From a sharp edge to a reed bank - The beginning of a new era

Gothenburg is confronting significant challenges due to climate change and an ongoing biodiversity crisis. Water levels in the Göta Älv river are projected to rise by one meter by 2100, leaving former industrial harbors like Lindholmen and Frihamnen in urgent need of climate adaptation and the remediation of contaminated sites. Simultaneously, the city’s expansion (driven in part by the Västlänken infrastructure project) is generating massive volumes of excavated clay and stone. While these masses are currently often treated as waste, this project challenges that paradigm, aiming instead to transform them into a valuable resource for future urban development.

A testbed for nature-based solutions 

The project's main goal is to create a unique testbed for developing and evaluating nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Instead of relying exclusively on traditional, hard quaysides, recycled, circular excavated materials will be used. The purpose is to form soft, living shorelines that protect the city from the water. By constructing structures such as stone reefs, floating gardens, and mussel farms, a physical prototype is being built to serve as a demonstration area for future urban construction.

A place for both people and nature 

The initiative is not solely about technology and biology; it is about creating environments where both people and nature can thrive. The new structures provide new homes for fish, birds, and aquatic organisms, which helps to purify the water and increase biodiversity. At the same time, previously inaccessible quay environments are being transformed into attractive recreational areas where the people of Gothenburg can get truly close to the water. To ensure the solutions are sustainable, the project measures both hard technical and economic requirements, as well as soft values such as ecosystem services and social benefits.

Collaboration for systemic change 

Succeeding with this comprehensive transformation requires collaboration across many different fields of expertise. The work is led by Lindholmen Science Park and brings together key actors such as Älvstranden Utveckling, the City of Gothenburg's Development Administration, the contractor Skanska, landscape architects from White Arkitekter, and researchers from the University of Gothenburg.

Together, they are challenging current regulations and industry practices, which all too often assume the use of virgin materials. The outcome of the initiative is expected to be a concrete vision for the future and clear recommendations on how Gothenburg—and other cities as well—can successfully scale up these solutions for a greener, more resilient, and vibrant city.

News

The Från vass kant till vasskant project is led by Lindholmen Science Park as part of the Geographic Transition Lab Gothenburg – Lindholmen, with funding from ShiftSweden and Formas.

Any questions?

Do not hesitate to contact us.