Living Forest, Living Society
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Gaia Arkitektur AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 927 918 |
| Project duration | May 2023 - September 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Circular and biobased economy |
| Call | Build for the future - Innovation for a sustainable building and construction sector |
Important results from the project
The project developed and tested a local forest-to-building value chain in Borlänge. An iterative method in three case studies informed procurement and showed how municipal timber can be processed locally. Results: ~500 ha Plockhugget-certified forest, ~1/3 lower material use and cost, an office with full chain within 9.2km, and a 1:1 pavilion for dialogue. The model is viable, scalable and described in a handbook. It strengthened ties between municipality, business, academia and civil society.
Expected long term effects
Long term, new ways of working are established within the municipality and with business, civic sector, and academia. The handbook and tools support a new norm in planning and procurement: requirements for traceability, close-to-nature forestry, and local processing become standard. Effects: lower climate footprint and transport stronger biodiversity, steadier timber flows. Economically viable chains create local jobs and resilient systems. These practices can be adopted by other municipalities.
Approach and implementation
Implementation was cyclical and prototype-driven: mapping → prototyping → scenario building → communication. The full sustainable forest value chain was tested—from harvesting via processing and procurement to implementation in construction. Communication (film, workshops, prototypes) catalyzed learning, alignment, co-creation, and legitimacy. Collaboration deepened as actors stepped beyond roles; the architect acted as a syncreator and relationships sustained the process.