As the submission deadline for Europan18 in July draws near, MAZi Architects, though not participating this year, remain dedicated to revitalizing interest in this prestigious competition within Greece. Their involvement is driven by their successful experience with the Sweet Spot entry in Europan17, for a Swedish site, which not only earned a Special Mention but also served as a profound platform for learning, innovation and collaboration.
“We encourage young architects and students to engage with Europan, recognizing its invaluable role in nurturing innovative urban solutions. This competition offers a vibrant opportunity to delve into sustainable urban planning, fostering a rich exchange of ideas across Europe.” – MAZi Architects
From MAZi Architects: “The absence of Greece from Europan since 2004 is a significant concern for us. We are currently in discussions with Europan representatives and seeking liaisons with responsible organizations and government entities in Greece to re-establish this critical platform for urban innovation. Our goal is to advocate for a resurgence of Greek involvement, highlighting the benefits such international exposure brings to local urban development and planning.”
THE SWEET SPOT: A Business Park in Skavsta Special Mention at Europan17
The Sweet Spot entry, which received a Special Mention in the international Europan17 competition in 2023, is the result of a collaborative effort. MAZi Architects joined forces with Galini Afentoulidou as well as Athan Vagias along with a team of skilled collaborators, including sustainability consultants, among others.
From MAZi Architects: “Europan is an architectural and urban ideas competition that unites European cities with young professionals under 40 years old. Over a two-year period, more than 50 European cities and over 2000 teams participated in this competition. It serves as a platform for developing innovative solutions and serves as a laboratory for new ideas. We feel immensely happy and privileged to participate alongside so many talented individuals. Being awarded the special mention 3rd prize was a truly rewarding experience, and we gained invaluable knowledge throughout the process.”
The Sweet Spot Business Park showcased a model of sustainability and cooperative business practices. This plan emphasized environmental stewardship and social equity, utilizing principles like the Circular Economy and collaborative governance to create a dynamic, thriving business ecosystem.
From MAZi Architects: ‘’Following our selection, we were invited by the municipality of Nyköping to participate in workshops with their Planning Department. This engagement was an enlightening process, characterized by very transparent and constructive discussions. The aim was to assist them with the development of subsequent steps and strategies, further leveraging our project’s insights to influence local urban development practices.’’
The proposed masterplan at Skavsta featured interconnected ecosystems prioritizing sustainable practices in energy, material, and food production, supported by infrastructure that champions pedestrian-centric, car-free living.
Designed to harmonize with the natural environment, the plan aimed to foster a balanced, sustainable community where businesses and individuals could prosper.
From MAZi Architects: “Recent trends in Greece have highlighted a worrying shift towards privatized initiatives that often bypass traditional, transparent public planning processes. This move, exacerbated by the economic crisis since 2010, potentially jeopardizes equitable and sustainable urban development. Competitions like Europan offer a counterbalance, promoting a collaborative, transparent, and public-oriented approach to urban planning. Our ongoing engagement with Europan is intended to remind and reinforce the importance of these values in creating livable, equitable urban spaces.’’
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
THE SITE
Skavsta, located 100 km south of Stockholm near Nyköping, is evolving from a historical airbase into an intermodal hub due to the East Link railway construction and proximity to the airport.
Europan17 competitors were tasked with creating a 20-year development plan for Skavsta, rethinking the conventional business park to better integrate commuter and traveler needs.
MASTERPLAN STRATEGIES
- Working Together – Owning the Future: Skavsta Park promotes a cooperative business model where businesses maintain ownership, access, and voting rights, fostering community, equity, and resilience.
This model challenges traditional business park concepts, aiming for a progressive, communal future.
- The Power of Provenance: Focused on self-sufficiency and CO2 neutrality, Skavsta Park integrates on-site production of energy, materials, and food, leveraging local resources and fostering innovation through distinct business ecosystems.
- Sharing Values – Being Responsible: The park uses the Circular Economy model to create a regenerative ecosystem, attracting businesses with strong sustainability credentials and benefiting both companies and the local community.
- Creating a Welcoming Ecosystem: Skavsta is designed as a low-density, nature-friendly area with balanced infrastructure supporting both environmental sustainability and vibrant business activity.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
- Harmony with Nature: The Central Park, acting as the core of the masterplan, connects all green spaces, emphasizing a car-free environment with extensive pedestrian pathways to enhance the sense of nature and community.
- Gradual Density and Strategic Phasing: The plan advocates for a density gradient from center to edges, uses height strategically for noise control, and progresses development from north to south, optimizing facility distribution and business attraction.
- Proximity and Synergy: The concept of “Närhet” underlines the importance of close-knit business placement to reduce operational inefficiencies and enhance symbiotic relationships among businesses.
Facts & Credits
Title Sweet Spot, An Europan Story
Typology Competition Entry at the international Europan17 competition
Organiser Europan
Year 2024
Location Skavsta, Stockholm, Sweden
Awards Special Mention
Team Galini Afentoulidou (GR) – architect, Aikaterini Examiliotou (GR) – architect & urbanist, Despoina Papadopoulou (GR) – architect, Athan Vagias (GR) – architect
Collaborators Maritina Markopoulou (UK) – sustainability consultant, Tyler Thurston (UK) – illustrator, Ramin Antoniadis (GR) – illustrator, Salomon Berg (SE) – illustrator
Text by the authors
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