Sweden plans to move the whole city because of the risk of land collapse

In the face of the collapse of the mine below, the Kiruna city government in Sweden plans to move its entire infrastructure and population to a new location.

According to Science Alert, residents in the city of Kiruna, Sweden, are confronted with fast-falling ground beneath their feet due to an iron mine in the area. Local authorities plan to relocate both the city and the entire population to the east, 3.2 km from the current location.

Picture 1 of Sweden plans to move the whole city because of the risk of land collapse
Part of the design of Kiruna City in the new location.(Photo: White Architectures).

Experts estimate that most of the works in Kiruna will collapse into an underground mine that is expanding underground in 2050, so the residential relocation plan is underway and is expected to be completed in 2040.

Because of its proximity to the Arctic Circle , Kiruna is very dark and cold most of the time of the year, making it more difficult to build infrastructure. The city spreads over a large area, but has a low population. This place is big enough to accommodate all the people living in the world if standing close to each other.

According to the relocation plan, all shops, agencies and houses are moved. Some important buildings will be removed partially, or use a crane to lift the whole. But for most cases, buildings will be demolished and rebuilt.

The iron mine beneath the city is operated by the government's Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB). Whenever iron ore is moved up from the ground, the ground continues to sink. LKAB is also in charge of relocation costs.

Picture 2 of Sweden plans to move the whole city because of the risk of land collapse
The location of moving Kiruna City is 3.2 km from the current location to the east.(Photo: White Architectures).

Moving the location of Kiruna city is also an opportunity to improve design and planning. While the current urban area spreads with a somewhat messy design, the new city will have a denser population density, taking advantage of the beautiful natural landscape of the polar environment, and owning many buildings. home and street more.

"In order to successfully relocate the city, we need to ensure the project helps strengthen the current socio-economic relations and create more new relationships throughout the implementation process. should be considered to create space for prosperous and sustainable development, ' architect Asa Bjerndell said.