Wasteland Community Re:search: Inclusive co-design for Wasteland Skellefteå Climate Action Park

The Wasteland Community Re:search project is integral to the transformation of the city of Skellefteå. It focuses on engagement and social sustainability in the previously contaminated area Scharinsområdet.

Through community-based participatory research, residents and stakeholders are involved in developing Scharinsparken, which is set to become Europe’s first "climate action park".The project uses researcher-led engagement and design processes to foster a socially and environmentally sustainable community.

Through workshops, interviews and evaluations Wasteland Community Re:search builds understanding and engagement among key groups.

It also develops a cooperative association to manage and complete sub-projects, aiding the transformation.Co-design methodology is central to the project, enabling residents, businesses, the municipality, and civil society to collaborate in shaping the area.

This approach ensures that diverse community groups, including underrepresented voices, are involved in the process, enhancing social cohesion and trust.The project is a pilot study focused on how research, art, design and culture can foster societal transformation in the region and make it more inclusive.

Wasteland Community Re:search seeks to result in concrete design solutions for the Scharins area while deepening understanding of how inclusive design can contribute to a socially and environmentally sustainable society.