I have been co-writing an article with Kristina Börjesson, a PhD and Research Associate at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, on the topic of “Sustainable revitalization of places.” It has again forced me to really contemplate the concept of social sustainability and society planning.

On a theoretical level one can argue for and create great tools for a more social and human approach to renewal, but theory is theory. On a practical level, the recent experience of The Husby Dialog a project aiming to involve residents in the planning program for revitalization; the everyday life of the residents truly put the theories to the test.

The top down perspective is seldom reflecting the bottom up perception of a place. That’s way residents, architects and planners should come together with the common aim of exploring the exterior room of a revitalization area.

Photo: Young women giving their opinion on how to revitalize in Husby