She’s Building Bridges Between People and Place – Meet Karin, the Placemaker Behind the Future of Flemingsberg
Karin Lekberg is paving the way for the Flemingsberg of the future, a place where knowledge and creativity meet. She envisions a vibrant area full of culture, evening and nightlife, and a natural meeting place for both students and creators. But when the goal feels far away, it’s about starting where you are, creating life and activity here and now, and above all, building on the stories that already exist, allowing the place to grow into its future.
“There’s a growing sense of confidence in Flemingsberg…”
Throughout her career, Karin has worked with people and places, and with connecting the two. She has always collaborated with people who create content: artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural producers. Today she works as a consultant for Fabege, one of the key developers of Flemingsberg, and her mission is, just as before, to build bridges between people and place.
“It’s fascinating to see how things have shifted over time. In the past, art and creativity were looking for a place to settle and thrive. Now, as many city centers face major challenges, I think the trend has reversed — the place is now looking for its content. And that’s exactly where I work — in that interface. I’m a placemaker, brokering content for a specific place.”
Karin explains that her work begins with scanning a place to find the stories that already exist, and then thinking about which stories can be built upon. Her work is about creating conditions and relationships, and it’s the people who are always at the heart of it.
“There’s no place without people, people are the very foundation for creating the kind of great places we all want.”
So what makes Flemingsberg such an exciting place right now?
“There’s a growing confidence in Flemingsberg, and it’s truly wonderful to see. There are investments coming from all directions, public, private, and from civil society. Even when the world around us signals uncertainty, it’s important to dare to believe in the future. And that’s exactly where Flemingsberg is, ready to take the next step.”
Change is already underway in Flemingsberg. Karin explains that they’re working according to the method of Active Waiting, creating life and activity here and now while the area continues to develop. One of the projects focuses on shaping an experience-rich walkway between the commuter train station and the Opera and Royal Dramatic Theatre’s stage and décor workshop, in the so-called Regulatorområdet. That’s where things are really happening, several smaller creative businesses have already moved in near the Opera and Dramaten. For instance, Kultopia is opening there, with a stage, rehearsal spaces, and studios.
“We’re also putting a lot of effort into the idea and concept of Student City Flemingsberg — a place where students have more influence, more places to be, and greater visibility. Students and researchers are a powerful driver for attracting more companies and new establishments. It’s an incredible asset that Flemingsberg has so many students, people who are going somewhere, who are motivated and driven.”
Looking ahead — what’s your vision for Flemingsberg in five or ten years?
“If I put on my optimistic glasses and assume the world situation improves, then I hope to see a clear and vibrant concept of Student City Flemingsberg. That there are five new ‘Alfa Laval’ companies in the district, a lively evening and nightlife, restaurants and meeting places. That more housing has been built, and that Huddingevägen is completed and improved. In short, that Flemingsberg is a wonderful place to be, a place where people want to stay.”
Would you like to learn more about Flemingsberg and the ongoing initiatives?
Join Flemingsberg Talks this autumn on November 14, which this time focuses on game development. Welcome!
