Bygatan - User-controlled design and implementation of resilient living environments in rural areas

Research Project, 2021 – 2023

Purpose and goal: BYGATAN - User-driven design and implementation of resilient living environments in rural areas. The project aims to challenge existing housing and housing construction systems by scaling up and spreading the transition to an attractive, inclusive and sustainable living environment, where residents shape and influence their living environment throughout the process from design to management.
The project will demonstrate how the social housing movement can lead to a concrete implementation of a designed living environment in rural site development and create its resilience.

Expected results and effects: Building and housing communities can become a real alternative for citizens themselves to be able to contribute to the creation of housing and societal benefits, such as increased sustainability, gender equality, reduced loneliness and higher quality of life. New housing alternatives are developed through construction communities, cooperatives and locally owned non-profit companies. Their growth is found in rural areas, smaller towns and cities around Sweden. This is in line with international developments where a third sector of locally led housing development is emerging.