Järva, Stockholm
Redeveloping together with the citizens
Järva is an area in Stockholm that was built between 1965 and 1975 to counter the housing shortage at the time. It was a project done in all haste, and problems emerged at an early stage. In the new Järva investments, the city government and a large number of external stakeholders are working together in a uniquely wide-ranging and long-term program.
For, and with, the people
The SymbioCity approach includes the satisfaction of the citizens. The starting point for the change process is the views and wishes of the people living and working in the Järva area. Both “hard” and “soft” issues are tackled, that can elevate Järva into a place people want to move to – and stay put. The program address the area’s challenges by first looking at its unique advantages, like: good transport links, proximity to nature and high technology. The overall policy is to ensure that every addition raises the standard, and helps to rectify shortcomings in the present structure such as an absence of particular housing types, leisure facilities, jobs, etc.
A focused dialogue
The goal is, with the participation of residents and the cooperation of other stakeholders, to generate good social and economic development. A dialogue was initiated, with four different areas of focus:
How to achieve good housing and a more varied urban environment
How to achieve everyday safety and security
How to improve education and language teaching
How to attract more enterprises and jobs
Ideas that emerged
Some of the suggestions emerged from the dialogue on Järva
…on housing and the urban environment
Base changes on consultation and dialogue
Ensure every addition raises the standard
Show off Järva’s future to the world (like a new ”Stockholm Exhibition”.)
…in safety
Make “top-class property management” Järva’s hallmark
Make Järva the cleanest part of Stockholm
Illuminate public and common spaces
Organize teamwork for a safer environment
Strengthen civil society
Build pride and self-confidence - through architecture as well as different collaborative cultural programs
…in education
Put the student at the centre
Encourage specialization
Make Järva’s schools a model work and study environment
Support students after the school day
Support sporting activities with more facilities
Create more links between schools, higher education and business
…for local business and jobs
Attract technology and science with an Exploratorium
Make “Swedish for Immigrants” a route to linguistic and occupational integration
Create more links between schools, higher education and business
Encourage entrepreneurship through initiatives in schools
Create more business premises and preserve existing ones
Purchase and recruit locally
Complete the Järva infrastructure with an eye on better business and more jobs
Develop Järvas potential as a visitor destination