The cultural environment processes of the ore fields

What is the significance of the cultural values of the built environment in the planning of social change in Malmberget and Kiruna? What opportunities are given to the cultural environments as a resource in urban development in each community?

The background to the study is the extensive changes to the settlements of Malmberget and Kiruna caused by LKAB's mining operations. Both places are also cultural environments of national interest.

The cultural values of the buildings in Malmberget and Kiruna are high and are largely well described. In many cases, valuable buildings are also protected by law, through the Cultural Heritage Act and the Planning and Building Act. Despite this, there are difficulties in dealing with the built environments in the physical planning for the social transformations. Based on our study, we believe that one reason for this is that fundamental questions about what is a cultural environment, how it can be preserved, or for whom it should be preserved, have not been sufficiently addressed in the planning processes.

Work on the cultural environments in Malmberget and Kiruna could be strengthened by better and more effective use of the planning tools available. Through municipal comprehensive planning, there are opportunities to produce a basis for decision-making on land use that is both long-term and has broad support among both local residents and other authorities.

The latter is important, as we see a need for an expanded dialog when it comes to decisions about the future of valuable buildings and environments in Malmfälten. We also see that there is a development potential for the tourism industry, to present the cultural environments and the history that makes Malmberget and Kiruna nationally interesting.

The project "Malmfältens kulturmiljöprocesser" has been carried out by Luleå University of Technology and Norrbottens museum by building antiquarian Jennie Sjöholm in collaboration with Kristina L Nilsson as project manager. The project has been funded by the Swedish National Heritage Board.

Report: Malmfältens kulturmiljöprocesser
Kristina Nilsson and Jennie Sjöholm