From ideas to process-projects
Europan 17 - Rimbo (SE) (SE)
« Somewhere over the RINGBO »
Project strategy family:
- Ecological connections
- Inclusive morphologies
- Inventive typologies
- Reinterpreted heritage
- Urban articulations
Process category:
- Direct order processes
- Competitive processes
- Co-creative processes
- Collaborative processes
- Participative processes
- Participation of the Living processes
- Adaptative legal framework processes
Authors: COFO ARCHITECTS (Guillem Colomer, NL)
Client(s): Norrtälje Municipality
Dates: 2023 - ...
Driving forces: CLIENT + TEAM
Site
Rimbo (SE) (SE)
A NEW VIBRANT TOWN CENTRE THAT REFLECTS RIMBO’S IDENTITY
SCALE XL/L SIZE 364ha / 25ha
The goal is to develop a new lively town centre with a transportation hub for train and bus traffic. How can the connections within the town and with the surrounding nature be strengthened?
It is important to understand Rimbo's history and identity and complement it to shape what will be the future of Rimbo. It can take into account the existing in the area and have a realistic plan for reusing or recycling what might need to be demolished.
Awarded Idea
Project - Ideas
Somewhere over the RINGBO
A new urban artery is created to activate Rimbo with the most dynamic coexistence of activities. The interaction between this new main street and the multifunctional hub, the "new town hall," creates a stimulating collective image, representing The Rimbo Spirit with authenticity.
A happy cultural landscape, fostering a peaceful and open society in harmony with itself and with nature. Implemented in phases, this project will transform Rimbo into a vibrant town, offering diverse mixed-use spaces that cater to a wide range of activities, functions, and people. Embracing various building typologies, dimensions, tenures, and affordability levels, the town will be a social space that encourages citizen interaction, stimulates sociability, and strengthens collective identity.
Project Strategy
Family: Inclusive morphologies
A PLAN FOSTERING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTIONS
The process begins with a workshop attended by the three prize-winning teams and the city, during which priorities are defined and a strategy for engaging residents —"Active Waiting"— is developed.
The participative initiative cleverly reuses a familiar element from Kopmagatan to introduce itself, blending the known with the unexpected. This approach captures attention and creates a fresh, engaging narrative rooted in local culture. It is a vibrant, multifunctional space that serves both as a creative hub and a much-needed waiting room for the bus station. It combines functionality with artistic design to foster social connection, creativity, and inspiration. Inhabitants are invited to share their ideas for Rimbo’s future. These ideas are then displayed on yellow circles hanging from the trees lining the tunnel, turning the space into a collaborative, evolving exhibition of local hopes and dreams. Following this stage, a second workshop was organized to develop a vision and identity for Rimbo, based on ideas gathered during the "active waiting" phase.
The team was subsequently commissioned to develop the district’s structural plan and refine its competition entry keeping the core concept of "Ringbo"—a ring connecting the existing town to its future expansions via a sequence of three public spaces, including the central station square, "Stationstorg."
Three scenarios are examined in which Stationstorg is interpreted in slightly different ways —depending on surrounding functions, circulation, and programmatic orientation— yet consistently remains the heart of the project. Whether bordered by public buildings, defined by green corridors, or integrated with commercial activities, the square serves as a central social space and an anchor for development.
The structural plan is expected to be approved and made public in the autumn of 2026.
Process
Category(ies): Direct order processes, Participative processes, Collaborative processes
Direct order processes
Following the competition, the team was commissioned to further develop their project and then to develop the urban conceptual plan for the competition project site, focused around the central square near the station.
Participative processes
The team proposed creating a participative process called "Active waiting" through a ‘yellow room’ to serve as both a creative hub and a waiting room for the bus station. Users and residents were invited to share their ideas for the future of Rimbo by posting their dreams and expectations on the walls.
Collaborative processes
An initial workshop was organised to establish priorities and implement a strategy involving the local community (‘the yellow room’). A second workshop was organised following the participatory process in order to develop a vision and find an identity for the future neighbourhood. More than 20 professionals/consultants are involved in this process.
