Madeleine Mikkelsen

What problem have you wanted to work with?

I grew up in the small cross-border shopping city of Strömstad in Sweden and have recently reflected on the enormous over-­establishment of shopping centres. Cross-border shopping has taken over Strömstad’s charming identity and large shopping centres are built without there being any need for them. When the housing crisis in Strömstad swells over and the range of activities on offer fails, I see this as a negative development in a socially sustainable society. 

What has inspired you?

Young people have been a great source of inspiration throughout the entire process, how they interact, how they behave and their prerequisites for the future. In my project I have been inspired by colours from the local Strömstad environment,
such as ochre yellow lichens on the sea cliffs and the clear blue sea. In order to create a dynamic in the area, I have also been inspired by city impulses from neon lights to a city structure, where Paradgatan goes through the area like a load bearing beam which then breaks off with smaller streets, backyards, parks and areas of housing. The existing artistic idiom of the shopping centre has also been a major part of my design process. Geometric shapes together with reflective surfaces.

What was the result?

Through knowledge of my target group, young people aged 16–19, their desires and needs, I have created a vision for a coll­aboration between Strömstad Upper Secondary School and the shopping centre Gallerian Strömstad to use empty areas for aesthetic subjects My project can inspire more students to be curious about music, theatre, dance and art. Where the possibilities for developing and expressing themselves both
socially and creatively is considerable. Having a variety of meeting situations has been a major focus. 

Who will especially benefit from your project?

I discovered a clear dilemma in my project, that I am working with a target group that shopping centres do not want at their centres. I realised that I had two perspectives to take into account. A shopping mall that soon goes bankrupt and young people who are desperate to find a new meeting place to socialise. After looking at this, I also learned how important it is for young people to work creatively. Aesthetic subjects in secondary schools have become down-prioritised and are subjects that few upper secondary school pupils have on their timetables. I would therefore like to combine shopping centres, young people and aesthetic subjects in order to tackle several societal problems, while at the same time in the longer term they can benefit each other. As the pupils can present their projects through public exhibitions or performances, these activities can attract more visitors to the shopping centre.

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