Kiruna, a Swedish town of 18,000 people 200 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, is in the process of relocating itself three kilometers east due to the expansion of an iron mine. The effort began in the early 2000s when the threat of ground deformation became apparent, and the move is expected to be complete in the 2020s. Work is underway for the new public infrastructure and civic buildings in the new city center. The new town design will be more dense and have a focus on sustainability, pedestrians, and public transport. This video takes a look at the town’s history and the reactions of local residents.
Scott Bonjukian has degrees in architecture and planning, and his many interests include neighborhood design, public space and streets, transit systems, pedestrian and bicycle planning, local politics, and natural resource protection. He cross-posts from The Northwest Urbanist and leads the Seattle Lid I-5 effort. He served on The Urbanist board from 2015 to 2018.