The Road to Regenerative Architecture
White’s focus is to create environments and architecture that are climate neutral and circular, while promoting biodiversity, health and social values.
During the year, the transition towards more sustainable development has both accelerated and slowed down. Targets and directives are driving the pace, while the economy and politics have slowed progress down to some extent. However, many companies are seeing the chance to turn risks into opportunities.
In 2024, we placed a strong focus on reducing the climate impact of our projects, aiming to contribute to at least a 30% reduction in emissions from construction materials. We have shown that this is entirely feasible across several projects. The residential development Träklippan is targeting emissions well below current best practice, and in the student housing project Rhodos, we demonstrate that significant reductions in climate impact are possible even with conventional construction methods.
Circular architecture also contributes to reducing climate impact. Last year, 40 percent of our projects included some form of reuse, with a strong emphasis on transformation. One example is Lumi – one of Sweden’s most ambitious reuse projects – an office building designed by White for Vasakronan. Through extensive reuse, the project achieved an environmental impact roughly half that of a newly built timber-framed building. It demonstrates the potential of large-scale circular architecture. In Gothenburg, the iconic Feskekôrka was carefully restored and reopened in 2024, marking the building’s 150th anniversary.
Timber construction remains strong, with 23 percent of our building projects using timber frames. In 2024, construction also began on Wood City – the world’s largest urban timber development – where we are designing several blocks for Atrium Ljungberg.
The need for climate adaptation is also significant, with 67 percent of our urban design and landscape projects focused on this area. Last year, Vattentorget at Slussen was inaugurated – an example of how necessary climate adaptation can be leveraged through design. There is also growing focus on preserving and strengthening biodiversity, especially in urban environments.
At the mouth of the Stångån river outside Linköping, we have created a new visitor facility with a birdwatching tower, warming hut, and jetty. North of Varberg, in the Getterön nature reserve, we have designed Kärven, a new observation tower that serves as a landmark for the city. Its sensuous, dynamic form, constructed from simple timber slats, – made possible through parametric design– offers an inspiring environment for visitors of all ages.
Safety, well-being and the creation of socially sustainable environments remain constant priorities – with the notable shift that many property owners are now beginning to set measurable targets for social impact. Our approach is to involve citizens in the design process. In Hjällbo, Gothenburg, this has contributed to creating safer environments, and at the Gascoigne Estate outside London, it resulted in us receiving two awards for equitable and inclusive urban planning
White’s vision is to transition towards regenerative architecture, where the built environment is part of a circular system that restores and strengthens what already exists – ecosystems, resources, energy flows and social values. This includes scaling up circular practices, where materials are treated as resources and their lifespan extended. In Higab’s offices in Gothenburg, 93% of all interior elements were reused.
We can also contribute to energy-positive districts – places that give back more than they consume. Or environments with nature-based solutions that strengthen ecosystems and biodiversity. It can also mean restoring ecological values on developed land or fostering strong, inclusive communities by involving citizens in the planning process. We are convinced this is possible – but the journey has only just begun.
We remain committed to our vision that all our architecture is regenerative and climate neutral through design excellence by 2030.
