Eskilstuna
În cazul orașului Eskilstuna, proiectul-pilot „Mobilier urban” se va desfășura în Fröslunda, un cartier suburban situat la câțiva kilometri sud de centrul orașului Eskilstuna. Fröslunda reprezintă zona-țintă a conceptului de „vindecare urbană” al orașului Eskilstuna – o inițiativă menită să îmbunătățească calitatea vieții în cartierele defavorizate din punct de vedere socio-economic.
În Fröslunda, un amplasament cheie a fost desemnat ca punct de plecare pentru un nou parc urban destinat deplasării zilnice a pietonilor și bicicliștilor și ca resursă adecvată pentru copiii care frecventează școala din apropiere. Este un loc cu un potențial enorm.
1. Understanding Fröslunda
First stages of the local process
The SET-PED process started with an assessment of Fröslunda and the creation of a local network of actors involving Eskilstuna Municipality, researchers, designers, technical stakeholders and community representatives.
Particular attention was given to the experiences of girls and young women. Through participatory activities, including the Urban Girls Walk, participants mapped everyday routes, identified places perceived as safe or unsafe and discussed what was missing from the neighbourhood’s public spaces.
The process highlighted several recurring needs: better lighting, places to sit and gather, protection from rain and sun, stronger social activity and more reasons for people to spend time in the area.
2. Turning local needs into a design concept
Spring 2026
The findings from the local analysis and co-creation process were translated into the first concept for the urban furniture prototype.
The selected site is located along an important walking and cycling connection between schools, housing areas, local services and Mötesplats Fröslunda. The area is also envisioned as the starting point for a future park.
The design responded directly to the priorities identified locally by combining seating, shelter and lighting in one modular structure. Circularity was embedded into the concept from the beginning, with the intention of using materials recovered locally and adapting the design to the resources already available.
3. Building with recovered materials
April–May 2026
During spring, the prototype moved into construction.
Different local material streams were brought together: granite blocks were used for the foundations, oak for the seating elements, reclaimed steel pipes for the supporting structure and fresh aspen timber for the curved roof frame. Recovered stainless steel was processed into the external roof cladding.
Working with reused materials required continuous adaptation. Each element had to be assessed, processed and fitted according to its existing dimensions and properties, turning the construction process itself into an experiment in circular design.
The curved timber roof was built through a process of bending, layering and tensioning fresh wood. Once the structure had dried and retained its final shape, the reclaimed metal sheets were fitted to the roof and the different parts of the prototype were assembled.
4. Testing and refining the prototype
May 2026
Before installation, the structure was tested to verify its performance and durability.
The roof underwent load testing using a 404 kg test load. The structure showed only minor temporary deflection and returned to its original position after the load was removed.
At the same time, the prototype continued to be refined in preparation for its presentation during the SET-PED conference in Eskilstuna on 26–27 May.
On 27 May, a local stakeholder workshop explored how smart and circular urban furniture could respond to different public-space needs across Eskilstuna. Participants discussed possible locations, users and functions, as well as accessibility, material reuse, energy integration and community value.
5. From prototype to public space
16 June 2026
On 16 June, the first SET-PED urban furniture prototype was officially launched in Fröslunda.
The completed structure provides a sheltered place for sitting, resting and gathering along a frequently used pedestrian and cycling route. Its curved roof offers protection from rain and sun, while solar-powered lighting helps improve the comfort and visibility of the space.
The installation brings together the main elements developed throughout the local process: community needs, circular materials, technical experimentation and public-space design.
6. Learning from real-life use
Ongoing
Installation marks the beginning of a new phase of observation and learning.
The project will follow how the furniture is used, how the recovered materials perform over time, how the energy components function and how local users experience the intervention.
The experience gained in Fröslunda will help refine the SET-PED approach and provide practical knowledge on how circular, adaptable urban furniture can be developed, implemented and maintained in real public-space conditions.
See the Eskilstuna process in action
From local discussions and recovered materials to construction and installation, the Eskilstuna pilot brings together the different stages of the SET-PED approach.
Watch the video below to follow the development of the prototype and see how the intervention took shape in Fröslunda.
Informații generale despre proiectul SET-PED în contextul național suedez
Codul proiectului: P2024-02856
Numărul contractului: 2024-206254
Finanțat de: Agenția Suedeză pentru Energie (SWEA)
Denumirea proiectului (engleză): Synergizing Buildings Renovation and Regenerative Urban Furniture to Co-create PED Ecosystem
Denumirea proiectului (suedeză): Synergisera byggnadsrenovering och regenerativa stadsmöbler för att samskapa PED-ekosystem
Acronim: SET-PED Urban Furnitures
Coordonator local: Karin Stolt, arhitect peisagist, municipalitatea Eskilstuna
Proiectul este finanțat de SWEA în cadrul programului Driving Urban Transition, ca parte a apelului comun de propuneri al DUT pentru 2023 / PED Transition Pathway, Tema 2: Reînnoire și renovare urbană.