Drottninghög

Drottninghög, a housing area 3km northeast of Helsingborg centre, a “Million programme” area, a programme in which Sweden built a million housing units between 1964 and 1974, was to become a pilot project for sustainability: socially, economically and environmentally.

No-urban

The “Million programme” is a strong manifestation of the previous ideological period, never since have we worked with or experienced such clear ideals. Though many of these areas have a density suggesting urbanity, the total lack of programmatic diversification negates this. Since 2007, the majority of the world’s population has resided in cities, a type of living also embraced by Scandinavians. Neither the “Million Programme”, nor Drottninghög, can today satisfy the suburban or urban dream. The “Million Programme” is built on quantitative and programmatic ideals based on the notion “One size fits all”; the ultimate answer to creating a secure frame for Tommy and Annika’s adolescence. But Tommy or Annika does not live in Drottninghög any longer. Globalisation, excess of spare time and growing ideals for the individual: the urge to stand out is unavoidable. ”Total Make Over”, ”Pimp my Ride”, ”Pimp My Home” sends a clear message: “One size fits none”. The generic is no longer attractive. WE CANNOT SATISFY A MILLION DREAMS IN ONE MOVE.

The specific – from quantity to quality

Our strategy is to release the unique potential in the local situation – to give each area, and each neighbourhood, their unique identity. This is based on natural, local and historical qualities and commercial, cultural, social, typological and infrastructural potentials. Replacing apparently identical and competing mono-functional housing areas, we will create a dynamic network of complimentary areas.

THE MILLION PROGRAMME’S QUANTITATIVE AMBITION MERGED WITH A QUALITATIVE, TAILOR MADE, LOCAL INTERVENTION.