Making eco-"logical" sense.

This morning we visited the eco-city of Augustenborg, which was built in the 1950's by the municipal housing company MKB. By the 1970's, much of the wealth in the neighborhood had been lost, the area became crime ridden, and was seriously needing some work.

Next step: restoration project movement, which began as a joint project in the 1990's between the city of Malmö and MKB. The area has become drastically revitalized, and with a new sense of ecological consciousness. We walked around the area, and were given a tour of the facilities at work. Augustenborg uses a open water storm management system that collects water from gutters and roofs which is then channeled through ponds and canals before draining to a typical storm water system. Through this system, it reduces the peak flows of the storm water runoff. But more than functionality, it gives an easy solution to add more life to an area by providing a self-contained watering station to plants and vegetation. Once these adjustments were made, the area began to thrive again, but remained an affordable housing site, and has successfully avoided the issue of gentrification. Many of the residents see the site as just a place to live, but for the larger part, a community has been formed around the area's sustainable practices. Residents take pride in their home, as there are guided tours (our guide has lead tours to people from over 37 different countries!). The renovation of Augustenborg has created a community of conscious, and considerate residents.

But what Augustenborg is really known for is its expansive green roof system. Our guide put it best: green roofs shouldn't be called green, because they're really a mix of green, browns, and reds. A more accurate name would be "living roofs" because the plants used on the rooftops are not necessarily roses and tulips and grass, but more ecologically minded, drought resistant plants. Roofing can be either extensive (light weight and thin) or intensive (can hold more weight). The roofs use soil and drought resistant plants that are maintained entirely by natural rainfall. They are so easy to maintain; only the intensive roofs need occasional maintenance.

Aside from aesthetics, green roofs do a lot of great things. They provide a habitat for animals and plants, and also create a natural system for water management. It keeps rainwater away from the storm water drains that goes to the treatment plant, which as a result means more efficiency and reduced costs. Green roofs can also absorb noises (reduce noise pollution) and even help reduce heating and cooling energy needs for a building. One thing the development is looking to explore is the possibility of growing more food on the roofs to reduce food miles, and to also use gardening as a community transforming activity for old and young residents alike.

But more than all of this, green roofs are symbolic. There's something beautiful about adding life to a concrete rooftop: we are taking back the wasted space our unbridled growth and consumption has left on our cities.

So that was this morning's grand tour. Last night turned into a grand adventure in itself. Aside from spending a long day at the beach (still not a bronze beauty. I'd say succulent tomato is a more apt description of my current state), we encountered a Swedish thunderstorm. It was, sorry for the cheesiness, magical. Being the studious (read: nerdish) person I am, I decided to miss the World Cup finals to start my research paper. However, my plans were soon interrupted by the thunder and lightning that crept across the sky. Two friends, Brian and Rebecca, and I grabbed our bikes and went down to the beach to fully experience the thunderstorm. Along the way, we saw a perfect rainbow. Needless to say, the combination of splashing around in the water, taking in the swirling palette of pinks and blues and grays in the sky and the shimmering clouds against the high rise Twisted Torso apartment complex was an incredibly beautiful moment.

On our trip so far, we've seen some really great examples of taking run down industrial sites, and turning them into a beautiful and sustainable place. The Augustenborg complex reminds us that being sustainable isn't always about starting from nothing and using new technology, but adapting and working with what you have to make it better for the human and natural environments. I think my mentality is starting to mimic that. Experiencing the city isn't always about creating a strict itinerary of things to do and see, but going with the flow, and adjusting your course as the moments come by. An evening of academics randomly turned into a fleeting moment of uninhibited play, and absolutely unparalleled beauty. I think that if Malmö has taught me anything so far, it's that opportunity exists in places you might not initially expect.

Photo cred: Darwin. Hopefully if Brian uploads his pictures, I can put up some from the thunderstorm!