ISU – the Institute for Sustainable Urban Development is a joint venture between The City of Malmö and Malmö University. The Institute deals with sustainability in its broad sense, which includes ecological, economical, social and cultural issues. The work comprises taking part in process of urban redevelopment projects in Malmö, and includes transfer of knowledge and experiences between researchers and practitioners.

Our course was invited to have a great and insightful talk with Clara Norell, the director of ISU. Next to information about the intriguing work of ISU in Malmö, Clara offered us great networking opportuities, for example on the Urban Drinks events hosted by ISU. Everyone interested in urban processes should not miss this event, explore ideas, create innovations and make new networking connections. Find out about the venues and dates of Urban Drinks, as well as other interesting events on the ISU website: here.

The Sustainable Urban Management programme has a very practical approach to it. For a recent group project, we have worked in teams to redevelop an urban block sustainably. We have been free to led our ideas and creativity flow into the projects, with no constraints, but reality. The groups have focused on environmental sustainability developing their projects, while also following an  as much as possible holistic approach.

Every group was free to chose an urban block in any country of the world for this project. Hence 5 diverse and interesting presentations have been held on the cities of:Bogota, Columbia; Copenhagen, Denmark; Portland, USA; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tianjin, China and Wellington, New ZealandEvery group proposed astoshnishing ideas that we are sure every planner within these cities would appreciate.[Itzel presenting the outline of the redisigned Wellington block around the abandoned TIP TOP Bread factory on Hanson Street.]

Below is the abstract for Olga Belorusova’s thesis on hazardous waste recycling in Malmö, Sweden.

Waste management is an integral part of sustainable urban development. In the modern world, when attitude to waste is being shifted towards “waste as resource” and “waste as income generator”, ensuring separation of hazardous waste from the general waste stream becomes increasingly important. Sorting hazardous waste is critical in light of the whole recycling idea. Hazardous elements, while bearing a certain value if properly handled, can negate the costs of the recyclable materials if found in their stream. They present enormous long-term losses, if introduced into the environment, and can negatively influence our ability to benefit from recycling.

Convenience is one of the most effective tools in increasing recycling rates (Carlson 2001, p.1275). It is a personally defined concept, and often depends on the users’ lifestyle-related factors. This thesis explores users’ understanding and habits of handling hazardous waste, as well as the challenges they encounter and their views and suggestions on convenience of hazardous waste recycling systems. The main method used in this comparative case study research is qualitative interviews conducted with a variety of people with different lifestyles living in Malmo.

First, the thesis develops a list of lifestyle-related factors which lower the perceived convenience of recycling. People consider recycling to be effort demanding or easy not just because they are women or men, young or old, live in a dense area or not. But this perception is influenced by having or not having access to a transporting vehicle and time available, their household’s waste producing rates, time spent living in a certain place, available space for storing waste; physical constraints or difficulties with self-organization at home; established or not recycling habits or level of environmental concern. People’s recycling behavior is determined by these personal lifestyle-related factors.

Second, aspects of convenience are being presented as the focus areas which planners should consider in increasing recycling rates. The convenience aspects are developed with regards to the challenges people with different lifestyles experience in recycling. While lifestyle-related factors cannot be influenced directly, aspects of convenience can be employed in ensuring efficiency of hazardous waste collection system. It is important that the hazardous waste collection system design takes them into the full account. Detailed descriptions of the aspects of perceived convenience are presented. They are grouped into convenience of access to information and convenience through facilities and services. The final conclusion of the thesis is that involving users would assist in addressing key aspects of recycling systems’ perceived convenience and increase their efficiency.

It is hoped that the information can be helpful in designing successful hazardous waste collection systems with increased capability to reach national goals in recycling and reduce the amounts of hazardous substances in general waste.

Keywords: recycling, hazardous waste, waste collection system, design, perceived convenience, lifestyle factors, convenience factors, user‟s perspective, waste sorting, participatory design, Malmo, Sweden.

To read the thesis in its entirety click here.

Below is the abstract for Tim Nabholz’s thesis on Sustainability in Practice with a case study on Skanska’s Deep Green Journey.

Below is the abstract for Laura Wascher’s award-worthy thesis on green spaces in Malmö, Sweden.

Malmö strives to become an attractive and sustainable city by 2030. Continued population growth is a major reason for the need to densify within the existing urban structures. But more inhabitants will also increase pressure on usage and demand for green spaces in the city. Green space is of importance for human well-being and health, especially in urban environments. However the importance of green space is being marginalised in current debate and urban planning, due to the intensive focus on densification. The relevance of green space as an environmental quality has neither been recognised sufficiently in discussions on environmental justice. Previous policy and research has not integrated the socioeconomic dimension when assessing green space distribution. Hence this case study aimed to investigate the socio-spatial distribution of green areas in Malmö.

A theoretical framework was compiled including concepts on environmental justice, i.e. the equal distribution of environmental qualities among different social groups. Moreover concepts regarding access (public/private), distance (walkability) and size (utilisation) of green areas were considered. A quantitative analysis was conducted with secondary data. As no comprehensive data set covered more recent years, census data and spatial data from 2005 was used for further analysis. The data was processed and analysed with the help of a geographic information system (GIS). With this approach green space and green areas could be identified. Green areas were categorised according to the level of public access, the size and the respective recommended distances to homes. In addition several socioeconomic factors were extracted from the census data and visualised in GIS.

Thus the least advantaged neighbourhoods that lacked various public green areas could be located. On the city level it could be identified that only 13% of the total land area were covered with public green areas, resulting in 46 sq m per inhabitant in 2005. In April 2011 the population of Malmö passed the threshold of 300 000. Assuming that the amount of green areas had not changed since 2005 (unlikely), every inhabitant would have had 38 sq m of public green area in 2011. Considering these numbers in a Swedish context reveals that Malm¨o is on the bottom line of green area provision. On the neighbourhood level the greatest deficit was found in the eastern parts of central Malmö (e.g. Ostervärn), covering a network of neighbourhoods further south (Norra Sofielund, Södra Sofielund, Almhög, Gullviksborg). In total 32 neighbourhoods were characterised by above average percentage of children, elderly, foreign born or population density. Moreover almost all neighbourhoods lacking green areas were characterised by below average income. The results showed evidence for inequalities in the distribution of green areas between different social groups.

This poses an incentive for further investigations in the field of environmental justice and sustainable urban development. Issues like actual walking distance, barriers and safety, qualities of green spaces and user experiences should be investigated in future research. Noting that the data used in this study was from 2005, it is crucial to update and determine shifts in socio-spatial distribution of green areas in the city today. Whilst the population is still increasing, it is likely that even more green space has vanished in the 7 years since 2005. All these issues are essential for a good knowledge based planning of the green and just future of Malmö.

Key words: urban green space, accessibility, environmental justice, sustainable urban development, geographic information systems (GIS), Sweden

To read this thesis in it’s entirety click here

On June 7th, Malmo University hosted an awards banquet for Urban Studies students that recognized the efforts of students to their respective classes. Laura Wascher was awarded a scholarship for her exceptional  thesis “Green and Just?” a study on Malmö’s green spaces. To read Laura’s abstract and the thesis in its entirety check out this link. Another scholarship was also awarded to yours truly, Tim Nabholz, for strengthening the reputation of the Sustainable Urban Management program through the introduction and upkeep of this student website.

Additional information on the evening is available here in Swedish.

The Ung Bo 12 competition is geared towards starting the debate about the housing shortage for young people in Malmo, Sweden . The aim of the competition is to discuss the problem, but also to suggest smart solutions. The city, in conjunction with industry, has invited those between the age of 18 and 30 to enter a competition where they encourage them to submit their ideas of how to make best possible use of new and existing buildings by turning them into homes for young people. The competition runs in 10 different Malmo communities and is judged monthly by some members of industry and government.

Laura Wascher‘s proposal is for the area in Kirseberg called Sege Park and will be voted on online until April 30, 2012.  Sege Park is one of Malmö’s greenest, cleanest and calmest areas – that is why Laura beliefs it needs more life, more inhabitants and more diversity. The contribution shows a design proposal for a lively sustainable neighbourhood with over 900 apartments, mixed functions and design for humans and nature.

Support one of the Malmo Sustainable Urban Management students gain recognition for her hard work on finding sustainable housing for young people in Malmo. The voting is done via facebook by clicking “like”/”gilla” on the webpage:
New-Build Design -http://www.ungbo12.se/en/contributions/h-238

Re-Build Design http://www.ungbo12.se/en/contributions/h-237

ORGANIZERS

The ‘Sustainable People, Sustainable Business, Sustainable World’ 2-day event is geared towards incorporating ideas from industry, academia, government and the public around sustainability. It will feature 4 main areas where public can participate.

What would a good event be without lectures and discussion seminars? This event will host academics, researchers and professionals to share their view on sustainable development in the form of lectures. These people as well as students will then engage in a discussion seminars. Students studying in the field of sustainability, who are committed to making their lives more sustainable, are planning to hold a panel discussion with researchers and professionals of different backgrounds. The final discussion seminar is entitled ‘Sustainability is “good” of course. But what can I do about it?’ The event hopes that you can also come and contribute to the discussion.

An Art Marathon will be a huge part of the event that will feature an exhibition of sustainable art. On April, 27 come to Orkanen and see the artists creating wonderful paintings around the topic of sustainability. Art Marathon will include graffiti performance by Dan Bengtsson, an exhibition “Remake for the world’s sake”, fashion objects, paintings created by Niels Peter Flint and Oscar Persson and on-site drawing.

There will also be Stuff Exchange Station. The goal is to “Give new life to things you no longer need!” and is for all Malmö residents and visitors. Throughout these two days – you can bring your no longer needed stuff to the Station at the entrance of Orkanen building and exchange it for something you would be interested in or would need. The event organizers suggest that you already start preparing for this interesting activity. Any item that you believe someone else may want can be donated. Those who bring the nicest and most useful things will not only be able to exchange them for other interesting objects, but can participate in a lottery.

For the full programme and more information about this event, check out our:

Website: http://sustainabilityevent.blogspot.se/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/405618712782920/

Watch the promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNqyrLdfE4s&feature=youtu.be

About the Malmo Association of Foreign Affairs (Utrikespolitiska Foreningen Malmo)

The Malmo Association of Foreign Affairs (UF Malmo) – a non-political association is a part of UFS (Utrikespolitiska forbundet Sverige), which is the main organization of all Associations of Foreign Affairs in Sweden. However, UF Malmo also works under the local Student Union (Studentkaren Malmo).

Main aim of UF Malmo – to raise awareness about a great variety of important issues related to foreign affairs and global politics.

Main activities are the organization of lectures, discussion seminars, debates, movie nights and other events.

UF Malmo successfully cooperated with well-known academics from various universities, ambassadors, journalists,

CO – ORGANIZERS

 

 

 

 

In 1938 this area of Freiburg became a military area for the French. As the Berlin Wall came down and the Cold War came to an end, the French army moved out of the city. In 1992 the German government became the owner of the property. Groups of anarchists and hippies moved into the abandoned barracks and the city eventually gave them ownership of some of the barracks for a symbolic price, while other barracks were sold to private groups. The city of Freiburg eventually bought the land back from the government to develop it, as it was near the city center and Freiburg had a tight housing market. The municipality was pressured by private groups (future residents) to develop the area as an eco-friendly part of the city. Nowadays about 5300 people reside in Vauban and about 500 jobs have been created in the neighborhood. The municipality now uses the district as a model of eco-friendly development.

Vauban presents several interesting aspects from a Sustainable Urban Management point of view. Here is a list of the positive aspects observed in Vauban:
- The area was largely developed from private building cooperative groups and a great amount of participation was ensured throughout the development. The Vauban Forum involved actors going from grass-roots to the municipal level.
- High energy efficiency. Many of the buildings are passive building or energy plus. District heating supplies the remaining buildings. The area’s maximum consumption is 65kwh/m2/year.
- High density (3 times the normal density) was a request of the residents who wished for cheaper apartments (with higher environmental standards) and allowing access to amenities.
- Low car ownership (220/1000 as opposed to about 500/1000 in Germany). No parking was built under the houses or near the houses, so as to encourage people to use public transport, walk or bike. Parking spots must be purchased separately by those who wish to have one. Most of the roads are cul-de-sac or crescents making the area practically car free.
- Housing is low cost in comparison to regular developments. This is due to smaller plots and houses along with the savings made by avoiding the building of car spaces (a car space costs on average 20-25,000 euro).
- Efficient public transport (a tram links the area to downtown Freiburg in 10 minutes). The tram line is covered with grass so as to absorb noise. The linear development of the district places every house within a very short walking distance of the tram. Lanes are not too long, creating short blocks.
- The area is aesthetically pleasing (variety of heights, materials, colors, sizes, architecture)
- Design with nature. The buildings were positioned around the existing trees, enabling the relatively new neighborhood to have large trees.
- The buildings are split with 5 green fingers which have all been designed by the residents themselves and offer a variety of green spaces.
- A public square holds a weekly farmer’s market.

Criticisms (based on our visit):

- The area visited seemed divided between the squatters and a more gentrified part of the development. Many families with children belonging to the “creative class” compose the majority of the neighborhood.

- The area visited lacks a landmark or a pull that would draw non-residents to it (other than the market square).

- There was a lack of Student Accommodation. Freiburg is a university city that is constantly looking for more student accommodations and this area would have been a great place to encourage students to stay.

- The rainwater management system could include some open water canals, instead of a big ditch in the middle of the neighborhood.
These insights were gained through the visit of the district and may not reflect the complete picture of Vauban, as we were there on a beautiful sunny afternoon in the middle of the week around 4PM. The area was very lively, but mostly composed of families with kids.

Written By: Romain Vuattoux

Group Photo Frankfurt

A number of students from the University of Malmo’s Sustainable Urban Management (SUM) visited their partner program within Frankfurt University Applied Science’s Urban Agglomeration (UA) program. As multiple students within the UA program will complete a semester abroad within the Malmo SUM program, this trip worked as a way to bridge these two programs. Some of the students and professors of the SUM program, as well as a number of additional professors, joined the Urban Agglomeration group on a tour of sustainability related projects around Frankfurt, Freiburg and Tubingen.

The SUM group included students: Kofi Asare Aboagye, Olga Belorusova, Christina Fuller, Evan Mitchell, Colin Munro, Tim Nabholz, Romain Vuattoux, Laura Wascher, and Fan Yang,   and professors: Karin Grundstrom, Peter Parker, Stig Westerdahl and Goran Ewald. The group was also joined by communications advisor, and fellow student in the Swedish version of Sustainable Urban Management, Hanna Holm, who has also written an article regarding the trip for the university website that will be available soon.

The group received presentations from both the Regional and Municipal Planning Offices in Frankfurt regarding how to address scalar, long-term planning issues from a governmental body perspective. The group was also treated to tours in Freiburg of the recent developments of Riesefeld and Vauban, where they were able to witness contrasts between green developments and urban renewal. The group was given a tour of the French Quarters of Tubingen, located in the south of the city, Suedstadt, where they learned about how different ownership methods allow for a, perhaps more healthy, mix of residents. On the final day of the trip, students from both classes worked together to present the pros and cons of the developments they saw. This was a great way for the students to process what they just saw.

Although the trip was intended to be strictly educational, it is fair to say that the students enjoyed themselves outside the class as well, and created even stronger bonds with their classmates. It was also a very good opportunity for the students to interact with their professors and other students within a similar field. Sasha Dubovitskaya, a UA student who completed the first semester with the Malmo students, also joined the group on a number of excursions and this trip acted as a good opportunity for a reunion. All-in-all, the trip was a great success, and the students in Malmo warmly await the arrival of incoming Frankfurt students.