The Eco City Augustenborg

When it was built in the 1950s, the Augustenborg development was a popular neighbourhood, in the spirit of the People's Home of Sweden. But over the years its popularity decreased and many moved out of the area. To reverse the trend, the municipal housing company MKB started to rehabilitate the area in the 1990s. The efforts resulted in the project called The Eco City Augustenborg. 

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The Eco City Augustenborg is a joint project started in 1998 between VA SYD, the City of Malmö, MKB, the South Scania Waste Company (Sysav) and the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University. 

The goal is to transform Augustenborg into a more sustainable residential area from a social, ecological and economical point of view. This makes the project a shining example of an ecologically adapted urban renewal. 

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE PROJECT?

The Eco City project is made up of several sub-projects, one of which is constructing an open stormwater (rainwater and melt water) system. This is a both decorative and sustainable alternative to big pipes in the ground. Instead, the stormwater in Augustenborg is conducted through picturesque canals to small ponds and other receiving waters. 

To support the waste separation, weather-proof complexes made of environmentally friendly construction material have also been built in Augustenborg. They are called  recycling houses (miljöhus) and have separate containers visibly labelled, often with visible images, to recycle glass, newspaper and paper, cardboard, metal, plastic and batteries, as well as refuse bins for the non-recyclable waste.

The roof of each recycling house is covered with sedum plants which contributes to the biological variation. The refuse chutes in the apartment blocks are closed and used for wiring for broadband internet access instead. 

The park and traffic environments have also been reconstructed. The courtyards and fronts are rebuilt and refaced in consultation with the residents in the area.

New flats for senior citizens have also been constructed and activities for senior citizens are starting up. The green areas in Augustenborg have increased and developed while the original 1950s characteristics of the area has been preserved. 

Involving the people living in Augustenborg has been an important sub-project. They have been given the opportunity to influence their neighbourhood. Today Augustenborg is a district in Malmö with 3,200 residents divided into about 1,600 households. 

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Here is our brochure about Augustenborg