Kiruna Masterplan, Sweden

July 2012

A-Zero has been appointed shortlisted for competition to design a new city centre for Kiruna, Sweden, withTham & videgård arkitekter and Territorial Agency. Kiruna is a unique city which has evolved since the first iron ore deposits in the area began to be exploited a hundred years ago. The underground extraction of iron ore is causing movements and subsidence which, sooner or later, will render a large part of Kiruna’s existing urban settlement uninhabitable. This is a dramatic scenario, necessitating the relocalisation of many of the city’s functions over a period of twenty years. Parts of the city will be gradually phased out, and buildings demolished or moved elsewhere.

CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY, BUDAPEST

April 2012

A-Zero has been appointed to work with award winning Irish architects O’Donnell + Tuomey as environmental consultants for the master plan redevelopment of the Central European University Campus in Budapest.The four-stage international competition was won in November. The design incorporates a number of existing historic and new buildings and seeks to create a new route through the city block with new and existing courtyards functioning as environmental mediators throughout the campus. More details on the O”Donnell Tuomey website.

REDHILL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

February 2012

A-Zero worked in collaboration with Green Party councilor Jonathan Essex to produce a public exhibition in Redhill town centre highlighting the possibilities of sustainable community regeneration in the area. The event, which focused on the importance of community participation, was attended by 487 local residents. One feedback sheet starts: “What a good idea! Started chatting with your volunteer and didn’t realise I had so many ideas!” This was typical of the many discussions that were inspired by the exhibition. The work shown prompted awareness and discussion on the importance of community in sustainable development. More details on the LoveRedhill website .