Kiruna.

conversion will be implemented in relatively small and

Culture Buildings Hotel, Hostels, Restaurants 6,6%

Culture, Leisure, Sports 3,5% Housing 48,8%

Education for Children 10,2%

Offices 5,6%

Public Premises, Health Care 8,4%

Trade and Industry 5,6%

174

| 175

Development Diagram

New Masterplan Programme diagrams

176

| 177

A Flexible Urban Structure

The city structure is built to keep as many development routes as possible open to the future. The city streets’ role is both to form a network of north-south and eastwest stretches that tie together the city, but also to allow growth in all directions. Different directions don’t exclude each other. Kiruna can grow towards the north, south and east simultaneously.

Towards 2100 with several possible developmental directions

In the parks, the trees and the equipment are placed as snow cans and benches with high backrest so that they

City Can Grow in Different Directions

stop winds and prevent snow from building up. With less land modelling, the wind protected stretches are created. Wind protection elements should be designed so that it is and feels safe to move and stay there. Good overview is important to master the design of these elements.

Snow

Wind/Snow 1H -10 H

10 H Low plantings

Snow

Wind/Snow 1H -10 H

25 H

Wyoming snow fence, permeable, reclining

Wind/Snow

High plantings

Snow 1H -10 H

25 H

Living snow fence

Raised plantings

Wind/Snow

Snow / Wind Diagrams

Snow 1H -10 H

50 - 80 m

Living snow fence, layered species

Town Square

The city square is Kiruna’s most central and public place and the place where most visitors and residents will move. For many visitors, the square and town hall will be the first impression of the new Kiruna they will be able to get. The design of the square takes advantage of the

Sittmöbel

potential created by many people. The hexagonal shape forms a clear gathering space that, by using vegetation is very well protected from wind. The square is reached via

This Diagram presents suggestions for feauture activities that can take place in the square.

stretches that converge in a natural way in front of the city

This Diagram presents suggestions for feauture activities that can take place in the square. Seats

hall entrance. Handelsgatan starts at the square and runs

Skate

Planting

Water

LEK

eastwards in the direction towards Tuolluvaara and E10.

Urban Scene Art

Stadstorget is a vibrant, attractive and flexible city space that can be used all year round and on many different occasions.

Water

LEK

Snow Market

The square and its surrounding buildings have a clear and Water LEK

Fixed Program

Seats Planting Skate Seats Planting Skate

Winter Summar

Winter/Summer programmes

Urban Scene

This Diagram presents suggestions for feauture activities that can take place in the square.

local anchorage gesture that expresses Kirunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique

ArtUrban Scene

identity.

Art

This Diagram presents suggestions for feauture activities

Snow Market The square, whose spread extends from the planned Snow Market

Fixed Program

travel centre over MalmvĂ¤gen to the town hall and the

Fixed Program Winter

neighbourhood north of the town hall will be lined with

oads will meat Active in square of floors. Along with In the square, the snow is buildings with activities the ground ce of the central street an assetto create play The different roads will meat Active for squareoutdoor of In the square, the snow is The Square together with the facades there is plenty space dining. oads will meat Active square of In the the snow is opportunities and at the entrance of the central street an assetto createsquare, play The city park is big enough city square. opportunities and to be the venue for e of the central street an assetto createbigger play enable you to take you to take events like Furthermore, the square has space for different activitiesenable go straight to the town hall Kiruna Festival. opportunities and go straight to the town hall on skis, kicks and with dog enable team. you to take on skis, kicks and with that may take place in a public square, for example ts suggestions for feauture activities that can take placego instraight the square. to the town hall dog team. Kirunafestivalen, square, play, seating and other activities on skis, kicks and with resents suggestions for feauture activities that can take place in the square. dog team.

Winter Summar The Square together with The plants are imp Summar The city park is Wind bigStudy enough of the square shap (Made without tree The plants are important part planting and facades relief that The impo Square together with to be the for are plants placedare in mann of theThe square shape and venue breaks down the winds further. are placed in manners oftothe squarethe shape The city park is like big enough bigger events improve clim to improve the climate of the square. are placed in manne toKiruna be the venue for Festival. the square. to improve the clima bigger events like Kiruna Festival. the square.

for different age groups that invite you to stay longer.

Vegetation will be reminiscent of the seasons and will contribute to well-being both in summer and winter time. The square is both permanent vegetation in the form of perennial plantations and trees and temporary summer green that is taken away from winter time. The south-

The different roads will meat at the entrance of the city square. while the microclimate createdhere can allow species like facing buildings will be protected from unfavourable winds,

hĂ¤gg to flourish.

snow is play e, the snow is reate play e s town and hall owith take o the town hall and with

The Square together with The city park is big enough together with to beThe theSquare venue for The city park bigger events like is big enough to Festival. be the venue for Kiruna bigger events like Kiruna Festival.

178

| 179

Active square of central street

The different will meat In the square,roads the snow is atanthe entrance of the assetto create play city square. opportunities and enable you to take go straight to the town hall on skis, kicks and with dog team.

Active square toget of The Square central street The city park is b

to be the venue f bigger events like Kiruna Festival.

Wind Study (Made without tree The plants are important part planting and facades relief that of the square shape and Wind Study without tree The plants are important part breaks down the (Made winds further. are placed in manners planting and facades relief that of the square shape to improve the climate ofand Key analysis breaks down the winds further. are placed in manners the square. parameters for to improve the climate of New Kiruna Town the square. Centre

Climate

Ecology

City Park

Stadsparken has a central location in the city with a clear elongated shape that offers nice views and opportunities to move into the surrounding nature. The park binds together surrounding neighbourhoods like Lombolo and Tuolluvaara. The park is a central meeting place with a wide range of recreation and social activities for all ages, for example, spontaneidrotting, ice rink, pulabacke, ski slope, amphitheatre, water mirrors, seating, public art,

Nature parks fill important ecological functions and ecosystem services, for example, a lot of rainwater in parks is collected. Parks also play an important role as spreading corridor for animals.

The border zone between the natural parks and buildings is activated wind-protected meeting places that play with equipment, tree and perennial plantations, andmake it safe and experienceful to move along the edge. more. The park is also an arena for large-scale events like

The park offers a variety of plantations, trees, flowering plantations, shrubs and

Kiruna festival and the Biennale.

water loving plants close to stormwater surfaces. The vegetation creates a wind

The park is approximately 50 meters wide and lined with

protected climate and frames the social venues in the park. The ecological

buildings on both sides. In the northeast, the park crosses

features of the park are highlighted. The elongated shape that goes through the

the new E10 and forms thus a central link for the Kirunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

entire city means that the park has one central function as a sprint corridor, both

residents to be able to move in nature and recreation

for people and wildlife. The species-rich vegetation contributes to the biological

areas north of the city.

diversity and helps retain the water.

Nature parks fill important ecological functions and ecosystem services, a lot of rainwater in parks is collected. Parks also pay an important role as spreading corridor for animals

The park running through the center of Kiruna stitches the urban fabric of the city together

Amphitheater

Seats Ski Run

Parkour

AA UV

Basketball Court Playground

Greenery

Skate

Event Market

Sports Art

Macro Micro

MB LO

Fixed Program Winter Summer

O OL

The diagram above shows suggestions for features and activites that can take place in the city park. The park is an important link between.

Winter and Summer programs

Nature Parks Climate

Ecology

The nature parks are the important strongholds of Kirunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature. The parks, which mainly consist of the existing natural landscapes with minor extras such as walking, cycling and ski trails and day-to-day dams offer the residents the opportunity to live densely yet close to nature. From the nature parks it is easy to move further into the surrounding landscape. The ambition is that water from the street network is carried to the nature parks and can be delayed and form open water bodies with high recreational and ecological values. In the edge zone between the parks and the settlement there is the opportunity to place less recreational features such as playgrounds and

d bike trails in the nature parks give a close seating.landscape In winter, parksand are an tion to thesunbathing surrounding itsimportant feature for snow storage. The snow from street network can

The border zone between the natural parks and buildings is activated with wind-protected meeting places that make it safe and experienceful to move along the edge.

Nature parks fill ecosystem servic Wind proofing collected. Parks meeting places corridor for anim

be transported to these natural parks. eastern part of open field with low field vegetation. As the city grows the border The nature parks consist mainly of existing vegetation.

zone between buildings and natural parks can be developed and new plant material

The western park consists mainly of pine forest and the

can be planted in certain locations, for example at playgrounds.

Go-Cart Shooting Gallery Snow Mobile

Sports Fields Cabins

Waxing Cabins Cultural Monuments Hunting

Forests? Water

Parking Scooter

Active Edge Zone Against Buildings

Ski Trails Play

Open Grounds

Exercise Play Plantings Sun Seatings Outside Gym

The diagram above shows suggestions for features and activities that can take place in the nature parks and show the close relationship with nature and outdoor activities.

Climate

Ecology

180

| 181

New Kirunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship with the natural environment

ace Water

Quarter Parks The neighbourhood parks are small places in the neighbourhood and can be used for small-scale activities. Here there are some playgrounds and the vegetative plantations and tranquil seating. In winter, parks can be used as the snow storage, but even then they will be continued to be used as playgrounds. The neighbourhood parks are wind protected places that are favourable to different tree species and offer a variety of trees, for example, birch, spruce, pine, hay or rowan. There is also space for open grass areas and perennial plantations.

Play Surface Water

Snow Ball Lanterns

Sports

Play

Play Surface Snow Ball Lanterns

Surface Water

Snow Ball Lanterns

Sports

Play

Water

Snow Ball Lanterns

Pulka Ridding

Sports

Snow Ball Lanterns

Play

Pulka Ridding

Play

Pulka Ridding

Play

Snow Ball Lanterns

Fixed Program Winter Summar

Pul

Fixed Program Winter

Blue Squares

Summar

represent green

squares between residential streets

placed inthat newcan The for diagram above suggestions for features take place in th aboveparks. shows suggestions features and shows activities that can take place inand the activities neighborhood parks. diagram above shows suggestions for features and activities that can take place inThe the diagram neighborhood Kiruna Masterplan

The diagram above shows Social suggestions for features and activities in the neighborhoodVegetation parks. ActivitiesVegetation Snow Elimination Snow Eliminationthat can take place

ow Elimination Social Activities

Snow Elimination

Vegetation

In winter, snowpark's highswind fromprotected the The park's wind prot are wind combined In winter,location the parks are filled with snow highs the fromparks the are filled with The locationofcreates play features are combined The park's protected creates inter, the parksSmaller are filled with snow highs from the Smaller play features Variations streets which becomes useful for play.for species rich good conditions for with sitting slots in a conditions lush settingforsurrounding useful for play. good conditions sitting slots in a lush good species richstreets which becomes surrounding ounding streetswith which becomes useful forsetting play. green squares in choice of plants. Daywaters can choice of plants. Day choice of plants. Daywaters can Newparks Kirunabefore Masbe seen and delayed be seen and delayed in the be seen and delayed in the parks before it isnature led to the larger it is led to the larger water lakes in the parks. it is led to the larger water lakes in the nature parks. terplan

In winter, the parks are filled with snow highs from the surrounding streets which becomes useful for play.

The park's wind protected location creates good conditions for species rich choice of plants. Daywaters can be seen and delayed in the parks before it is led to the larger water lakes in the nature parks.

Wind Studies

Bergen Luossavaara and Kirunavaara compress the prevailing winds and creates a western wind in the city. The new city centre is further away and will probably not experience such windings as in the current state.

VIND

Summer

Extreme Wind Conditions

VIND

Normal Wind Ration

In June and August it will come dominant wind direction from the north. Normal wind speed is 3.4 m / s but can at extreme Conditions amount to 8.5 m / s

3.4 m/s

8.5 m/s

Spring / Winter / Autumn

10.5 m/s

VI N

3.5 m/s

In September and May will it dominate wind direction from south and west Southwest. Normal wind speed is 3.5 m / s but can at extreme Conditions amount to 10.5 m / s

Other Wind Direction 10 m/s

Wind from the west. The wind simulation on the right shows how the wind is compressed between the two mountains Luossavaara and Kirunavaara.

9 8 7

VIND

6 5 4 3

3.5 m/s

10.5 m/s

2 1

182

| 183

Wind Study Diagrams

Green Structure Analyses

The pictures describe how far you have go to the nearest park or green area and how much park or green area there are in 500 meters from each point in the picture. Park has been defined as the green area with, for example cut grass areas or plants and clearer programs in the form of, for example playground. Green areas are a broader term that both includes nature and leisure areas and less green areas inside the city.

Walking Distance to Green Area

200m

1 km

2 km

200 m

> 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 <

1 km

450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 m

Walking Distance to Park

200m

1 km

200 m

> 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 <

2 km

1 km

450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 m

Green areas in New Kiruna Masterplan

Green Structure Analyses

2033Today

Access to the Greenery

200m

200 m

> 27 24 21 18 15 12 9 6 3 <

1 km

2 km

Access to the Park

200m

1 km

200 m

> 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 <

27 24 21 18 15 12 9 6 3 ha

184

| 185

2 km

1 km

4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 ha

Walking Distan

200m

1 km

2 km

200 m

> 450 400 - 450 350 - 400 300 - 350 250 - 300 200 - 250 150 - 200 Access to Green 100 - 150 Areas in50 Master- 100 50 m < plan

1 km

Knowledge For Collective Tract

The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most central point, at the city square, is Kiruna travel centre. This means that all different travel functions are linked into a point that is also easy to reach on foot or by bike. Here are national and regional trains and bus stops and it is also a node in the local public transport system. There is enough space for both passage, waiting and stay, as well as space for trade and service.

Block Development 2,01-2,5 1,76-2,0 1,51-1,75

Travel center is the focal point of the city

1,26-1,50 1,01-1,25 0,76-1,0 0,51-0,75 0,26-0,50

City

Exploitation figures in New Kiruna

Hall

Public Service Culture

Division between culture, tourism and trade and

Square KIRUNA STATION Tourism

Trade and Industry Trade

there relationship with Kiruna Town Centre

Moving earth, iron-ore and ice White Architects Proposal

186

| 187

Public Buildings in the New Kiruna Masterplan

Public Services Police Emergency Services Hospital Public Health Care Offices Shelter Pacient Hotel Portal

Public Service Buildings in Kiruna Masterplan

Hotel Tourist Info Travel Center Food Service Trade Service Portal

Public Service Buildings in Kiruna Masterplan

Possible Placement Culture, leisure and entertainment activates the city

Schools and kind

Football Arena Ice Hockey Sportshall Swiming Hall Skatehall Compunds The Community House City Library Sami Parliment Town Hall Conference Portal

Culture, leisure and entertainment activates the city

Schools and kindergartens close to accommodation and nature

Pre - School Elementary School Schools Portal

Schools and kindergartens close to accommodation and nature

188

| 189

Active Ground Floors in Interaction with City Life

In the city centre and along the commercial street the facades of the buildings on the groundfloor space shall be designed with entrances, signage, windows and shop windows, so that they provide content and support to the city life in the square and the street respectively. The facade is designed so that trade, service and activities in the building’s ground floor can benefit from City Facade Dia-

the interaction with the city life that the street provides. In the design, care must be taken for pavements and pedestrians. The means that the buildings’ ground floors

gram

Local Natural Resources

will edge the sidewalk in block boundary. The buildings will The natural resources surrounding the city

use the streets as entrance rooms.

are an important prerequisite for the business The windows of the upper floors should be oriented with outlines towards the street. In this way, the street is given the opportunity to be well used and safe through everyday interaction between people. Guidelines for the design of the ground floors on the sidewalk are divided in three categories based on the state of the city and the potential

community in Kiruna. The raw material supply is Kirunas power areas, mining, wastewater Natural Resource

treatment and forestry. Nature around

Diagram

Kiruna also gives great value to tourism and recreation. The mining industry creates workplaces and living economy in the city. In the same way, the forestry industry produces wood as a sustainable one raw material. The lakes create opportunities for fishing. Tourists want to visit the

to city life: active, open and still facade.

fantastic mountains.

Frisö

tor

P-hu

Kon

Kläd

g.B

Upp kola

Kios

Förs Café

Café

Placement of reused buildings and elements

Active Facades

g.A

Upp

Open Facades

Still Facades

Valuable cultural environments Protected buildings and The Old Villas is placed at defines important places building parts are rich neighborhood parks represented throughout the city

City Facade Diagram

Public Art and identifying element placed centrally in the city park

Placement of reused buildings and elements

Biodiversity, Resilience and local species

Despite the richness of the nature in Kirunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surroundings,

not only to create a good environment at

the urban nature with its special conditions will be the

present but also to plan for the resilience,

place for many inhabitants that thanks to its biodiversity

i.e. resistance to change. This is achieved

will enrich peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience of nature.

through diversity in species and in habitats,

Biodiversity, Resilience and Local Species Not only the harsh climate but also the future changes will

by selecting species that are locally

make special demands on nature in the area. To get urban

adapted as well as creating pathways for

nature with high biological and social values is required

both plants and animals alike.

Pine

Local Species Bird-Cherry Tree

Birch Aspen Robust Growth Materials Lilac Poplar New Arts

Biodiversity Diagram

Biodiversity, Resilience and Local Species

190

| 191

Storm Water System in City

Storm Water From the streets and squares the water is led through the slopes of the valley to the forests and planting areas where

Rain

the water is retained and purified. In case of heavy rainfall, the accumulated rainwater will overshoot the densely

Run Off

populated areas.

Valle

The natural cycle of the water is an integral part of the city.

Den

ent

agm

an ity M

Rain infiltrates with advantage in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks where

Rain Garden

dW Roa

DAMM Under Ground Water Storage

Add to the Nature

dams, ditches and Green-blue surfaces become part of

Water

the design. Large hard-crafted surfaces will be minimized

Storm Water Cleaning

System

and the land will be exploited as much as possible for infiltration and delay. The green-blue structure is spread in the city and adapted as far as possible to the natural hydrology. Natural patches of vegetation-covered land will take care of larger amounts of meltwater, alternatively, the

alley

Rain Garden water will be brought to places where infiltration can occur.

Roa Den

sit

na y Ma

DAMM

ent

Under Ground Certain parts of the green areas are designed specifically Water Storage

Add to the Nature

to be able to serve as snow storage sites with the capacity to locally dispose of contaminated melt water. Storm Water System

In case of large precipitation, the water must be able to pass further from the smaller delay areas to larger, socalled flood irrigation surfaces. In the nature parks there

Extension 2 0 2 3

2033

is the possibility for these. The principle of day-to-day management is that precipitation or melting in public places is led through the rhymes of the hardwoods the

LKAB TNAB

surfaces of plantation areas and watercourses. Cleaning

LKAB

and delay of the water is then caused by particles stuck in the soil material.

Self-Sufficient and Climate-Neutral

Energy System Diagram

Energy Systems be mainly carbon neutral. This is accomplished by following the energy The ambition in Kiruna is that the city, through

hierarchy: Firstly, the needs are minimized by energy-efficient construction

cooperation with the industry, should be self-sufficient

and infrastructure. The next step is to seek renewable and climate neutral

in terms of energy consumption and heating. The

energy sources where energy recovery from the mining industry, wind power

most of energy production needed for the city should

and geothermal energy are important elements. An energy survey evaluates

ater

Snow removal for accessibility and locally disposed of melt water the potential of all available energy sources and forms the basis for designing both buildings and buildings infrastructure and the self-sufficient and climateneutral energy systems. The basis for the planning of energy supply in Kiruna is one system vision that includes mining as a city. Different forms of energy will be used. Heating of, for example, housing should be done through low-value

Terrain Park Smaller placements in the quarter structure are used in winning time as a snow store.

Snow up in Gate

Snow removal for accessibility and disposed of melt water

forms of energy, such as waste heat from industries and mines.

Snow Removal for Accessibility and Locally Disposed of Melt Water

In the new Kiruna, snow removal is a central issue that must be considered in the planning of streets, public spaces and neighbourhoods. Kiruna The municipality currently has a quality declaration regarding snow removal and slope control within Kiruna town centre and Tuolluvaara. This declaration describes the objectives for snow

removal. Snow ranges that prevent accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists or drivers is removed within five or fifteen hours, depending on the area in which they are located. The snow removal work is not considered complete until even disabled people have good accessibility throughout the road network for example; on the bus stops,

Snow Removal Layout

192

| 193

DESIGNING IN THE ARCTIC DESIGNING FOR KIRUNA UNIT04â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BRIEF

BIOCLIMATIC STRATEGY ARCTIC MODULE

APTIVE CLIMATIC SHELTER

The geometry allows wind to pass around the form easily. The module is raised from the floor, partly to allow wind to pass beneath but to also prevent thermal polution from the shelter melting any permafrost. Metal sheet cladding remains workable at low temperatures so is ideal for construction in this climate. It also prevents snow building up due to its smooth surface. The refletive nature will assist in locating the module and reflect the suns rays back into space - keeping things cool. The narrow profile evades snow fall and prevents build up on roof areas - which can add significant load to the structure.

Arctic Research Shelter by Rana Rehman

Wind

Detail B-Foundation 1.Base CLT panel 2. Dovetail joint with wooden profiles Adaptive Climatic 3. CLT frame Shelter by Silviya 4. Foundation pad system

Stoyanova

Arctic Module by Ashley Kirk

8. 9.

Detail C-3D detail section 5. 105mm CLT curved panel 6. Steel batten 7. Fibreglass Insulation 8. Lightweight foam sheeting 9. Galvanized mesh cladding

Arctic Shelter by Freddie Mawhood

Unit04 Mission Statement Design Brief for Kiruna Why did Unit04 make the Kiruna Research Document?

The reason is simple, due to the vast complexities associated with Kiruna and the huge challenge it faces, it was only right that we collectively sort to understand the local as well as wider context of the site we have been tasked with intervening in through large scaled design intervention. The key aspects which present themselves time and time again from an design point of view have always been climate, ground conditions and material availability, although, this document goes further in not just addressing design constraints but also exploring architectural constraints.

What are the Architectural constraints in New Kiruna?

Kiruna barely is a century old. It’s existence as a functioning Swedish town is wholly due to LKAB’s exploitation of the Iron Ore which lay below it’s surface -ironically this is the reason for it’s need to move 3km East of it’s location. But as the town moves, a lot more than just buildings are at risk of being lost the cultivation of history and culture too is at stake. The fact that this culture is already brittle, is also a key facto to be explored and considered. White Architect’s Master Plan describes Kiruna’s situation in 2100 and so, we too must ask, how will, the architecture we will bring to Kiruna, aim to grow, adapt, beautify, both preserve and enhance New Kiruna?

196

| 197

Unit04 at the Ice Hotel

APPENDIX

WHITE ARKITEKTER TALK BY KRISTER LIDSTEDT + co. (PROJECT ARCHITECT) FULL TRANSCRIPT

Viktoria Walldin Anthropologist/Ethnographer

Peter Eklund Landscape Architect

Krister Lindstedt Project Architect

White Architects Masterplan History and Cultural Context Krister Lindstedt: Intro (…) Victoria: I’m a Social Anthropologist, and I work with social aspects of sustainability in urban planning, so the softer infrastructure, together with architects. Krister Lindstedt: (…) We have a room booking at 5pm (…) so I thought we could run through the regular presentation that we do but not stay so much in it, so you ask any questions on the kind of things that you’re interested in (…) and I thought we should just have a conversation about Kiruna, as Victoria is with us here. It’s a wonderful project in that sense that everyone wants to talk about it, not just people like us, but you know brothers and sisters, they also enjoy talking about this. And it’s wonderful because, it’s given us the opportunity that you seldom get, to talk about things all over the world, people are interested in this. (…) It is well above the Arctic circle, in that sense an Arctic Town, the climate is called Sub Arctic, it’s a little warmer than what you usually get when you’re up this high, but you can get a feeling in this image, what parts of it are like, it’s Sami people who have a long standing history here, and actually the reindeers used to pass right through where the town is today. For the Sami people reindeer herding is very important culturally, it’s not as important economically as it is culturally. It’s all in all very well culturally integrated into Kiruna, though there are conflicts especially within the reindeer herding economy. The town was positioned right by the mine, 118 years ago in 1900, and it was positioned quite a distance from the open shafts that were used then, so they had no idea that the shaft was leaning 60 degrees below the town, as you can see in this section. 15 years ago the mining company sent a mail to the municipality and the local authority to tell them that they wanted to establish a new platform for the mine. They establish a platform 1.3 km below and then they dig upwards that’s how it works, so this already causes the land to be deformed. The local authority agreed to move, they have a 20 year perspective on their planning, a 20 year horizon on the planning. But obviously we needed to take a longer perspective on this when it comes to land use, and the economy of land use to know where the town would end. So for us as architects it was challenging to know where to start and by that time you and I Victoria, we had worked together for some time but for us I think this was a project where our cooperation took shape, we understood how we really could work together. Do you want to describe a little what you found when you were up there? Victoria: Yes, so basically I work with ethnographic methods trying to understand the native point of view so me and (?) went there for a couple of days, which was a great time as it was market time so a lot of people were outside, we just did ethnography from morning to night, with everyone we met we went to play in the (arch?), we went out clubbing, we went out everywhere, and the interesting thing is when you got to the club and (the municipality)? saying please come tell us what you think and perhaps some angry men over 60 years old, but you go to the club and you really meet people and one thing I hadn’t thought about for a while, was that when there’s clubbing here everyone is there, because there’s only one club, and the whole town is there and que to get a beer. And the noise I mean you can wait for half an hour, an hour just to get a beer. And everyone is angry, upset, trying to push themselves and they’re yelling at the bar tender, ‘It’s my turn now!’. And that’s quite normal, one guy stood up and said ‘If I don’t get a beer now, I’m going to leave Kiruna’, and everyone was like realising this is the worst thing you can say in Kiruna that you’re actually going to leave the city. And the guy got his beer, and this is how we started to understand okay, what is your relationship to this town, why do you want to stay, why is it so impor-

200

| 201

tant, why are you so invested? Down here in Stockholm you try to talk about the Sami people, as one people but it’s not, everyone who came is pretty much a Sami, somehow used to be, it’s all about how you are related to the five different big families and how many reindeers you have, so it’s quite amazing. One of the main things that you try to do when you interview over a hundred people is you look for patterns, for 4 or 5 things that you see a lot of people agree upon, and one of the things was so clear, that we collaborated on, was nature vs. culture. How they love nature, even more than Norwegians, they really really love the nature, asking ‘Don’t take nature away from us, we don’t want to be stuck but we want to be in the nature. Of course we understand that we need culture because we lose a lot of people, especially young women, because there’s nothing new to do, so we need to cater to other things, we need to have services, we need to have a down town’. Because the existing Kiruna doesn’t have that, they have a corner store that opens at night and sells cigarettes and stuff, where the kids hang in the evening. They have cinema at the people’s house, for pictures, once a week or something, I mean there’s really nothing so they kept telling me that their friends get bored, all the tourists that actually come to Kiruna stay for one day maximum and then they continue, to Jukkasjarvi, Abisko and those kinds of places, and they want to keep the tourists there, so okay we we need to attract not only specifically younger women, but also tourists to stay and offer them a lot more than they have today. We have to be more than just a mining city. So this nature vs. culture is quite delicate, and another thing was, people in Kiruna, you could even ask them ‘A re you angry at the mining company because you have to move?’ and they’re like ‘No, they live with us, we live with them’, that tight relationship. I mean a lot of people said the same things, but I remember this man who said ‘When the mining company says jump, we jump’, that’s the nature of the relationship. So just understanding how co-dependent people were of the mining company, the mining company of the people, and the respect and the faith that they have to the mining company. I’ve passed by a guys house, he was renovating the house, the houses are quite run down, bu why would you renovate? To them it’s all about when, when are we moving, when we see a school at the other place then we’ll move but until we get the services you won’t get us there. Whenever I’m renovating my house, LKAB (that’s what they call the mining company) will compensate me. They always compensate, so it’s interesting to understand that relationship, how strong it was to the mining company, and how weak it was to the municipality, which was actually who they were working for, they felt that the politicians weren’t strong enough, they need to do this move now, so that they could get on with their lives. People were living in such limbo, like they were stuck and they needed to be released somehow, so we need to deliver a plan that they could release. And they also wanted to know about the process, the process, fine, we can see a plan, but how is that going to happen, how are we going to move, which houses do we bring, is my house coming with me or am I getting a new fresh house? A lot of people wanted to have a new fresh house, and there was also some excitement about it, there was also some sentimentality, especially amongst the older people, who already had seen their areas disappear, the mine has been eating up the area for quite a while. I spoke to the women, they would actually cry a little bit, and say ‘Remember that park, or that bench, where I got my first kiss’ it was really lovely, and I felt okay we need to, I mean this is a time we need to recycle memories. So we took these thoughts and developed a process too, and came back up with 3 process tools, that actually had the same importance as the plan, because it described the process simultaneously, (…) It explained the continuous dialogue that we have to have with the people in different ways. I mean it’s not 100,000 people, and they’re not poor, so it’s not that difficult, it’s not like we’re moving a favela or something. It’s about 18,000, and quite well off, maybe the older women don’t have that much money but other people have. So we talk about this continuous dialogue, so when we do the square, and when we do the park, and when we do the main bigger public objects, we decide what could be included, so it kind of explains what they could be included in and not. And then it was the Portal, it was the dialogue, (…) Can you explain (…) Krister Lindstedt: There had been a lot of dialogue, of asking what you want of the new city. And we understood when we talked to people they were anxious to get going, and they wanted to be a part of it. So we thought that, if we could find a way to engage people in really doing the move, and we thought that the Kiruna Portal, I think that we have an image of it later, it was like a huge recycling yard, a place where people could get on with the move, it was a place to recycle specific artefacts from the old town, but also sort of a virtual place for connecting people that have ideas how to deliver. Victoria: And also it’s a physical place where they could meet the building constructors and ask questions. And then there was this idea of the Biennale, as we were like okay so people are very excited, on the one hand they’re saying come and look at us! Kiruna is moving, it’s a big thing we’re moving a city! Look at us, and they’re a bit jealous of the cities around the corner, that came out in the interviews, they said when something happens in that city, the media’s there, why don’t we have all eyes on us right now? So that’s on the one hand, on the other hand they were sentimental, they needed to have the space to remember, the old Kiruna, and celebrate what had been, so we thought about the Biennale, one year we do an extrovert event, and invite the world, ‘Come here, come to us, come to new Kiruna’, we’re not only mining, we also research, we have all of these things, so a big festival. And then the other year, would just be more sentimental, more excluding other people, and be for the people of Kiruna remembering, maybe even mourning together. So we had these kind of soft ideas, falling along the actual physical structure and plan, which made people quite excited about it. Site Krister Lindstedt: Then after having this discussion with you, and I’ll just show you a picture of Kiruna and what the different places are. This is a picture of the site, as it looked when we were first there. So this is in a lower lying area, so it’s a pretty depressing place actually, when you go there for the first time. The existing place is up on a ridge overlooking the mountains and the mine, and this is not at all like that. This is lower lying, so I want to show you also the existing Town Hall, the Bell Tower has been moved by the way, I’ll talk about the Church, which is a famous building, and a lot of wooden buildings mostly that the city’s full of in the denser, central part, and I want to also show you what looks like the

periphery of the town today. So you can see that it is a fairly sparcly populated and sprawled town, and it means that many take a car to reach the outdoors, which is totally unnecessary, these are outdoor people they if they stay there, they’re very interested in being outside, so it’s a matter of a sprawled town, rather than a contained town, that causes Kiruna to be very dependent on cars. What we said then was that we wanted to address these questions that you raised, and we started talking about that this town needs, it is an interesting good mix of people there, lots of ideas, for being a mining town it’s not at all just miners. There are people with ideas, artists, and fun people. But the town needs good meeting places, it needs a good central square, there isn’t a square today, it’s just a big parking space in the middle. And so we talked about a compact town with meeting places. And then on the other hand we understood that people really identified, not only with their own town, but with the immediate surroundings, with the outdoors and being there, that’s what they talk a lot about. If you go there, you’ll see in the weekend that there aren’t many people in town, because they leave town and they go out hunting, and do all kinds of things. And now they’re losing the beautiful view, of the mine, of the mountains, so what could we do about that? We wanted to have a close relationship, interrelationship with nature, so those were our two main models – a compact town with meeting places, and a close relationship with nature. And our goal was to if we are losing that visual connection with the town, we could re-establish a more immediate and intimate relationship with nature, where you talked about you shouldn’t be any more than three blocks away from nature and being able to ski. Other things we talked about that were important was, the image above, on the left you see the mine, and then you see the existing town, central park, with some suburbs, industrial area, the airport, so we talked about keeping the town together, during the whole move, leave no one behind I think we talked about. Why that is so important is that there were ideas to move the town to a completely new location, to the other side of the deformation zone and different things, but this town would be in this kind of state for 2 decades, that’s like a life almost, and you can’t afford the town to be separated, they need to keep together, so we wanted not only that but to connect with people, streets and by roads between the old and the new. And the idea of having it more compact, is both to have the people compact together and be able to meet and create more of a cultivated urban situation, but also of course to create a good foundation for public transport, there is almost no such thing today. So this is the situation, with the existing town here, the town hall that will be dismantled at the beginning of this year, and this is the location of the new town hall, designed by Henning Larsen, it’s almost finished it’s worth seeing, that was something that wasn’t clear and came in after our competitions, we had a dialogue with them, and had to redesign the square in relation to that building. It’s position here is a good place for bringing in railways, it’s not clear if we will have a railway, but the town wants it very much, and we want it very much, today the railway station is up here somewhere, this is the road to the airport. The reindeer herding happens here, and used to go this way, and moves something like this and around town. So we are not directly affected by the herding. This is what we’re working on right now, it says from today to 2018, which will not happen, because we’re not there at all, it’s been very much slower than we expected, hopefully in 3 or 4 years, this is the stage we’ll reach. And what you have here, is the foremost meeting place, the square, and we’ve begun doing the park, the central city park, and we’ll create a connection to whole town through this street which we have, we can establish a new nucleus, because the shopping of the old town cannot be moved slowly. Everything else can be moved pretty slowly, we can take a few houses now and then, but you can’t have 2 shopping sites. So that will ideally happen from Friday to Monday, that you close and then open. But maybe more realistically in a month or something, but not very much longer than that. We have been able to, after the competition, one smart thing we grabbed the possibility, today there is this area, car oriented shopping, with larger stores and shops. The town center is not really centrally located today, it’s a good thing now for us, that this is not a perfect situation, and these guys are willing to start moving quickly, so we can take that opportunity, to bring those 2 kinds of shopping situations to the same site. By doing that, it will become a stronger shopping site, that will be an anchor point for the people who are moving there. As Victoria said, for people building families, they really need services from day 1, they can’t live there without schools and services and shopping and everything. And it also makes it possible in the future to rely less on private cars, and go to do this kind of shopping that you can reach without cars. This is sort of the next stage that will be the 5 year perspective. Jonas L: How far behind do you think everything is running? Krister Lindstedt: It’s hard to say when you go back, you’ll see that very little has happened actually, so I think that’s worth discussing. It’s very, very difficult to establish a new site, that everyone believes that this will be a good site, in 5 or 10 years. So I think they underestimated the hardship on that, or maybe they haven’t underestimated but they still haven’t really focused on giving full support. The mining company and the town will have to put all their effort into building there, taking the first steps, and then others will come along. It’s a market driven move, we have to remember, it’s not like a government done thing, or even a company run move. The company reimburses everyone for lost property, within 120% or something, but then it’s really the private actors that should do the move, but the mining company and the local authority have their own housing companies, that build, and they are now planning for building in the centre and really understanding that they would need to do much more, in the beginning than they thought they would. So right now it’s only the town hall that’s built and a lot of the streets here, there is a park here, that’s been built that you will see, that looks very strange, out of nowhere, there’s a rainwater park. And up here, they’ve started to build some things, which I haven’t seen, as I haven’t been there for a couple of months now. So here’s the situation, 2023, by this time it should be of course the whole shopping part of the town should be built. 2033, is really the plan that we’ve done in the competition, the 20 year horizon. And what I want to say is the reason why we built this street, this full street, is both to connect backwards but also being able to build denser and less dense buildings, and not just building from the nucleus and out. This is the compact town with meeting places, and there are a number of other buildings and activities that also support these meeting places, and these are the outdoor corridors that reach into the town, and this will also be a major furrow out into the wilderness. This is today, all of this part is like an industrial landscape, in relation to the mine. So you will see the mining tower stands here, and this is an old railway yard, that we sort of take use of, this is the only landmark that people relate to, so that’s why we made it quite a big thing in the plan. And the Sami parliament are planning to move to Kiruna, there’s decision, but if they knew they would position

202

| 203

themselves here, which shows that this is on the border between town, culture and nature and the reindeer herding. After the competition we had to rework the plan to house a motorway, the highway E10 that runs right by the city, almost through the city. So that has been a long planning conflict I would almost say, with the traffic authorities and this small town, to make them understand that we don’t..if you look at the next perspective, it becomes clearer, it is an important thing. If we take a longer perspective, 2100 some of may be living then, I surely won’t, but the mean average age is rising. Usually a town can grow in all directions, this is not the case here. We have tried to argue, that this must be a traffic and motorway, that’s in an urban setting, but they regard it as total wilderness, and they want it to have total distance between the buildings and everything, and we tried to manage to integrate these parts into the city, and not always with success. This is a diagram showing the access to people, to people living and working in Kiruna, from all different sites, so it’s sort of a diagram showing where Kiruna is in red, or the centre, where the meeting places should be, and as you can see, in 5 or 10 years, there will be a situation where we do have 2 town centres, which is painful, but after the that the town will have it’s centre core around this one. This is also a diagram, of what it’s like to move a city, and so we are moving, the most dramatic thing is this kind of social move, of a town centre, and then also we talked about different strategies, which also was mentioned, and how we are bringing buildings as a very important strategy also to relate to Kiruna’s identity, we do think these kinds of meeting places and nature, has to do with identity, but of course some of these key buildings do, the church will be moved, but let’s start with the square, I’m sure you will go here. Peter you’re working with both the square but also these streets and also the immediate surroundings, you have any comments there? Peter: As you will see when you come there, the only thing there is is the town hall, as we said it’s less spread out in the old industrial part of the town, so the first thing that will be built in the public space will be the square, but they’ve now decided that they’ll wait with building the actual square, until they have finished most of the blocks surrounding the square. So we just made a temporary design for this part down here, this is the first road between the existing centre and the town hall, so it needs to be able to reach the town hall, to show what’s coming, and we’re going to have some test services from the actual square design and so on, and this part of the city plan will be painted temporarily on an asphalt square, that will be for the two coming summers. Krister Lindstedt: We have had a number of successes, good advance here to get people interested and knowledgeable about the move and understand where they’re going, and this will continue and becomes more and more interesting for people to go here, and see what’s happening. So it’s part of the social move also, to create connections and awareness of that. We are also, Peter and I and our colleagues, working with the station area, where there is the bus terminal, and we think now we can house the hospital, it’s a very small region and they do need their own hospital, this is a very interesting position for the main hospital, right by the transport centre. You can see the main shopping street, which connects also into the main streets leading to the western part of Kiruna, and as a tourist coming in here, this should also be the meeting place, people like us going there to go to Abisko or Jukkasjarvi as tourists, up until now we haven’t stopped in Kiruna, because it hasn’t been interesting enough, but if we do get the town centre here, there are many people who want to go to hotels in Kiruna, as people are coming in and out, so you can imagine people coming in here by train, or bus from the airport, having the hotel, shopping for your skis, or renting your dog sledge or whatever, and then you can pretty much take off, in the direction, and maybe stop here, in the swimming centre, the schools are here..so that’s the morphology of the whole thing. So in this the shopping situation then you get, this is more the cultural meeting place in Kiruna, remember that the town hall today, has always been or historically has been a meeting place as well, an art space, and people use the courtyard very much and that’s what they talked about, they want to have that use as well, but they’re also a building a building for cultural things here. (…) Okay so some images we have done along the way, obviously the town square with the culture house, there’s a different design now to that photo.. Jonas L: Did they get many tenders for it? Krister Lindstedt: Generally, the conflict as we see it is that they, they’re used to this not being a very attractive place to build economically, there aren’t many contractors here. And coming from the outside, we realised if they just dared it they could get people there, they would announce the Kiruna Biennale and I’m sure that there would be builders from Stockholm, and maybe even from Norway and Finland, they would build their probono almost, they would build just to show up, you have to remember, this was used as a model town, for us as Swedes we think of this as a model town, because they had high ambitions for it, and the church, then bought in good architects and everything so I do think that announcing this architectural competition was a step forward, which they didn’t do automatically and there was a lot of pressure to do that, but to really follow up and be proud, I think that that could be a way, not only to be proud about your own town, but also to get people to build there. For a builder the cost is for the building that you build. But the value of the building, is from all of the buildings in the area, so to speak for the town. So you need the town to set the bar, and tell everyone this is what we’re going to achieve, then each builder will feel safe to put money into making something good. But that is not how they handled it. Jonas L.: I was working personally in my practice with one of the bids, one of the tenders for the culture house, we got a very large, Latvian contractor who wanted to do it. But the problem was the local subcontractors for the groundwork. Because there are only a few companies in the region who can do groundwork in the arctic area. And they charged absolutely enormous money, because there are so few bidders. Krister Lindstedt: You did a design for that culture house? Jonas L.: We did it but we never submitted it, because they decided to pull out because they didn’t have any groundwork contractor that was good enough. Krister Lindstedt: Colleagues of mine, made a wonderful proposal, but from what I understand they did not value that very much. It was mostly economy, so that was total lost money for us to believe that it mattered for them what it looked like. So that’s a warning really. Jonas L: I guess it’s the way it works as well, they want someone to take full responsibility of everything so it’s the financial package

that’s the most important thing. They don’t dare to do anything else. Krister Lindstedt: But usually you expect to plan also the drawings Jonas L: Maybe they just think okay now we have a nice town hall, everything else is fabric just around it. I don’t know if it’s a pragmatic thing, it was such a nice building programme. Krister Lindstedt: Yes, there’s a lot of work that’s been put into it because there are a number of players that do things around culture, that cooperated. And that’s their opportunity now to be smarter and bring things together, to cooperate, so it was both the People’s house, there was a library, there was a theatre and you know, that’s pretty smart. Jonas L: I think it was a really good thing, I can tell you more about that Krister Lindstedt: So this is the town hall this was a year ago, so you’ll see it pretty much finished. Peter: I was there a week ago and it’s pretty much finished, they’re just building on top of it now, they’re going to start moving in at the beginning of the summer. Jonas L: Is the clocktower there yet? Peter: Yes it is Krister Lindstedt: And you see the mining tower in the background that I told you about, so this is the only little hill that is close to the town, otherwise it’s pretty flat. The city park, and this gives you an idea of what most parts of the new Kiruna will look like because, although what we talk about is more compact, it’s really the most central blocks that are 4 or 5 storeys high, most of it will be like today, people living in their own houses but it will be denser still, row houses and other things. And you can see in this image, one, right now there are around 40 buildings that the mining company has decided will be taken along. But they found in the summer that it’s pretty easy to move, it’s economically viable to bring buildings, and the cost they say is just about the same for moving town, building a new foundation, putting it up and adjusting it, to what a new building would be. So that’s great news actually, that will bring character to the new town, that otherwise would look very bland, all new from the same decade. Ash: How whole can they keep the buildings when they move them? (sees image) Oh wow pretty whole Krister Lindstedt: I think you can see on youtube the buildings moved, they’re moving new buildings next summer. Even the church that I showed you earlier, this one will probably be moved in one piece. I spoke to an American house mover, who is here, who has now left Kiruna because I don’t know I don’t think he thought he could make any business here, he was in a bid but he thought it was strange to make business in Sweden. Anyway, he said this was house moving heaven because there aren’t any air cables along the streets and roads, so it’s fairly easy. But do go to the church, if it’s one space that you have to see, it’s a wonderful space it’s a wooden building with a lot of references to both traditional wood building in Sweden but also the Sami way of building their shelters. Jonas L: Where does the church go on the new plan? Krister Lindstedt: Actually that is something we are now studying, (points to image) it’s about here, (…) it’s not above the new graveyard but it’s here, it relates pretty much to this street (…). That’s something you can remember, south of the old church is the old company area, and above it is the local authority area, which started a decade or two later than the company area, and then they merged them together, and the Urban designer Pete Hauman? who’s made some wonderful plans for Stockholm. Okay so this was the Kiruna Portal that we thought would be a way to both culturally and in other ways handle resources from Kiruna. We still have a studio up there, and if you need a space to have a meeting you can borrow the key.. Jonas L: That would be fantastic Krister Lindstedt: Unfortunately as it’s going so slow, and we haven’t been able to win any bids for the buildings we don’t have use for it, but we’ll see we’ll keep it for a year, so we’ll see what happens, there is a person who is subletting it, to another person, who you have to be very nice to. Mika: So I can see this is like a development centre, and you’re struggling with the contractors for example, so (…) it’s a century long project, so why don’t the local people train to become builders themselves, instead of actually trying to get the business from different places. Krister Lindstedt: That’s a very good question Mika: Because I can see the mining is the main resource, but this is 100 years from now Krister Lindstedt: And they want to diversify their own economy, that would be a good way, so that’s a project that you should do! The thing is that Swedes in general with the building industry, they trust big solutions, big solutions for big problems, but maybe sometimes that’s not the right solution, but I think that’s a very good point. Mika: Another question would be, what’s going to happen with the old buildings, the ones you’d abandon?

204

| 205

ABISKO RESEARCH STATION TALK BY KEITH LARSON (EVOLUTIONAY ECOLOGIST) FULL TRANSCRIPT

This is an old map, from 1886. It’s interesting because the railroad on there was actually not built at that point in time. The railroad was just hypothesised; they were already thinking about ‘how can we put our footprint as a nation, on the North of Sweden?’They had discovered copper, iron ore, in different places, but in 1886 there was no, you know, when you go to Kiruna, that wasn’t there ok? And you know the other thing is that if you can look closely at this map, there’s no villages here. The Sami people didn’t have permanent villages, they moved from camp to camp, they had summer places, they had winter places, a place for fishing, or a place for herding reindeer, so when people first came up here, the first maps that were created in the Swedish mountains were actually around here. That’s because there’s an area over here called Sjangeli, which is where they had a mine in the 1700s for copper, and the first railroad was proposed not to go to Narvik but to come up through the Arasvikfjord and down to place called (??Tusk Fjord??) - which is the third fjord south of Narvik - and the reason why they opted not to go that way was because (??Tusk Fjord??) freezes in the winter time sometimes, at least it did back then. But in Narvik, the Fjord doesn’t freeze there in the winter, so that’s why the railroad is where it was, so, a lot of you know what you see here is a result of the kind of economic considerations of the day, which were shaped by the climate.

So this is the original research station. This is one of those little red houses that was built along the railroad tracks at Vassijaure, which is what we call Katterjok today. It burned down after a few years unfortunately, but what’s really interesting about the history here is the characters that were the people who came here to the north first. I mean it wouldn’t have been easy even in 1902 to live here or to work here. So here was a geologist - Frederic Svenonius - who helped purchase the building to establish a research station there, but he’s also very interesting in another way; do you know what STF is? It’s the Swedish Tourist Foreningen, föreningen is like an association. So the Abisko tourist station right over here is part of a larger nationwide organization called STF which has hostels and mountain stations, they have huts along the Kungsleden etc. Well he lived in Stockholm and he was the one of the founders of STF as well. And not only that, but he was also one of the founders of this particular STF mountain station, which was the first mountain station. He was also one of the founders of the Kungsleden, the four hundred kilometer hiking trail, and that was established not soon after that railroad was completed here. He also was one of a group of scientists that proposed ten national parks in the Swedish mountains -we have six national parks in our Swedish mountains today, so they were somewhat successful - but anyway he had a really big, you know, kind of footprint if you will, here.

206

| 207

This is a picture of that research station right over there - the B house - this was a new one built in 1912, and the reason why I love this picture is because first of all this is the guy {points to person in photo} that was hiking up and down the mountain every five days between 1917 and 1919, during the summertime, doing a tonne of fieldwork. And what I really like about this picture is these boxes, because a lot of people have an impression during, you know, one hundred years ago, that science was largely descriptive. Meaning, you went out, you said ‘ok what plant species are here, what bird species are here, or what kind of geology is under my feet?’, so fairly descriptive science, you know they weren’t thinking about D.N.A, for example. But what these boxes are, these were some of the first experiments to look at how plants deal with twenty four hours of daylight! So when you come up here in the summer, you get twenty four hours of daylight, in the winter time of course you can experience twenty four hours of darkness; and as a botanist he was already naturally curious to know whether ‘plants just photosynthesize twenty four hours a day, or are they more active certain times a day? What would happen in this box if they only got ten hours vs twelve hours vs fourteen hours?’ So he was very much an experimental biologist, or botanist.

Here’s just an aerial photo of the research station, the original building and the weather station which has been there since 1913.

So why do people come here? Well look at the diversity of the habitats. This is (??Sjoerdfocker??) which you’ll see on the train; this is a permafrost mier; we have the birch forest here, which is a unique habitat type! Has anybody travelled in Finland or Russia, by any chance, at the border of the boreal forest through the taiga - as they call it there - to the Tundra? Well basically it’s a coniferous forest, when you go from the Boreal to the Tundra; and when you go to Alaska, or you go to Canada, you go through a coniferous forest, meaning like Pines or Spruce, and then you get to the Tundra where there’s no trees. Well in Scandinavia, which probably has something to do with this maritime climate that we have here - remember the Gulf Stream, just like you guys experience in the U.K. - we have, essentially, an intermediate forest type, which is this Dwarf Birch Forest. So it’s a very special habitat type, and it is unique to this region - so that’s the type or reason why people come here. A lot of these plants - this picture of blueberries - this is a really nice place to be and there’s a few reindeer. We have Alpine glaciers of course, lakes, rock and ice habitat, so there’s a lot of reasons why people come here.

This just illustrates - this is midsummer at 12 o’clock noon, and 12 o’clock at night. This is the winter solstice at 12 o’clock in the afternoon, and 12 o’clock at night. So it never gets truly twenty four hour dark in the sense that it gets really dark here; you know I feel like when you’re in in parts of the U.K. in the wintertime it feels much darker than here, because it’s so gray and rainy, and you don’t have snow cover. Whereas here, there’s not a lot of sunlight but look at how bright it feels outside - it’s pretty amazing. So I think that, for example, if you’re thinking about design, if you design your windows and things like that, to take the fact that you’ll always have this snow cover, you can increase the amount of light that you have in a room just by having the windows designed in the right way. I put this up here because this is also something that makes this research station unique. We have a record going back, well not only to 900AD but actually going back 7400 years, from tree rings. How did we get a seven thousand four hundred year tree ring record? Well we can get trees that are out here that are alive today, then there’s dead trees that are standing or falling down, but then what happens is that the trees somehow wind up in lakes. So one of the researchers here has been scuba diving in high mountain lakes and in these lakes, he finds old trees. What they’ve been able to do, is reconstruct the climate going back seven thousand four hundred years here, which is one of the oldest tree ring records in the world. What you can see here on the top are warm phases and cold phases. Remember when I talked about glacial and interglacial periods with this kind of Ice Age, Warm Age cycle? You can draw a smoothing line, but that doesn’t mean there were cold years or cold decades, or warm years for warm decades either in an ice age or in the interglacial warm periods. This is something he points out where marine warm air from the Gulf stream dominates on this side, and when it’s cold in Abisko, we get this Arctic air that’s dominated by these Russian or Siberian high pressure systems. And you can see here this is the Little Ice Age right here. But you can see that the Little Ice Age in the Northern Latitudes here really didn’t peter out until right about the time the station was built! So the environments up here were the last places where people experienced the Ice Age. We talked a little bit about this already, we monitor the environment, we do research, and we do teaching. And then of course, I don’t have the fourth thing that we do because it should be obvious to you, but we do outreach - we talk to the public. I talk to high school groups, I talk to university groups, in a couple of weeks I’ll be meeting with a group from the Forest Products Association of Sweden; but I also talk to, for example NATO! So NATO when they have their military exercises North, their generals and colonels will come here and fill this room and we’ll talk about arctic climate change; and they’re interested in that because there’s lots of strategic implications for climate change. Think about the connections that open up across the Arctic Ocean, where ships can move through in the summertime because there’s no Arctic sea ice. Those are the things that have strategic implications.

208

| 209

Here’s a map that just shows a cartoon, or a snapshot, of different places and different countries we’re doing research here at any one time. I just want to illustrate that this is really an international affair. I mean, I’m an American, I’m from the U.S. but I live in Sweden, but we also have researchers from the U.S., from the UK, or Denmark, who come over every summer or every autumn and do their research.

Primarily how we study the climate are these natural climate gradients - I already mentioned the (??Neues??) climate gradient - but we also do experimental manipulations. So I’m going to run you through a couple of case studies to see and understand how we do our science, because for me we talked a little bit about climate change and things like that, but in reality my theory that I’ve learned to communicate in science is that there’s tons of information, but how do you interpet that information and turn it into knowledge? Well the first thing is, when it comes to things like climate science, you need to understand how we do the science. You have to value that science, you have to feel that that science is telling you something that’s real. So the reason why I’m giving you these case studies is not to give you bunch of a facts, but to give you an idea of how we do this science, so when we talk about things like the ones we talked in the lobby earlier, this is how we know these things to be an approximation of reality. Because remember science is not about facts; scientists don’t believe in facts, scientists are always trying to disprove a theory and move science forward - so we’re always trying to approximate some reality.

So here we have an elevational gradient; low elevation and high elevation, and we’re working in lakes. You can see in low elevation you have this really beautiful forest around the lake, lots of lushious vegetation so look at the colour of the water. That watercolor is because of the dissolved organic carbon that basically moves in to the lakes from these ecosystems, and also from the plants and animals that live in those places. That’s a fraction of what we call biological productivity. So what we see is that as you move up in elevation up these high mountain lakes, is that not only do you see a change in the biological community, but that change is a reflection of the amount of carbon in the water or the biological entity. So what we do is then look at what happens to the parts of the environment: carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen in the water (we can measure those things); and we can see that carbon (the life block) becomes more rare, or more limited. Phosphorous, another key element of life, becomes more rare as you move up in these lakes. Nitrogen, becomes more rare.

So we describe the basic pattern that we would predict; but what happens if the climate changes? Well what we predict then is it we will see a shift in all of these things, so what that means is that all of these key elements for producing biological life, or for supporting biological life become less rare. What that means is that we can predict, and this is what we have seen, is that these habitats slowly start to move up the mountains. And so what happens to those species that live in these environments that are adapted to these low nutrient conditions, where do they go? Well the mountains aren’t growing, so they either compete, or they go extinct. So this is this is how we use research.

Here’s another case study, where this is a permafrost mier down here in the lake. What we can do is put up these little green houses and artificially increase the temperature, just as you would put up a greenhouse to make it a bit warmer in there for growing your tomatoes back in the UK. We can actually open up the tops - they’re called open top chambers - so we can put out these mini greenhouses and we can actually measure the biological productively in here; the amount of C02 that’s being respired by the community in there, the plant growth.

Have any of you seen one of these climate models that looks really scary, where here’s the current period, and here’s one hundred years in the future; and this is prediction of what the future is going to look like, and this is another prediction, and this is another..? They’re all based on some calculation of burning fossil fuels. So these come from our climate models. What you hear about on the news are these global climate models, although what you may not be familiar with is that we actually have done a lot of modelling in the Arctic, and although we see that there’s a lot more variation in the Arctic relative to these global models, what we see is that the Arctic is predicted to warm much faster and much more, than the rest of the planet. That’s simply because we’re going from a state where the arctic is largely a cryosphere, to where it’s not a cryosphere. And it’s taken longer for the climate change, to start tapping into the Arctic. Most of the climate change here, I mentioned 2.5 degrees, has actually occured since the late eighties - whereas the global average changes of about 1 degree have been taking place since about 1880. This is just because it has taken a lot of time for that ice to melt, and for that permafrost to thaw.

210

| 211

So what we can do is we can take one of these models and say ‘OK, in twenty years, what will we expect the temperature to be like here in the Arctic? Ok, it’s going to be about a degree warmer by 2020’. So then what we can do is go out and try to mimic one degree of change. And so here look, during the middle of the day, you can actually get over a 5 degree increase in the open top chamber, and below ground (10cm below ground) we can actually achieve over 3 degrees of warming. So over the entire growing season, which starts around day 150 and ends around day 250 at this latitude, what you can see is that this is that temperature curve over that entire period, and indeed, with these open top chambers we can see that we’ve raised the air temperature on average across the entire growing season by 0.6 degrees, but more interstingly by almost 1.8 degrees below ground.

So in the study we did down here, we can see that when we had Open Top Chambers (and there’s three different versions: one is OTC in the summer, the second is OTC adding snow, and the third is OTP in the spring and summer and adding snow) in all three situations result in a significant amount of C02 over what would naturally occur. In other words, when you warm the ground, there’s just a lot more activity in terms of decomposition. This is one of the funny things, climate skeptics say: ‘Well look, if we just more C02 won’t the plants just grow bigger?’. Well yes, but realise that most of the plants aren’t redwood trees. Most of the plants here, the growth each year above ground, lives and dies each year. So that means that you take the carbon that has been stored as permafrost for example, permanently for thousands or tens of thousands of years, you make it available for the plants, yes they’ll grow bigger, but then each year they die. And then what happens? The bacteria, and other organisms, eat and digest that carbon, and fart it out in the atmosphere. So this is an example of how we know that that warming does result; we’ve experimentally changed the temperature and seen what happens.

So a degree of change in warming, resulted in estimated increase using an uscaling approach (what I mean by upscaling is, imagine if you were to take this five hectare permafrost mier down here, if you were to take that and then find all the permafrost mier at these northerly latitudes, and then do some simple mathematics and calculate some value based on this experiment in terms of C02 respiration increase relative to a degree of change) we would predict that between 38-100megatonnes of increased carbon emissions per year by warming those ecosystems. Now this is a big range, but that’s because when we do the upscaling we have to be honest, because not every single spot is identical. So when we take 10 values and average them, the average is not the same value as each individual point. So what we do is we take our study here and then we duplicate the study in Alaska, and Greenland, and Siberia, and then we come up with those averages with our confidence limits and then we upscale it. But the scary thing here is, that 38 megatonnes is actually more carbon put in the atmosphere than what all the European countries agreed to cut under the Kyoto protocol if they had met the Kyoto protocol. So way back in 1998, Europeans agreed to cut the amount of carbon emissions, but the total amount of carbon emissions didn’t offset, essentially, what we know has happenned in the last century - which is a degree of climate change. This is how we know these numbers, this is how we make these predictions; we do these local experiments, replicate them, and then upscale them, to give us the idea of these values. When we see the range of uncertainty here, this lower number is the key, because we know that’s the minimum of what’s going to happen. This is the worst case scenario of what’s going to happen, but it’s still possible. So often when people say, well, look at all this uncertainty in their models - well there’s a lot of uncertainty here, but there is one value which we can be absolutely certain about in any statistical value that we give you in terms of uncertainty, and that’s the lower part. Again, this is caused by this positive feedback of the carbon that is stored in our permafrost soils.

I already told you that permafrost is permanently frozen soil...

212

| 213

...here’s just a cartoon which shows what the soil looks like in the winter time, but here’s what happens when the snow melts in the summertime, you get this active layer. The deepest part of the active layer is actually in about September because it takes a while for all that energy to be stored in the ground - this is what the active layer looks like up here, and this is what the permafrost looks like, this is permanently frozen soil.

I’m going to show you a couple of other things from a study that we’ve done here, but I just wanted to point out that this is from weather data collected here. I don’t know whether you guys remember the last time you took your chemistry or physics courses, but what happens when you warm the atmosphere? It holds more moisture. For every degree we increase the amtospheric temperature, it holds about 7% more moisture. So think about that in terms of design - when the climate gets warmer in the UK, it’s going to get wetter. That’s why, when we were about 400 years ago, prior to the Little Ice Age, when we had the Medieval warming period, you had malaria, in London! When we had these warmer phases in the UK, it was a wet place. Malaria, isn’t that amazing? So here, we look at our data, we can see that in this first period, from 1957 to 1970, here’s the peak amount of snow in February/ March, looking at 1986-2000 we’ve seen a significant increase - so even though the Arctic is warming, it doesn’t mean that it’s not cold enough to have snow; what we see is an increase in the amount of snow!

A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture - what’s the implcations for permafrost? Well if you have a nice thick layer of snow on your roof, what does it do to the inside temperature? It’s insulation. So in an environment like this, where 100years ago there was very little relative snow accumulation (because it was so cold the atmosphere held a lot less moisture), the snow was lower, the ground froze harder, the active layer wasn’t as deep. So you had two processes - the winter cold, and then you had the summer thaw. Now we get much more snow, much more so that we know start to see shrubs invading into these tundra habitats. So now not only we get more snow because it’s warmer, but we now also get more snow because the shrubs create these kind of leaveward sides where the snow accumulates. So you get this secondary effect, labelled shrubification - i.e. where warmer climate leads to the expansion of shrubs and tundra. Therefore we have two factors that result in more snow which insulates the ground.

So out here, if you look carefully, there’s not a lot of snow here because it’s a windswept environment, but there’s orange fences, and what that does is that they act like a shrub, it traps the snow. So I’m going to step you through the results of this study - look at how much snow accumulates around the snow fences! Remember, this is based on real climate predictions - if it gets warmer, we’re going to get more snow, we’re going to get shrubs invading.

What’s the effect on these permafrost ecosystems? In each one of these figures, you can see that the snow depth in every year of this study, is much greater where you have the snow fence. That’s not surprising, as it works just like a shrub. But look at the below ground temperature - it’s warmer, in every year. So just as you would have predicted - more snow, more insulation, the ground is warmer.

Now take a look at this one: this is the active layer. Every year, the active layer starts to get deeper and deeper in comparison to the control plots. So if that’s deeper, which it is, what does that mean? That means that in the summertime, and potentially in the winter time because the ground isn’t below -6C, we have decomposition taking place of that carbon, that has been released. Not only that but the permafrost is thawing so quickly that it’s collapsing, and we have lakes formng in the summertime there.

214

| 215

I mentioned grass as really growing their roots fast look at how tall the grass is at the control plots, and now look at the experimental plots where the permafrost is thawing. The grass is getting so much bigger because the roots has so much access to good carbon and nitrogen and phosphorus in the ground. So we can see then, at the time this study was published, that at the ground temperatures increased by a degree and a half, the active leayer increased by 20% (although since 2012 it’s increased by another 8%), and the surface subsidence was 35cm (although since then now the surface subsidence is as much as 65cm).

Why is this important? Well, I mentioned that the global average temperature is something like 15C, and if we didn’t have an atmosphere with greenhouse gases it would be something like -18C. One of the reasons why it’s 15C instead of 20C or 10C, is because the Arctic functions as the Earth’s cooling system. When you have this big white place on top of the Earth and on the bottom of the Earth, it’s reflecting a lot of energy away that would be stored on land and in the oceans.

This is that map of the permafrost I mentioned, in the Northern Latitudes it’s mostly land surounding the ocean; 24% of the Northern hemisphere soils are permafrost soils, but globally it’s only 12%.

Here’s just a cartoon showing that as the permafrost thaws, essentially you go from sparce vegetation to more lush vegetation, but you also have a lot more biological activity as that carbon is respired through the decomposition process. And this is the positive feedback; in this case positive doesn’t mean something good!

So the top 3m, of these pemafrost regions, we estimate that there’s over 1000 billion tonnes of carbon stored. Why do I say the top 3m? Because we actually, unlike the ocean, where we have a pretty good idea of the depth of the ocean, we have no idea of the depth of the soil uniformally across the planet - we only get it from where we’ve done core rings. We know that in these top 3m, if that carbon was released, we would be increasing the amount of carbon by 15% - twice as much as in the atmosphere. Thirteen to twenty eight percent of the permafrost is predicted to thaw by 2050. One of the other things that we often hear from climate skeptics, is that the models don’t work very well; well it turns out that almost in all cases, the reason why our models work less well than we’d like, is that we underpredict - in other words, right now, with the tools that we have, we predict these as the values of thawing - but every five years or so, due to the fact that we conduct more studies and learn more about permafrost, these values actually increase.

These are Siberian ground eposures - the permafrost can be 1000m thick in some places.

216

| 217

This is Arctic Sea Ice, this is another positive feedback. Temperature rises, the sea surface melts, and thus instead of reflecting energy, it absorbs energy, which in turn causes more temperature rise.

This isn’t ecology, this is basic physics and chemistry, and a little bit of fluid dynamics. Solar radiation comes down, the soil and the vegetation reflect about 20% of that energy - when it hits the snow and ice it reflects about 85-90% of the energy but when it hits the ocean it reflects only about 10% of the energy.

I’m going to show you a brief animation - this is starting in 1984 - this is a year by year change of the extent of the Arctic Sea Ice. What’s important here is the white sea ice is the multi-year ice; that’s the strongest thick ice, that lasts the longest. The light gray ice is the ice that forms each year, seasonally. What we see is that this area is just dissappearing, in terms of that mylti-year ice, year after year. The pattern is the same the whole time, but take a look at what’s happening by 2014-2015.

This is Sempteber Arctic Sea Ice. Why September? Because September is the warmest period of the year in terms of the stored energy from the sun over the entire summer - so that’s where we have the minimum amount of sea ice; we have the maximum amount of sea ice in February, consistently year after year. What we see is that almost this entire area at the beginning of 1984, was sea ice with the majority of the ice being multi-year ice. By 2016 we’ve lost one third of the September sea ice cover; so we’ve went from 85-90% reflectivity, to 10% reflectivity for one third of the arctic ocean.

Here’s just some statistics here. We’re at 406ppm carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with the whole average temperature going up by about a degree. The Arctic has gone up by almost 1.8 degrees, on average. That’s in the last 30 years. The sea ice is declining by 13% per decade. These values come from the NASA website where they’re updated regularly, so it’s not like these things are actually getting better, unfortunately.

I’ve mentioned that the greenhouse gases are important, i.e. why our temperature is what it is versus what it could be without them.

218

| 219

I mentioned the fact that we use these Ice Cores from Antartica and Greenland to give us a picture of the past; and here’s one of those pictures.

Here’s today, here’s when the carbon dioxide was at it’s minimum (so this would’ve been in our last Ice Age), here’s the previous interglacial period, here’s the previous Ice Age and so on and so forth. But what you can see is, this is carbon dioxide, and it never exceeds 300ppm. Actually, we have ice cores now that go back 1.4million years - which sets a record since up until this last year we had cores going back to just 800 thousand years. During that entire period, during the warmest interglacial periods, the carbon dioxide never went above 300ppm. What will happen in 100 years?

I mentioned the ecentricity of our orbit; the obliquity, the 1.5-2 degrees tilt in our axis, and then the wobble of our Earth’s orbit (so these are the 20, 40 and 100 thousand year cycles); and what we know is that when we model these, because these celestial mechanics are part of our solar system, we see that carbon dioxide fluctuates, and temperature basically follows that. Temperature always lags the carbon dioxide, another one of those things the climate skeptics always say: ‘Look it’s not a perfect match - the temperature isn’t exatly the same!’. Well that’s because the carbon dioxide has to build up first, and then it changes the balance of the Earth, and then the processes (these feedbacks) change. That’s why in the plyoscene, 2.5 million years ago, when it was the same amount of carbon dioxide it was 6-9 degrees warmer and it’s not today - it will be that much warmer at some point in our future.

So we have a fairly broad consensus, most of the scientists agree that humans are causing climate change. You might ask yourself, ‘well, when we’re talking about 100 years, or a thousand years, or 400 thousand years, what does it mean to me?’ I think this is where we frame the climate change argument the wrong way. I think that burning fossil fuels, and the way we live on our planet in terms of the damage that we’re doing; what we should really be thinking about is human health. We shouldn’t be thinking about some generation in the future, because of course all of us want to give our great-grandchildren a healthy planet, right? But how many times when you’re at the store, or you’re making a decision, do you think about some unborn great-great-grandchildren, when you’re making that decision? That’s not how we function. We didn’t evolve as a species to think about some generation in the future; 10000 years ago we were just concerned about where we’re going to get our next meal; and for many people on the planet it’s still that way today. So when we talk about human health, we’re talking about water, energy, and food. If you’re in a developed country, the problems around those issues are different than if you’re in a country that’s less developed. We’ve seen in Europe how poorly we’ve handled the Syrian refugee crisis. What are we going to do when we have 100, 200, 300 million climate refugees on this planet? Trump can’t build any kind of wall that’s going to protect him from that. The Tories and the extreme right wing of the UK, they can’t build any kind of fence around the UK that’s going to protect them from these people who are just desperate to survive. You might ask again what the Syrian refugees had to do with it, but maybe some of you know the story or not; well before the Arab Spring there had been a prolongued drought. We know that that prolongued drought in that part of the Middle East was worst because of climate change - I’m not saying the drought was caused by climate change, but we have very good science now, what we call Climate Change Attribution Science, were we can say that, if we look at droughts or hurricanes or whatever, we can say that this event was 20% or 30% worse. So we know that drought was intensified by climate change - and what happened in that drought was that the poor farmers in places like Syria couldn’t make a living, causing them to move into the urban areas. When they moved into the urban areas, maybe they had access to some food, but of course they didn’t have their communities and work infrastructures, they didn’t have their families, the people that represented them in their communities - they went from being in a community to being refugees in the cities of their own countries. So when the Arab Spring flared up, you had this positive feedback that was caused by these climate refugees, and then of course, in Sweden we’ve had a lot of ref-

220

| 221

ugees, and in Europe I think we’ve had a few million refugees? Most of the refugees have gone to places like Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. But how well have we done in treating these people? I would say that we’ve done a really shitty job of taking care of these people. And if you think about the people living in the far north, or the people who live in these less developed areas, these are not people who are living industrial lifestyles like we do (a high tech lifestyle), which is causing the climate change in the first place. We cause the climate change, and then we deny them the access to the things that they need to survive. It’s not a very good deal. So again, ask yourself, what are we going to do when the 2.2 billion people at sea level become climate refugees, well that’s just something that’s unimaginable isn’t it?

So that’s kind of my talk...

...we can tell you where all the oil came from, which companies have burnt it...

...we can tell you that the sun is prodcing 23000 TW of energy a year, versus all of the coal that we have in the total reserves; so why aren’t we using our sun when we only need 18TW of energy to power everybody on our planet?

We could put six solar concentration plants and generate 18TW of energy at those six locations. Well then of course you have to get the energy to the people, but I mean of course we could build hundreds, or thousands of these solar stations. 23000 TW or all this poison? {points to coal} Really, that’s what it comes down to.

And I want to point out one other thing - if it wasn’t for this right here {points to coal}, none of us would be here today. Prior to the industiral revolution, not one generation of people was better than their parents’ generation, other than when it was like a good climate, or a bad climate, for a year or a decade. So the fossil fuel industry, and the technology industry, the industrial and technological revolution, have been really really important. Today I realise that instead of making the people who brought us this {points to coal} the enemy, we need to be focused on helping them become the new green energy companies. We need to create the environment, economically, socially and politically, that helps them transition.

222

| 223

224

| 225

KIRUNA MUNICIPALITY PROFESSOR GÃ&#x2013;RAN CARS (DIRECTOR OF PLANNING) FULL TRANSCRIPT

P Director: I don’t have a Northern accent. I’m from Stockholm where I’ve been living all my life. And I moved up here in 2013. [Intro] P D: Anyway, in 2013, we realised that the move of the city has to speed up to make a ? before the cracks came into the city centre. So we called at ? university asking if we could provide some help up here. So I came and attended some lectures and then one evening, the mayor called up and said: We like your presentation up here, and we were wondering if it’s possible for you to move up to Kiruna? I mean for a guy who’s worked all his life in a university in Stockholm, it was a big step, but it was like a dream coming true. So I said, yes I’m coming! So, I’ve been here now for 5 years, but I’m still working with an architecture office in Stockholm called Utopia and still have some relations in Stockholm, as this is a small town. J: Ok, so you work for Utopia. P D: I will talk about plans etc, as you’re a small group and if you have any questions let me know. [Small talk] So, this is Kiruna! It is 2,000 sqkm big and it has 3,000 residents. […] What happened? – In 2006, a letter came from the mining company, which said: Hey! We discovered that if we are going to continue mining activity you have to move to a new city. I mean the city council was shocked. Anyway, this letter wasn’t meant to be a protest, and everyone knew that if we want the city to survive, we have to have the mine operating. So the council agreed to – Ok, we have to move the city. But it was a dramatic decision to take. Reactions like: Why do we have to move the city?? What is happening? Escalation of mine started in late 19th century and up to 1960 it was the open peak, and after 1965 they went into the ground. And everything was filled with sunshine. But then they realised the cracks wouldn’t go down into the ground, but 60 degrees angle into the city centre. Which is very ironically, because if you look at Kiruna from the park, you see the mine and wilderness and except for one direction where you see the city centre. So even though we are excavating in the mine, at lower than 1km depth, you get cracks on the ground ceiling, and people are asking sometimes: Are houses going to fall into the cracks? But that’s not what is happening. Instead you get cracks expanding and the first things that happens is that what is under the buildings will crack. And all infrastructure, like electricity, sewage etc will go first. And here you will see ground information. ??? This is a picture taken facing the city centre. You can see the city centre on the right and you can see a car going there. That road is no longer existent. In front of the city hall you can see a number of small town houses which are gone by now. So you can see how the cracks are slowly creeping up to the city centre. By the late 2018, the cracks will be here, so this house had to be evacuated before the completion of 2018. And actually it will be removed this summer. So, we are moving lots of things. So we have to move aprox 3,000 housing units, we have to build a completely new commercial centre, because moving small shops it’s a problem. Because at some point in Swedish towns, the small shops are moved outside the centre of the town, but I’m happy that we found a solution to this. We will have a very functional shopping centre in the new town. But aprox, 1,500 workplaces have to be moved and we have to move all public buildings, except for some day care centres. We have to move all public buildings, like hospitals, swimming pools, cultural buildings, schools, churches, etc. And then, not least, we have to re-route our infrastructure, and the highways and the railroad. So this is the first thing I took on, when I came here in January 2013. This is the picture with the area inflicted by the mining activity - ???? As you can see the mine up in the N, in the right hand corner of the picture, and cracks going straight into the city centre, and that’s why the city has to be evacuated somewhere between 2020 and 2022. And then we are moving.. I guess you have seen the new location. It is approx. 2.5 km and the wonderful question from all residents from Kiruna, is – is it safe here? It is a tricky question. I mean the relocation of the city will cost 2b euros and of course every investigation, every forecast has been made if this area is going to be safe. But the guys who did this investigation said that for at least the next 30 years, the cracks will go into the

226

| 227

direction in which they are going atm. But in 30 years time it could be that it takes another direction. So no one is sure. And here is the picture of our new city centre before the constructions for the city hall and it was a tough decision to place the city centre here. And it was a bit problematic, because this used to be the city dump. There was a factory there processing dump and all sorts of activities. And the next thing is the cemetery of the church. And people call it – the valley of death. But there are good reasons to have the city here. If you look at the map of the entire old Kiruna, you can see ….? So, if you just look to see the perfect new location it was definitely this place. But there are disadvantages at the same time. One disadvantage is on what the previous city is built. As the old city is built on hills and you have surrounding views of the mountains, but not in the same way in the new city. We are moving and the thing is that when we are moving. It’s a questions of whether we should demolish and make new constructions or should we move the buildings. This is a question of what the preferences are and costs. […] After millions of meetings they agreed on demolishing the ugly buildings from the city centre. Just like after the war in Britain, where people were happy about demolishing city centre, so they make space for the new modern urban person. And the new modern person needed a car, and the whole philosophy over the 50-60-70s for the cities was to make room for the car. So lots of construction coming up after the war, and gave a chance to get rid of the old and reintroducing something new, much more pleasant. But at the same time we have buildings that have a high cultural value and they are very much appreciated. And I have a few of them in this picture ? If we start looking at the top left corner you have the city hall as it is now, and it’s a building that looks strange. If you ask Swedish people what do they think about city halls, they say it’s a boring building full of bureaucrats – I don’t go there. It’s grey. [weird sounds covering his voice] So when I saw you today (he means Unit 4 group), I thought – ah, that’s another group that came today. They came to look at exhibitions, they go and get a coffee, all the time we have something to celebrate. When students graduate, they have their celebrations and so everything like that takes place here. The outside here it’s not so important, but the interior it’s very important – to have this open public space. Looking at costs, the construction of this building, everything is feasible to move this building. To take down pieces and move them. The cost would’ve been enormous. So the decision was made to accept demolishing this hall, but to built it in a similar way. So you have seen the city hall, we have opened it to the public and we think it will meet up with the ambitions and interests of Kiruna residents. You can see the clock tower on the top of the building – that feature will be kept in the new building. If you look at the building in the middle top road, you have two houses in the city centre and they were built by the Swedish-UK architect Ralph Erskine. [some talk about RE] Anyway, these two houses are very much appreciated by Kiruna residents, whether they hate them or love them, they are so typical Kiruna. The problem is that they are very solid concrete construction. But the good news is that the exterior is a pan construction. Which makes it possible to rebuilt the core and move the pan construction to the new buildings. But that is still investigated. The third building on the top road is the church. And the church will be dismantled and rebuilt. But the cost is enormous. In 2006 it was elected as the most beautiful cultural building in Sweden. And because of that it will be moved in 2024. On the bottom left of the road, you have one of these typical houses built in the early 20th century, but LKAB. By that time Kiruna was seen as a modern city?, as the CEO of the mine at that time was an amazing industrialist. He realised that in order to make more employees coming, there needs to be supporting infrastructure. So his aim was to built railroads to Nordik and to L…? And at that time the employment exploded. And at the same time, most prominent architects, artists stood here at that time. And he had the ambition to create the road modern for a city and Kiruna was called like that. His work was ambitious, but houses were not beautiful for families. But the things he introduced were astonishing. People had special kitchen, or bedrooms – considered luxuries then. But as the time went on, the standards living improved. But the road-modern was nicely done. When the cold and wind were coming, you needed to have a street path which breaks off the wind. But also how to work on the composition of the city, as per mixing residential units with public buildings. So a lot of these houses were removed to the city centres. In the middle you have the home of the CEO of LKAB. And that is already being moved. And finally to the right bottom road you have the old fire brigade station. Now, it’s the office of the ?? And this is also one of the buildings that are being discussed. – The experts say it’s wonderful and they should preserve it all, but people say it’s nothing special. But the tower is spectacular. So how to make priorities and how to handle? So who should we listen to? The experts or the people, and I prefer the people. When you approach the people, to whom you have to say – well, you have to move, you need to be careful how to make them feel like home in the new location. That’s why you need to listen to their needs, opinions and ambitions. And a dramatic picture of moving houses – For every single household owner, you have basically three things. The legislation is pretty clear, same as in UK perhaps. If a mining company creates damage on the ground, in which case LKAB does, they have to compensate the owner of that property. And the compensation consists of the same price as per the current market values, plus 25%. SO for a house let’s say at 5,000£, you get the option of getting back 5,000£ plus 25% or you can get a new house. But if your previous house was 40 sqm, the new one will be 10 sqm, and we will have to pay you the difference. But the third option is to move your house. And actually many owner people prefer to move their houses. Here are some buildings, which will be removed. You can see that we are trying to pick up some buildings that represents some sort of identity of Kiruna and the church. When I had my first public presentation in 2013, a guy asked how about moving the birches? With the guy mentioning that the birches are as important as the church. So there a lot of other artefacts and objects that have meaning to the people of Kiruna and they will be moved. That was an introduction to Kiruna. And now I will speak about the Planning. The first things is that when I came here in 2013, I was shocked, as my room was facing the mine and I could see the cracks. [small talk about the cracks]

It was quite a thing to plan everything in approx. 5 years after my arrival. [talking about the standard Swedish style of planning] We did it differently. We wanted to build the new city in a very short amount of time, but still building it up to the same level of standard as the guy who built this city initially. We were looking into having some sort of common ground and objective that would be shared with the stakeholders. So we started by making a development plan. So the plan was done in collaboration with all the stakeholders effectively. We were in a rush. But we thought that nothing should be drawn and that everything should start from talking. So for 5 months they were just talking to all the stakeholders you see here. [talking about his stress] But after these 5 moths they had a common objective, and they needed the consent of the stakeholders in order to build something of good quality and something that has to happen fast. Inside the council we have 14 different parties. We have a group called the Interest Organization of Kiruna etc. And we realised that if we don’t get politicians to unite, it’ll be very hard to get building companies and investors on board. [talking about the politicians’ involvement within the project] So we took a different approach, by interviewing people on how would they like their city to look like. [giving examples of answers regarding the city hall opinions] So the basic questions was what do people think would be a poor solution for the new city. – which is a good starting point – and at every meeting the answer was that they don’t have a town square So, the first thing to do was to get a good public square built. The second thing that comes up is the fact that the city is so spread out. – you don’t really get the sense that this is a big city. – so when we are redesigning our new cities, we need to take the modern person into account. A person once told me that a good city, is a city where you have shops on both sides of the street. And there is no single street here in Kiruna that has that feature. And then the shop keepers rose. The third thing that comes up in the debate was that the car dominates the urban space of the city. And actually Kiruna has the highest density of cars as a city. And it’s not like they should have a car free city, but to change the accessibility of the car into the town. So what we want to incorporate in the new city are: town square, street with shops, meeting places, density, mixed old with new, and new landmark. [talking about how the meetings take place in terms of planning] – including people who don’t want any changes etc. So that’s why instead of these meetings, they chose to talk to the people. [describing some meetings they had with the labour group, the council etc.] But adding all these conversations we have with people, you get a good sense of how the city should be built. A good example is a case in which he met some girls who did their dissertation over the renewal of Kiruna. She said that young women in Kiruna, they either get pregnant or move to Stockholm and she asked what should we do about that? – and another girl answered: we need meeting places and some of them should be gender neutral. What is a meeting place? People protested at the beginning, but after they showed pictures of what they want built in the new city of Kiruna, people were happy about the outcome. Someone said to him they are 3,000 residents and only 1,100 snowmobiles. Then they have meetings with the shopkeepers and they looked at their profits to see what margin they have and they are extremely small in case of most of them. So at first meeting they said they have to pack and move in 2020, and when they asked about their rents in the new locations, we said they need to calculate it by increasing with 60%, and they realised this is an issue for them. [he talks about the space industry and his meeting with a professor from Naples and his vision over how a city should be, being different than to a mine worker’s] TRANSPORTATION It’s extremely important how you make your road system. But we had to get investors into considering this idea that is worth paying for. So they had constant meetings and debates with investors and builders to see if the cost was viable. In 2018, we will move the city hall and we will demolish some houses. And from 2020 we have to start construction of new units. [taking about collaboration again] Someone came up with the idea of keeping the old buildings as an old ghost town, rather than demolishing them. – But then some people said it’d look depressing. [chat about this with the audience] The main road until now was the one between the city centre and the airport. But in the new city centre at the N of the mine? and at the S of mine?, we have the old industrial area which is not used. For those at living in the S, it would be advisable to redefine your property. The shopping street coming up, meeting the new European highway, E10 will be rerouted. So we are going straight NE from the city centre. Diagonally through the city centre, is the city park. And this is the new town square. After talking to the stakeholders, they started sketching it out. Around the new city centre, we will build constructions with open ground spaces, focusing on public activity, and then you will have offices and residential units on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor. The grey building you see, is the New House of Culture, where you have a library etc. Then you will have the city hotel (green coloured), and at the bottom we will have the transit station. When we opened to initiatives, people come with ideas. The manager of the hotel, said that people used to stay and drink in the bar, but they don’t want to do that anymore, perhaps some-

228

| 229

KIRUNA TOWN UNIT04â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CONVERSATION WITH MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FULL TRANSCRIPT

Unit 4 discussions with community members

Lisa, about 28, dental care. Just moved to Kiruna one week ago.

Me: What do you think is the best thing with the new town plan? Lisa: I moved here last week so I don’t have too much of an oppinion, but I seems to be a good longtem investment.

Merethe: How come you’re moving here, and what your trade is? Lisa: I move here to start working in dental care.

Me: Is the practice located here in the town centre today? Lisa: Its just around the corner from here.

Me: Will the practice move with the new town plan? Lisa: We will move but it the exact details about the move is for now posponed, and there is nothing decided yet.

Me: Even though you’re just moving here, do you

industry of tourism, but possibly even more in the mining industry. At the

have a relation to the city from before? Is there any-

same time we have learnt from speaking to the town architect in the town

thing particular with the move of the city you feel is

hall that to invest more in tourism can jeopardise, and be a sticking point,

good or bad?

since these investments would have to involve more temporary housing for

Lisa: No I really don’t have anything specific to point

tourists. This risk to compete with permanent housing for people that has

to.

to move. - Do you have a sense of what you think the municipality should focus on in the future, in term of; more mining or more turism. Do you have

Merethe: Have you seen any of the plans for the

an oppinion on the matter? If you had to choose, which one would you

new town? Have you seen the new Town hall?

prefer?

Lisa: Well, I have looked at the models that has been

Lisa: I tend to think that the investments, primarely, should go to getting

on display, and the plans. I’ve also passed the new

the housing problem fixed, since there is already a lack of housing units

building site, and the construction that is coming up,

in town, which I have experienced at first hand. So I think thats reasona-

but not more than that.

ble. Of course I think that there should be some investments in the tourist industry too, because it is a source of income for the town. But ultimately

Me: Quite a lot of inhabitants are working in the

230

| 231

the people who live here should be given priority.

Unit 4 discussions with community members

We casually asked a few members of the local community about the new town plans, while documenting the town. Outside a bank office we met a woman, around 55 years of age. She was not from the town centre, but lived in Poikkijärvi, a few kilometers to the east of Kiruna. She was not into the new city plan at all. However, she was feeling a bit sad that the nice views over the surrounding hills (including the mine) would disapprear from out of sight in the new town. She reffered to the new location as a ‘pit’, or a ‘pit-hole’. She specifically meantioned she would miss the sun shining on the surrounding hills. Overall she said she would not be much affected at all, and stated she had little opinions on the matter.

Another member of the community was a man, about 55-60, out walking his impatient dog. The conversation with this man was quite short. Although he was not angry at us, he made sure to speak his mind in a quite upset manner. He said he was upset with the LKAB, and thought the whole move was more or less a disaster. He said its been handled extremely poorly. Although he was agreeing that the town had to be moved, he said it was one of the worst locations; it is the old dump site of the city, and the fact that is in more of a valley means the temperatures there would drop -15 degrees extra in winter (!?). He said other locations would be better but did not specify where.

We also met Rebecka, who is working at SpecSavers in Kiruna Centre. She has lived in Kiruna her whole life. Rebecka thought it was a shame that smaller businesses in Kiruna are not doing so well anymore, and she saw the link to the new town plans. She said that several shop owners are closing down their business, ever since they got the message that they would have to move. This, according to her, is because there is no clear answers to when, and how the move will be realised, and she also said one big factor was that many of the shop owners were expecting not to be able to afford the rent in the new buildings that will be erected. She said this especially was the case for older shop owners, who’d rather retire, than dealing with worse and worse business until the big move. The lack of information and communication from the municipality on the matter is the main cause for this, according to Rebecka. She said the dip in busiess also effect the number of people out and about in the town centre. According to her, the town centre used to be more alive and filled with movement, even after working hours, when most shops have closed for the day, and even during weekends. The decrease in human activity in the city is also a reason that people stay in more. She believes that human activity brings even more people, but this has now shifted to the opposit. She said that she thinks she’s spotted a trend in more and more people do their shopping online, and that this is a consequence of the decreasing sprawl in the town centre. She expressed a bit of frustration, and questioned how there can be no clear plan for the shop owners and businesses in town, even though the new town hall is being finalised this year. Rebeckas favourite feature of the old town are the old timber villas - the old houses erected by LKAB in the yearly decades of the 1900’s. Some of them have already been moved, and the rest will be moved to new locations shortly. In terms of cultural life in the town, she had a few interesting insights, that she was happy to share. See section ‘Demographics’ Rebecka was happy to help, but did not wish to have her picture taken.

232

| 233