4.1 working towards the solutions

The community is also a great strength where people can come together through events and activities and get to know each other, leading to more willingness to help each other out. In addition, the low rent opportunity can give people more freedom from work meaning more time to engage in their community through, for example, local shops, and community groups. Which again leads to greater local resources.

With the offer of a low and long-term rent if you pay and behave, Svartlamo(e)n also offers housing to the people in between the housing market and social housing. By being part of the third housing sector, Svartlamo(e)n could be a part of working towards more just housing solutions by being an inspiration for others. Especially now that they are trying to expand with the project of Mellamon.

Based on these challenges and opportunities we decided to split up the groups where one part works on Svartlamo(e)n and the other works on Mellamon, as Svartlamo(e)n is an area that is already developed and Mellamon is a new project under development. For both groups we want to base it on the same design concepts: art, reuse, and sharing, working with the strengths and opportunities presented.

4.1. Working Towards The Solutions

When developing the solutions, the culture and identity of the area itself; as well as the local resources were a main focus. The key concepts utilized are based on three design principles: art, reuse, and sharing. For our suggestions there is also a goal of creating both short-term and long-term solutions and visions.

Art is a major part of the community’s culture and identity, and is shown all over within Svartlamo(e)n. The art shown here is from the resident themselves and they take a lot of pride in their artists. For the solutions it was therefore decided to use art and local artists to create a connection between the project and the locals.

Figure 47: Art Piece on the wall in Svartlamo(e)n, Huan Chang

The other design concept is re-using materials. For the spatial solutions the equation of the existing workshop groups of Svartlamo(e)n, plus recycled materials, plus our UEP groups was used to create effective spatial solutions that took the local recourses into account. Some examples of this could be using bricks just laying around in the community for paving the roads; utilizing the old window frames for a bike shelter; using left over metal for benches or planters; and using the piles of wood around the community for urban furniture. Most of the materials are just laying around the community unused and could be reused for different purposes. Re-use of materials is a common theme already existing in the community and is also shown in several of their shops where reuse and redesign are at the core. Examples of this is the “Rå ReDesign” where older items are reused for jewelry and “Gratis Butikken” where one can donate items that aren’t used anymore for others to collect for free.

For the third design concept the basis is sharing. The aim for this is to use the local resources, both human and physical, in sharing experiences, space, tools and ideas. We want Svartlamo(e) n and Mellamon to be able to come together and develop their spaces on their own terms. From this we share ideas and thoughts to create spaces where they can connect with each other and the spaces hopefully making them interested in maintaining the spaces by curating a sense of stewardship.

For the short-term solutions the aim is to create spaces that are based on the local resources and can contribute to their everyday life challenges. For long-term the challenges, the opportunities might need more time to develop and for stakeholders to consider. In addition, we try to create short-term solutions that can have a positive effect in the long-term. We will also look at what we can take away from the area and how it can be upscaled to help the housing situation for several people.