Looking for consortium: From Industrial Relic to the 15-Minute City: Developing a Planning Method for Urban Transformation - a Swedish case study

From Industrial Relic to 15-Minute City

Swedish academic network, including an active municipal partner, seeking partners for a DUT consortium on adaptive reuse and urban transformation. We offer expertise in spatial analysis, urban planning processes, scenario planning, co-creation, and the analysis of the institutional capacity required to implement 15-minute city principles in urban transformation. The research will use the transformation of a former industrial area in the city of Kalmar, Sweden, as a case study.

This sketch proposal (could be modified) is built around two complementary planning perspectives, and an interesting study area:
A) Urban form focus: Re-use of existing urban structures and spatial transformation;
B) Urban planning focus: Methodological development for implementing the 15-minute city while re-use existing built up environment.
C) Study area: The old central industrial district in Kalmar, Sweden

A) Urban Form Focus: Re-use of Existing Urban Structures and Spatial Development

WP A focuses on adaptive re-use and incremental transformation of existing urban areas in accordance with the 15-minute city. It examines how former or transitioning industrial districts near city centres can be transformed by re-using existing structures and infrastructure, retaining valuable activities and introducing complementary functions such as housing, services, commercial activities, and employment.

The ambition is to support context-sensitive transformation that strengthens local identity, social capital, and sustainable development while enhancing accessibility, functional diversity, and vitality.

The project will develop and apply GIS-based spatial analysis methods (vector and raster) to identify development potential. Analyses will include building and population density (kernel density estimation), land-use and functional mix, accessibility for active mobility and public transport, and spatial thresholds. These will identify opportunities for housing, services, commercial activities, and improved accessibility, while monitoring whether development follows planning objectives and 15-minute city principles.

Research Questions
A1: Which spatial analytical methods best identify development opportunities while preserving and enhancing urban qualities?
A2: What spatial and socio-economic data are required for robust analyses of urban transformation towards the 15-minute city?
A3: How can spatial analytical methods monitor and evaluate whether urban development follows democratically adopted planning objectives and 15-minute city principles?

B) Planning Process Focus: Planning Process and Implementation

WP B focuses on developing a planning framework for implementing the spatial development strategies identified in WP A. While WP A identifies where and how existing structures can be transformed, WP B addresses how these transformations can be planned and implemented within existing planning systems.

The research draws on scenario planning, stakeholder collaboration, governance, spatial decision support, and institutional capacity, emphasizing knowledge, collaboration, and organizational resources within planning authorities and among key stakeholders. Particular attention will be paid to strengthening planning organizations' capacity to implement complex urban transformation through adaptive re-use.

The objective is to develop an evidence-based planning framework supporting sustainable urban transformation while preserving urban assets and achieving the accessibility, functional diversity, and local qualities of the 15-minute city.

Research Question
B1: What forms of institutional capacity—in terms of knowledge, cooperation, and resources—are required within municipal planning organizations to develop urban plans and implement urban transformation consistent with 15-minute city principles on former industrial districts?

C) Municipal Partner and Study Area

Work Packages A and B will be developed and tested through a case study in Kalmar, Sweden. The study area is a central industrial district with transformation potential in accordance with the 15-minute city.

Kalmar's municipal planning department is an active member of the research group together with The Royal Institute of Technology, KTH and Dalarna University. Kalmar municipality provides access to planning processes, data, and decision-making, enabling the project to develop and test its methods under real planning conditions.

The case study provides a solid empirical basis. Comparative case studies would enable cross-case analysis, mutual learning, and transferable planning methods.

We welcome collaboration with research organisations interested in adaptive re-use and implementation of the 15-minute city.