As architects creativity, innovation, a holistic approach and humility to context is part of our DNA. The sustainability challenges we are facing require a new approach to our built environment and a new set of aesthetics. Architecture is not only a symbol of its own time, but should also enable a future sustainable way of life.Our creations can be seen as a hub for societal structures, nature and economic systems, where all three can co-exist and benefit from one another. Our ambitious goal is to go beyond minimizing harmful impact, towards a regenerative approach, where we renew, revitalize and contribute with more value to the environment and society for each design realized.
We are in a phase where transformative change is necessary, which opens the window for innovation, for new ideas and new paradigms
— Johan Rockström, Stockholm Resilience Center
The climate crisis and declining biodiversity are two of the greatest challenges facing humans beings on planet Earth today. Planetary risks are so large that business as usual is not an option.
A resource-conscious approach to the development of our cities and buildings is vital for a sustainable future.
The journey towards zero emissions
Arkitema takes part in the worldwide transition towards a net zero emission. We are already from 2022 declining new fossil projects. In the future we want all our projects to be driven from the green transition. Therefore, we use and develop methods in life cycle assessments to attain valid environmental input, preceding our design choices. The life cycle assessments are used from the earliest design phases. The stive to reduce CO₂ emissions include optimizing area plans and structure. Our abundant knowledge on timber construction and sharing of this knowledge throughout Scandinavia will play a large role in the years to come.
Circular actions through resource awareness
Arkitema adopt the principles of the circular economy and always consider the possibilities for renovation, transformation, re-used, recycled and biobased materials. We bring up alternative design solutions to our clients and challenge their approach in a positive manner. We highlight the potentials of refurbishment, transformations, design for disassembly and flexible, multi-purpose buildings and spaces. Our focus includes that the resources we do use are from renewable sources as often as possible, and we communicate the benefits of such design choices.
To be interesting, be interested
Arkitema´s largest impact is through the projects we are involved in. We have a strong focus on co-creation and supporting our client's green transition by pointing out sustainable potentials in their project. We openly share our knowledge to move towards a sustainable future. In a pursuit to make interesting, relevant and long-lasting architecture, we show interest in each other's professional fields; to create self-perpetuating solutions. Sustainability combines both quantitative and qualitative consideration between architects, engineers, users, clients and specialized scientific fields contributing to evidence-based design.
Architecture we love live longer
It is not an easy task for the construction sector to give back to the environment an undo harm done, when we rely so heavily on resources. For us, it is essential that we bring architecture into the world that people love. The buildings we love last longer and are therefore easier to justify resource-wise. A consequence of this is a flash of an old flame for Arkitema; the transformation of our cities. With our good transformation references we can showcase the qualities you potentially achieve from an existing building structure, that cannot be replaced by tearing it down and starting over, because not only resources are lost in the process.
Nature is our baseline for design
We prioritize biodiversity in all types of projects, and our architectural approach make room for nature on nature's own premises. Meanwhile, we must remedy consequences of climate changes e.g. handle extreme weather events. We want to fill cities in abundance with healthy, beautiful and comfortable spaces for people, but also for benefit of flora and fauna. We plan towards least possible loss of existing nature and an increase in new established nature, in synergy with local conditions. Through our concept of nature-based design, we emphasise regeneration and living conditions in both city and scenic nature. When doing so, we chose materials that do not harm environment and habitats.
We treat everyone equally by treating them individually
Community and equality matter in all our projects. We believe they are the foundation of a healthy and safe society. Our designs are our responsibility. Arkitema's architecture is built on a social and sustainable culture, we are proud of, bringing the ethical and aesthetic closer together. Our cities and buildings are planned to be mindful of the mutual good of the community, without being negligent of the individual needs. This goes for both indoor and outdoor climate, public or private areas and accessibility etc. We bring forward the idea of "Less for me – more for us" in a continuous balance between user needs and consumption. We must take care of each other, while we care for our planet.
