Regaining a sense of belonging
Solander Ring
Solander Ring - A vision for a social, connected and climate-resistent Piteå
“Solander Ring” is an urban ecological strategy for Piteå that aims to implement an innovative spatial framework plan for the development of nordic urban centres. The ring coincides with the traces of the former island of Piteå, embracing the historical centre defined by an orthogonal grid morphology. This linear structure is centred on slow mobility, climate-adaptation, and biodiversity. Existing and new places are linked to the ring, turning it into a continuous urban ecosystem.
Sweden
Regional
Sweden, Norrbotten
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
As an individual partnership with other persons/organisation(s)
The “Solander Ring” is an urban and ecological strategy for Piteå that aims to implement an innovative spatial framework plan for the development of the northernmost urban centres. The ring coincides with the traces of the former island of Piteå that embraces the historical centre defined by an orthogonal grid morphology. This linear structure is centered on slow mobility, climate-adaptation, and biodiversity. Existing and new parks, gardens, and urban developments are linked to the ring, turning it into a continuous urban ecosystem that fosters an harmonious symbiosis between humans and nature.
Biodiversity
Community
Rigeneration
Urban Ecosytem
Mobility
The project creates a "continuous urban ecosystem" by linking parks and gardens along the Solander Ring. This linear botanical garden, featuring native species, promotes biodiversity and ecological resilience. The "polar wadi" for snow retention and the improved waterfront ecological corridor demonstrate a commitment to nature-based solutions. A mobility hub integrates transport modes, encouraging public transport and reducing reliance on private vehicles, while slow mobility minimizes the carbon footprint. The project holistically integrates nature into the urban fabric, creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment. Public space design improves sustainability through climate-adaptive solutions. Expanding permeable surfaces and Nature-Based Solutions mitigate flooding. A "Dark Sky Strategy” reduces energy consumption and fosters biodiversity. The waterfront design prioritizes landscape continuity, creating a seamless transition between urban and natural environments. This ecological infrastructure supports diverse habitats and strengthens climate change resilience. The project embraces seasonality, designing public spaces for year-round uses. Public space solutions include green infrastructure like bioswales and rain gardens, enhancing water management. These interventions contribute to a sustainable, resilient, and climate-ready city.The continuous urban ecosystem along the Solander Ring creates a vital ecological corridor, connecting green spaces and promoting wildlife.
This interconnectedness strengthens the urban environment's health and resilience. The focus on native species supports local ecosystems. Nature-based solutions address climate change adaptation.The "polar wadi" manages snow retention and acts as a green space.The improved waterfront enhances water quality and provides aquatic habitat.These integrated strategies demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable and resilient urban environment, serving as a model for other cities.
This interconnectedness strengthens the urban environment's health and resilience. The focus on native species supports local ecosystems. Nature-based solutions address climate change adaptation.The "polar wadi" manages snow retention and acts as a green space.The improved waterfront enhances water quality and provides aquatic habitat.These integrated strategies demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable and resilient urban environment, serving as a model for other cities.
The Solander Ring celebrates Piteå's heritage and fosters a sense of place. Its contemporary design enhances the waterfront's aesthetic appeal. Curated programming creates a vibrant year-round environment, offering meaningful experiences that enhance Piteå's cultural value. Unique urban spaces, like reinterpreted railway sheds and a forest campus, offer emotional benefits. Art and cultural performances reinforce Piteå's identity. Celebrating heritage and fostering interaction enhances quality of life. The design promotes belonging through thoughtful consideration of Piteå's character. The focus on aesthetics reinforces Piteå's distinct identity. Historical preservation and vibrant programming create a dynamic urban environment. Accessible public spaces ensure everyone enjoys the transformed waterfront. The project strengthens Piteå's social fabric by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. The emphasis on meaningful experiences preserves Piteå’s character, while integrating art and culture enhances aesthetic appeal. The project’s vision serves as a model for cities seeking to create strong communities. The diverse programming unites people, building community. Public spaces encourage interaction and connection. Accessibility ensures everyone enjoys the benefits of the improved town center. The focus on meaningful experiences ensures Piteå’s unique identity remains.
The project enhances waterfront accessibility with four new bridges, transforming them into destinations. The new train station connects the town, divided by the new railway, and fosters social interaction with public amenities like a library, cafes, and performance halls, creating a vibrant new center and strengthening Piteå’s identity. The proposal suggests exploring "community land trust" models for new urban areas, promoting cooperative development and diverse housing options for social inclusion. The focus on public spaces and programming creates a more inclusive and vibrant urban environment. The project prioritizes interspecies coexistence, considering human and non-human needs, and fosters biodiversity through green spaces and habitats. Respect for Sami local heritage is integrated through considerations for the cultural landscape and traditional land use practices. The project promotes universal accessibility, ensuring all community members can fully experience the new public spaces and amenities. This commitment to inclusivity extends to all aspects, ensuring the revitalized waterfront and town center become a truly welcoming place for everyone.
The involvement of citizens and civil society in the project was facilitated through a multi-stage process. Initially, the competition brief was informed by the results of a long-term participatory process led by the municipality of Piteå. Following this, new visualisations and scenarios were created and shared with the public to gather feedback and insights. The results of this public consultation directly shaped the planning guidelines for the Sörfjärden area, which were grounded in the project's proposed vision. Throughout the project, a commitment to open participation was maintained by providing clear and engaging visualisations that encouraged communication and stimulated interest.
The project was developed in collaboration with Piteå municipality and the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). The municipality represents local interests, while Trafikverket aims to improve connections within the northernmost region of Sweden. Several local stakeholders, including organizations, associations, and large industrial companies, are involved in the process. Our role is to coordinate between the different stakeholders by providing an external perspective.
The project team itself was a collaboration between experts and practitioners from the fields of Architecture, Urbanism, Landscape architecture and Social Studies. We maintained a transdisciplinary approach to design during the all conception and competition processes, taking into account the specificities of the site and local culture. Merging different expertises and exchanging with the locals on site was fundamental for us to deeply know the dynamics of the territory and implement bottom-up processes, shaping the design and future initiatives.
The innovative character of the Solander Ring project is highlighted by its holistic approach. Starting with a mobility and infrastructure issue, the project expanded into a comprehensive urban-landscape vision for Piteå. The new railway line, once a barrier, is now an opportunity to redefine the town's identity within the larger region.
The project's methodology exemplifies a design philosophy that explores and engages deeply with specific contexts, working holistically to link local challenges with global issues. This involved a thorough site visit, extensive research connecting practice and academia, and a long-term relationship with the client. The use of a timeline as a creative, dynamic, and resilient tool allowed for the discovery of hidden site qualities and the design of possible development paths without being restricted to a limited number of scenarios.
The project's roots in the Norrbotten context mean its landscape, climate, heritage, rich indigenous culture, and diverse geography are shared with the northernmost provinces of all the countries in the Scandinavian peninsula and can be replicated there. Additionally, the approach to planning and design in cold, highly seasonal climates can be replicated globally across the sub-arctic circle. The vision for Piteå station area, as part of a network of station areas developed along the new North Bothnian railway line, can potentially be replicated as a strategy in other towns along the new railway line. Finally, similar developments around small station areas are happening across major regions in continental Europe, meaning that the project may also be replicable there.
The project addresses the clash between indigenous cultures and the demands of non-indigenous civilization on the urban landscape. This conflict arises from the search for resources to fuel the "green economy," which often leads to the displacement of indigenous peoples from their traditional territories due to rare earth mining and massive "clean" energy projects. These projects, such as wind or solar parks, consume vast portions of land and deeply affect nomadic people by transforming landscapes into productive zones.
Our approach questions current practices of land appropriation and enclosure. Through extensive research, we seek a deeper understanding and integration of the cultural and land-use dynamics of indigenous peoples. Across different design phases, we attempt to celebrate the Sámi culture through subtle citations within public space features.
Our approach questions current practices of land appropriation and enclosure. Through extensive research, we seek a deeper understanding and integration of the cultural and land-use dynamics of indigenous peoples. Across different design phases, we attempt to celebrate the Sámi culture through subtle citations within public space features.
After the competition phase in 2023, we initiated a dialogue with Piteå Kommun and the national rail authority Trafikverket. In 2024, the Academy of Architecture of the Amsterdam University of the Arts conducted an integrated urban design and landscape studio, using our project site and design proposal as an academic brief to explore the effects of global dynamics on the Norrbotten region. The research and ideas generated by the students served to catalyze the project in Piteå. Our plan also guided the development of the Planprogramma, a pivotal municipal planning document that establishes the framework for urban planning in the Sörfjärden area. Following a public consultation in 2024, for which we provided updated visual impressions of the project, the municipal board of Piteå adopted the Planning Program for Sörfjärden. This document, based on our vision Solander Ring, provides clear guidance for transforming the area in connection with the Norrbothnia Line, with a focus on recreation, new housing, and improved connections within the city.
