Civil dialogue the key to success in Umeå
When the land and forest next to beautiful Lake Nydala was for sale back in 2016, Bonava saw great potential to develop a new happy neighbourhood. Starting from a blank canvas, the area of Tomtebo gård is now a neighbourhood with flats and townhouses that attracts both young families and older people. The project has put Bonava on the map in the northern city of Umeå.
The concept of “ask first, draw later” is at the very core of the Tomtebo gård project. Being able to give your opinion and influence the area where you live is one of the most important factors to create happiness in the neighborhood. Therefore, before anything at all made it to the drawing table, the citizens and people living close by were asked to participate in the planning of the new living area. First out to express their wishes and ideas were school classes of 15-year-olds.
"Compared to adults, kids are more open-minded and it’s great to really listen to what they want and to do so in an environment without parents and adults", says Kristina Hallberg, marketing strategist at Bonava. They provide a broader perspective.
Along with these sessions, Bonava held workshops with the council of Umeå, which lead to the development plan of a family-friendly area with an urban feel, on the doorstep to nature with common spaces to promote social activities for residents and people of all ages. It is well suited for people who want the amenities of living in a house – a barbecue area, a patch to grow your own vegetables, and areas to socialize outdoors on your own terms – but who don’t want the hassle that often comes with it. The development of the area, as well as the neighbourhood itself, is a good proof of how Bonava work to bring people together in several ways.
A remarkable development
The input was taken onboard and when the plans were ready to be shared publicly, it was evident that the collaborative environment had been successful. There was not one single person who objected.
"I would say that this is unheard of for a project this size", says Andreas Back, Development Manager at Bonava in Umeå. We were able to gather around a vision together.
The plan was originally for 400 flats and townhouses, but having taken the citizens’ input to heart, Bonava, together with other developers, will now complete around 1,200 to 1,400 homes. Some buildings use district heating, Geothermal heating, others solar panels, in line with what potential residents requested. The plan offers well-structured areas with lush surroundings and each quarter with distinct characteristics – everything is based on the vision that a home is much more than four walls and a roof.
Happiness at home
According to the happy Neighbourhood Report, we know that people who live in neighbourhoods that have common places where they can enjoy spending time, are in fact 19 percent happier in their neighbourhoods – and 15 percent happier in life in general. Kristina explains that before the drawing work begins, the process of asking the right questions is crucial. What can we build here? For whom? And why? These answers give clues to what to focus on during the planning.
"This whole concept of creating a happy neighbourhood is very important to me", she says. This project was great because we got to create it from scratch and the reception from the public was very positive.
The Happy Neighbourhood report also shows that people who chat and know their neighbours, not only feel happier, but they also feel safer in their area.
"We want to create areas where people want to spend time and to accomplish that, it is crucial to listen to what people want", Andreas continues. I think we are past standard houses that don’t blend in, or that aren’t adapted to the resident. I believe in this concept; it’s been a real success.
A solid foundation
When the Tomtebo gård project commenced, Bonava was an unknown market player in Umeå. Four years ago, there was not one single flat in production, whereas currently there are 350 being produced. Thanks to the unique way of taking in the citizens’ views and focusing on the concept of Happy Neighbourhoods, a great deal of publicity in the media has been generated. Bonava is now a well-known developer among people and stakeholders.
"We have built a strong foundation to stand on", says Andreas. At the council of Umeå, we have acquired a great reputation and people know who we are. I feel proud of what we have done in Tomtebo gård. We have a solid ground on which we can grow.
Find out what makes people happier where they live in Bonava’s Happy Neighbourhood report.
