8. Conclusions and Reflections

Being an urban ecological trial area Svartlamo(e)n focuses on participation and the use of local resources. In addition, it offers housing with low rent and the freedom to shape the space the way the residents want, both in terms of the apartments and public spaces. This is all part of creating a good base for a community that collaborates and a good place to live.

Throughout the project we have learned a lot. However, very few projects go smoothly, and this was no exception. There were challenges with data collection, teamwork, and time. Starting this project, we had three months to get to know the area, collect data, and come up with solutions. From early on we got the impression that it would take more than three months to get full insight to the area and how the people live there. Our contact Martine also said it took her a long time getting the trust from the community for her to be able to collect valuable information. With this we realize that the data we have collected to base our proposals from was limited. However, we have used the interviews, observations, and data to the best of our ability to make sure we include the locals, municipality, and their viewpoints.

In addition, we soon realized that even though Svartlamo(e)n was used to students and projects many of them seemed tired of questions and people coming in for a short period of time before leaving again. Due to this participation fatigue, we had limitations in direct conversations and information from the locals both in terms of data collection and feedback.

From the interviews we got, many of the comments were connected to the ongoing conflict with the municipality and the contract that is currently being written and negotiated. With the topic of the contract being on the agenda, it was hard to get information on other elements that they didn’t like such as elements that could need improvement, or what there could be more of. In addition, there was resistance from the people as they appreciate doing things on their own terms and they expressed that if they wanted something done, they would do it themselves.

Even with these challenges, we were able to use the data we had to come up with solutions that we believe reflect the needs and opportunities at Svartlamo(e)n and Mellamon. We have focused on further development of the good qualities of Svartlamo(e)n and the issues connect-

ed to their daily life to create spaces that keep buildings safe and strengthen the community. We believe that in the long term this will benefit the residents and over time contribute to the relation with the municipality of Trondheim.

Not all the solutions we have brought forward are new. Many of the ideas we propose have roots in the ideas from Svartlamo(e)n and previously proposed regulation plans from the municipality, as they have several good ideas and structures that work for them. The residents focus on using local resources (both human, skills, and materials) as well as a community that comes together can also be an inspiration when working towards a more just housing in the long term.

Overall, we believe we have learned a lot from this project, both in terms of learning about the space itself, and in working as a planner and in an international group. We had our challenges along the way and the process was not straight forward. Yet in the end we were able to see the value of local resources and participation when planning for others and that through cooperation and co-design one can be a part of creating creative participatory spaces that can develop further on its own.