Translation of social sustainability goals from vision to life. A case study of a mixed-use development in Sweden

Abstract

Segregation and the housing crisis are the two societal problems that Sweden is currently facing because of its growing urbanization. This thesis report seeks to examine how the city of Gothenburg’s sustainable goal aiming at "a vibrant and attractive" inner city are translated into reality within the different phases of construction. The research aims at identifying and analysing what challenges and efforts are affected in this project process. Drawing on the theoretical framework of actor network theory (ANT) of translation, the case study "The future Backaplan"(FB project)—a mixed-use development in Gothenburg, Sweden, examine the process of translating(modifying) goals connected to social sustainability during 2012 to 2022. Building on a mixed method approach, firstly the interviews focus on finding about actors’ choice of decisions, negotiations, and modifications in the project. Secondly, a survey specifically focuses to find the public preference/expectation and compare them to the goal of the FB project. Furthermore, a visual analysis featuring translation elements are demonstrated in the results. The analysis illustrates how the partial strategies are taking place in architectural placemaking and identity, change in the project requirement and time phase division. The result showcases that translation entails both positive and negative consequences when viewed in a social sustainable perspective. The positive consequence is the increase in the monetary value of the project whereas the decrease of the social value constitutes to negative consequences which affects the social justice concerning the future users. The research tries to provide a few recommendations for improving governance strategies, follow-ups, and temporary measures.