Architect Tim Viktorsson-Bonta thought the visit was interesting, and now it remains to be seen what he will propose for construction.
Only three participants are physically present, while eight others from different corners of the globe joined the viewing via a webcam.
They are participants in the European 17 competition, which seeks new architectural proposals. To qualify, one must be a young architect or urban planner.
They had around forty different locations across Europe to choose from, four of which are in Sweden. Interestingly, the Scharins plot in Ursviken received the most entries among the Swedish options. A total of 15 teams wanted to propose a plan for the contaminated old industrial area by the Skellefteå river, meaning some opted out of attending the viewing.
Three individuals decided to travel to Skellefteå. Standing here on a sunny yet bitterly windy day, one can't help but wonder why they chose this particular site in northern Sweden.
The Scharin area in Ursviken derives its name from the wood industry that once thrived there. The downside of the timber industry was that it left the land heavily contaminated. Several years ago, a major clean-up operation removed the worst of the pollutants, but the remaining contamination levels were still too high for residential development.
Consequently, the discussions turned towards transforming the area into natural spaces for recreation and similar activities. But, now, with local housing being in short supply, the municipality has invited architects to come up with solutions that could see as many as 1,000 homes built on the site.
While Scharins was still operational.
– I hail from Lycksele and wanted to work on a project in Norrland. I see real potential for development, says Tim Viktorsson-Bonta, an architect who runs his own firm in Stockholm. He is on site with his colleague Malin Nylander.
The local government was upfront about the land being heavily contaminated in its presentation. Some pollutants remain underground, which means you can't just dig anywhere. This is a challenge as homes require water and sewage systems, which need to be situated at a frost-free depth.
– The top half-meter is new soil that was brought here after the cleanup. So, digging deeper than 50 cm should be avoided, and if one does dig, the soil must be removed and deposited elsewhere, explains Lars Hedqvist, the municipal planning manager, as he gives the tour.
Viktor Hessner from the municipality's planning department operated the camera.
– I don't view the contamination as a major problem, rather an exciting challenge. I chose this site because I was attracted to the idea that an already 'used up' area could become something new, says Gaudy Orejuela, a city planner trained at KTH in Stockholm, who operates her own firm.
The municipality also highlighted this aspect in their bid to attract participants to the competition: The idea is that the site could and should be repurposed.
– Previously, there were plans to use the area for football fields, a golf course, or other outdoor activities," adds Lars Hedqvist.
Community strategist Linda Bystedt and planning manager Lars Hedqvist was there on behalf of Skellefteå municipality.
Since the clean-up took place, undergrowth has taken over, and the walk is now focused on a path by the river where one can enjoy the beautiful view.
– Don't forget that the area is also beautiful in winter. Then people ski and snowmobile, and ice fish on the river, says Linda Bystedt, a community strategist with the Skellefteå municipality.
Participants jot down their questions, and municipal architect Harriet Wistemar reads them out. As this is a competition, all participants must receive the same information, and those who are physically present are not allowed to ask any "off the record" questions.
All communication is conducted in English.
Malin Nylander listens, Gaudy Orejuela takes notes and municipal architect Harriet Wistemar keeps track of the incoming questions on her mobile phone.
One participant asks if there are any remnants left from the old factory, but Lars informs them that everything has been removed.
Another asks how much of the vegetation they should preserve in their proposals, and Lars explains that the undergrowth seen in the background is not considered attractive. It should be removed, as no large trees are allowed in the area.
– Roots should not go deeper than 50 centimeters. Otherwise, they could potentially absorb pollutants. Therefore, you should consider grass and low shrubs, he advises.
The competitors are now tasked with creating proposals that can accommodate approximately 1,000 homes in mixed development. The winners will be announced on December 4th.
Aerial view of the sawmill area. The location by the water was important because the timber was floated and sawn goods were transported by boat.