How the role of City Architect is helping Malmö stay unique

In Sweden, more than half of all municipalities have a City Architect, a long-term steward of architectural quality based within state or local government. Each role though, is slightly different.

In Malmö, the third-largest city in Sweden, the City Architect oversees architectural quality across the full lifecycle of development. The role spans strategy, policy and individual schemes, with a clear mandate to influence outcomes. Under this model, the City Architect ensures that ambitions around quality are maintained as projects move through planning, procurement and construction. The focus is not only on flagship schemes but everyday buildings. Because the role sits within government and works across departments in Malmö, it can align political ambition, planning decisions and delivery mechanisms.

The city’s local approach to architecture policy has recently been compellingly set out in Mer Malmöitisk Arkitektur (‘More Malmö-y Architecture’), reflecting a desire for buildings which strengthen local pride and highlight the city’s distinct character.

Projects include ‘Shipyard City’, where a former industrial area is being transformed with new housing, offices and urban spaces; and the Bo01 district, supplied by 100% renewable energy.

Finn Williams, who currently fills the role of City Architect, has said: “My job includes advising Malmö’s Mayor and planning committee, helping them to form their agenda, and communicating this to developers, architects and the public. On a typical day I will be working on everything from the detail of an individual planning application to the principles for a major masterplan, to redesigning our strategies for procuring architects or how we develop public land. It’s very wide-ranging.”

Images

Top: Malmö Saluhall by Wingårdh (image: André Pihl)

Above: BO01 by Klas Tham (image Klas Tham)