Inauguration - WasteLand. Climate Action Park, Skellefteå, 28 May 2026

2026.05.13

WasteLand opens on MAY 28, 2026, by the Skellefte River—transforming one of Västerbotten’s most polluted former industrial sites into Europe’s first climate action park. After 17 years of remediation, the area now emerges as a vibrant meeting place where art, research, and public life converge under the theme “From Waste to Promise.”

At the heart of the park stands Lithium Crystal Sauna by Bigert & Bergström, a striking sculptural sauna symbolising climate transformation and future energy. The duo also presents Rundgång and Broken Greenhouse, immersive works exploring time, movement, and global climate scenarios.

Ingela Ihrman’s First Came the Landscape connects visitors to natural cycles through a monumental sculpture of reclaimed trees, while Irene Rasmussen’s installation demonstrates how plants can actively clean contaminated soil. Blending design and ecology, Jessica Rohdin and Åsa Wikberg-Nilsson’s Så ett frö uses sunflower seeds as both symbol and method for environmental healing. Visitors can also experience Lilla Sara, a lookout tower by students from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, and The Lekotop, an inclusive play and recreation space developed with Luleå University of Technology. Together, these contributions reflect a broader vision shaped by the Europan 17 winning team Safescape, whose sustainable urban development concept is guiding the area’s future.

The program continues on MAY 29–30, 2026, with Walking Talks, co-organised with Formas. Through guided group walks, visitors, researchers, artists, and urban thinkers come together to explore climate challenges, regeneration, and future cities, step by step through a landscape in transformation.

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