Living spaces, cities and regions shaping the built environment for everyone : sustainable urban regeneration in Malmö : peer-learning visit report

This report is following a Living Spaces peer-learning visit in Malmö that took place between 9 and 11 October 2024, hosted by the City Architect and City Planning Department in Malmö. Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city, has undergone significant transformation since the industrial decline of the 1980s and 1990s, particularly following the collapse of its shipbuilding industry. Under Mayor Ilmar Reepalu's leadership from 1994, Malmö shifted towards a knowledge-based economy, marked by infrastructure projects such as the Öresund Bridge (connecting Sweden and Denmark) and the establishment of Malmö University. This transition has led to economic growth and a diverse population, with nearly half of its residents having foreign backgrounds. The development of Malmö's Western Harbour reflects the city's ambition to become a leader in sustainable urban development. The area, historically used for industrial purposes, began its transformation with the Bo01 housing expo in 2001, which integrated sustainability into its design through renewable energy sources and innovative waste management systems. However, Bo01 faced some criticism for lack of affordable housing and social inclusion.