Space for people, space for water – New Project Puts People at the Center of Climate-Smart Urban Planning

A new research project, “Space for people, space for water – From resistance to participation and dialogue for multifunctional blue-green infrastructure in urban environments,” has been granted funding within the Water Wise Societies Impact Innovation call: Acceptance and Behavior Change. The initiative brings together Luleå Municipality, Luleå Miljöresurs, Luleå University of Technology (project lead), and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Together, they will develop innovative approaches to climate-adapted water and wastewater planning.

As Luleå replaces its aging sewer pipes, the municipality also plans to narrow wide residential streets to make space for swales – a form of blue-green infrastructure that functions for stormwater treatment, reduces flood risks, and strengthens local ecosystems. While the proposal offers both economic and environmental benefits, it has also raised concerns among residents, particularly about parking, snow clearance, and changes to the street landscape.

The new project therefore places dialogue and co-creation at its core: how can residents and the municipality work together to design solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, and community needs? The goal is not only to build resilient infrastructure, but also to foster trust, inclusion, and stronger local engagement.

The results are expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other Swedish and international cities.