From theory to reality – local architecture students ready for Arknat in Norrbotten
This summer, young architecture students from all over Europe are gathering in Norrbotten to design and build site-specific windbreaks along the Solanderleden trail. Two of them are students at Luleå University of Technology. “We want to do something real, something that makes a difference,” says Sofia Ward.
Arknat is an international architecture festival where students design and build unique structures in nature. This year the festival will be held in Norrbotten, with a focus on sustainability, design and the interaction between people and landscape.
During two intensive summer weeks, participants will work together with local stakeholders to design and build three wooden windbreaks along the Solanderleden trail. The structures will be built in full scale and adapted to the landscape, history and use of the site. When completed, they will be open to everyone – as resting places, meeting points and architectural experiences in nature.
The Solander Trail stretches from Kallax south of Luleå to Jävre south of Piteå and runs through coastal landscapes, forests and cultural environments. The windbreaks will be part of the trail's development and will help to strengthen its attractiveness for both residents and visitors.
“Make something that lasts”
Among the 15 selected participants are Sofia Ward and Maximilian Östlund from Luleå University of Technology.
Sofia Ward is 23 years old and comes from Kävlinge outside Lund. She will be starting her fifth and final year of the Master of Science in Architecture program with a focus on building construction.
– I have lived in Luleå for four years now and I enjoy it very much, she says.
Sofia Ward is looking forward to the Arknat weeks in mid-July. Photo: private.
For her, Arknat is a chance to put her studies into practice.
– You still want to make something that actually lasts and isn't just thrown away when it's finished.
She also raises the issue of meeting with other perspectives.
– We come from so many different places. We have different experiences and we will learn an enormous amount from each other.
“Contacts with people from other countries”
Maximilian Östlund, 25, comes from Bålsta in Uppsala County and has lived in Luleå since 2020. He has a Master of Science in Architecture from LTU and is currently studying for a Master of Science in Timber Construction. In parallel, he is working on developing an architectural policy for Luleå Municipality.
He looks forward to working hands-on and in international teams.
– It felt really interesting, both to build something that would become real and to create contacts with people from other countries.
Maximilian Östlund is continuing his studies to deepen his knowledge of wood construction. Photo: private
When the news came that he had been accepted, the feeling was clear.
– I was very happy, it suddenly felt real.
There is both anticipation and nervousness ahead of summer.
– You're a little nervous, but it'll also be a lot of fun. You'll learn, says Sofia.
Intense days await
The projects are carried out in collaboration between students, municipalities, business and civil society. Together, they contribute to new solutions for sustainable construction in wood and to the development of attractive living environments in the region.
When the festival starts, intense days of collaboration, learning and creation await. And the result will be something that lives on in the landscape – for the benefit and joy of many. The architecture festival takes place between July 9-24 and ends with an inauguration of the windbreaks for the public.
– It will be very fun and educational, says Maximilian.
Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa
