This project is about the implementation of High Temperature Heat Pumps (HTHP) in the iron and steel Industry in Sweden. The industry is both a large energy consumer and a large greenhouse gas emitter. To reach both the UN:s and Sweden's own future goals, the industry must increase their efficiency. High temperature heat pumps can give a significant contribution to improve heat recovery and to decrease energy consumption.

The goal of this study is to map the iron and steel industries processes and energy consumption in Sweden to see if a change to high temperature heat pumps would increase efficiency in the industry. The method used was a combination of a literature study and three interviews. The interviewed companies were Jernkontoret, Ovako AB and Uddeholms AB.

The results from the literature study and the interviews indicate that it seems as if the implementation of high temperature heat pumps would be both hard and ineffective in the current situation in the scrap-based steel industry in Sweden. However, with some additional calculations and assumptions it seems like the implementation would be both possible and effective in the future.

Urbanization and climate change have posed challenges for managing heatwave events, particularly in cities where the Urban Heat Island effect intensifies extreme temperatures. This study aims to develop a framework for estimating urban air temperature at a local, continuous scale using remote sensing, crowdsourced weather data, and machine learning. The key contributions of this paper to the field include investigating the model’s spatial and temporal transferability. Methods were tested across Stockholm, Sweden as well as Budapest, Hungary.

Three machine learning algorithms were evaluated, trained using a variety of feature subsets to determine the most accurate modelling approach. Results for Stockholm found that a Random Forest model with 50 features, primarily derived from optical Landsat imagery like land surface temperature,urban-, vegetation-, and water-based band indices, performed best with RMSE of 1.62°C. Aggregating predictions from individual dates revealed higher temperatures in urban and industrial areas. Fitting the model on imagery beyond the trained time period maintained consistent performance, indicating its potential for future prediction without retraining. The negligible impact of adding LiDAR data to the model shows promise for its ability to be applied to different cities, demonstrating generalizability where closed source data is unnecessary. 

When applying the same method to Budapest, the model showed slightly lower accuracy with RMSE of2.44°C, attributed to fewer available weather stations and less frequent satellite coverage. However, at a degree of accuracy still comparable to existing research, the study underscores that the methodology, despite being computationally intensive, provides worthwhile and robust across different spatial and temporal contexts. 

Key findings emphasize the value of using open- and crowdsourced data for air temperature modelling and highlight the model's resilience and transferability. Future work should focus on integrating advanced land surface temperature retrieval algorithms and maximizing available training data to further enhance model accuracy and urban resilience against climate-induced heatwaves.The study's methodological approach, including the use of variable spatial aggregation scales andfeature selection, enhances urban resilience against climate-induced heatwaves.

This report examines whether Sweden's electrical supply in the SE1 region of Northern Sweden can meet the escalating energy demands from large, energy-intensive industrial  facilities both today and in the future. The industrial projects discussed include HYBRIT, H2 Green Steel and Northvolt. This study provides a current overview of the SE1 energy situation and predicts future scenarios, based on updated literature reviews and a comparative analysis with a previous thesis from 2021. It incorporates the latest data on energy supply and demand, updating previous forecasts and refining projections by comparing them with those from the earlier thesis.

With the advancement of these industrial projects, upgrading the electric power generation and distribution networks becomes essential to ensure a sustainable and reliable energy supply. Therefore, the thesis investigates the capacity of Swedish electrical infrastructure to support the expected rise in electrical demand from these new industrial ventures. These challenges are explored to evaluate the projects and their future prospects.

Today, waste water pipes and sewage systems in Sweden have been standardized for more than 50 years. In an increasingly water-efficient world, the amount of water in Swedish households has decreased in wash basins, showers and WC seats. Low-flush toilets are an example of a measure that has been introduced, but despite the reduced amount of water, the dimensioning of waste water pipes has not been adapted to the new flow in the pipe. At present, new regulations and a new structure of the building regulations are being drawn up, which means that the industry hasto create its own recommendations. In this project, it is investigated whether an implementation of pipes with a smaller diameter can help to synchronize the application of lean flushing. In this project, a literature study has been carried out on how dimensioning and standards for sewers look like in Sweden today. It has also been investigated how other countries in Europehave applied pipes in waste water lines with a smaller diameter than the Swedish standard. An experiment has also been carried out where the conductivity of faeces for two different pipe diameters, one for today’s standard D110 and one for D90, has been investigated.

The conclusion showed that D90 tubes transport faeces longer than D110 tubes. Due to the limitations of the experiment, it was also concluded that more investigations focusing on the pipe’s hydraulics need to be carried out to obtain a more reliable result.

Context. Over the last two decades, space-based photometric missions such asCoRot, Kepler/K2, and TESS have provided a wealth of photometric data of solar-like stars. Several methods have been used to extract the surface rotation period,using either the Lomb-Scargle periodogram, the autocorrelation function, wavelettransforms or Gaussian processes.Aims. We propose to evaluate the efficiency for measuring rotation period of arecently proposed method, called the Gradient Power Spectrum (GPS).Methods. The GPS is calculated in two steps. First, we calculate the globalwavelet power spectrum (GWPS) from the time series. Then the gradient is cal-culated from the logarithmic derivative of the GWPS. The maximum of the GPS in-dicates the position of the GWPS inflection point. Rotation period can then be foundby multiplying the inflection period by an empirically- constrained calibration fac-tor.Results. Through our analyzes it appeared that this method was strongly depen-dent on the stellar inclination. We decided to use this feature to feed a supervisedmachine learning algorithm to predict stellar inclination from the lightcurve.Conclusion. The GPS method is not reliable alone to measure surface rotation.However for inclination our results are promising. We retrieve almost 90% of sim-ulated stars inclination at ± 20°. For Kepler stars, we currently retrieve only 57.1%of their inclination compared to asteroseismic measurements. However the sampleused was only about 56 oscillating solar-like stars and their asteroseismic uncertain-ties are significant.

This thesis focuses on a component of the NA64 experiment at CERN, which tests models trying to give an explanation to dark matter in hope to find an answer in agreement with experimental evidence. The goal of NA64 is to use a beam of highly energetic electrons to produce a dark photon, according to the processes enabled by a vector portal of the dark sector, and then detect the products arising from the decay of the dark photon. The component of the experiment studied here is the Synchrotron Radiation Detector, or SRD, which has the purpose of detecting photons emitted by the beam particles used in the experiment. The reason for this is that, starting from the energy distribution of the detected photons, it is possible to identify the generating beam particle. This allows for the selection of events, only accepting those generated by electrons. This is fundamental in order to min- imize background events that might mimick the sought dark matter experimental signature.Specifically, a new LYSO-based prototype of the SRD is tested, and the data recorded with it is compared to simulated data. A new prototype of the SRD is needed in order to improve performance, namely increasing electron efficiency and hadron rejection, improving energy resolution and reducing pileup. Its features are also studied, such as its efficiency or the effect of the intrinsic radiation emitted by its crystals on the final measurements.The results suggest that the new SRD possesses several features and characteris- tics that make it suitable for usage in NA64. However, the detector studied in this thesis is still at a prototypical stage, so many more improvements can still be done in order to obtain better performance, for example a different choice of parameters for the data taking or an improved calibration. The final plots show some of the expected characteristics, such as a peak in the electron run that can be identified as due to synchrotron radiation, but its energy does not exactly correspond to that of the simulated spectrum. The total electron efficiency was determined to be of 0.743 ± 0.001, while for hadrons 0.0009 ± 0.0002. This is different than what calculated from the simulated data, but still in line with theoretical considerations and expectations.

This study explored the viability of utilising a cavern for hot water storage in Bålsta, Sweden, specifically to support the district heating system in this area. It particularly examined the potential integration of a thermal energy storage system with a district heating system in Bålsta, utilising an existing underground cavern previously used for oil storage. The project aimed to assess the possible annual storage duration, examine the efficiency of the thermal energy retention, and explore the system's impact on the district heating network in Bålsta.

Prior to delving into the specific technologies for heat storage, the research covered a general understanding of various thermal energy storage technologies and components of the district heating system in Sweden. Among the main findings from the literature review were the storage contribution to the district heating system principles, geological underground circumstances as well as heat cushion development.

The methodological approach of this research involved the use of numerical analysis and simulations performed through Comsol Multiphysics software. This software served as an efficient tool for numerical analysis by utilising the nonisothermal flow physics module along with a user built mesh. The system model had a system boundary geometry of a 500 metre sided cube of rock along with a 120 000 cubic metres cavern, which served as the water storage. Thereafter a transient study over the storage cycle each year was conducted with focus on the average temperature of the water.

The thermal energy storage was shown to be able to provide the district heating system of Bålsta with a significant heating capacity during the winter. Moreover it was observed that the duration that heat can be stored each annual cycle was extended each year, from 169 days to 242 days over a decade. It was obtained within the results that the heat contribution from the cavern thermal energy storage to the district heating system increased from barely 22% to 31% of the total heating demand during the coldest weeks in the Bålsta region, over a ten-year period. These increases are due to the heated up bedrock, creating a heat cushion phenomenon.

After presenting the simulation results, the implications were critically analysed from both theoretical and numerical perspectives. This comprehensive discussion, along with a minimalistic sensitivity analysis of the bedrock thermal conductivity, revealed that the storage remained usable even under high thermal conductivity conditions. However, heat losses varied over time depending on the rock type composition. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations for future work were made, including a rigorous and entirely transient simulation of each of the storage cycle’s phases as well as a geological study of the area.

In the spectrum of carbone dioxyde (CO2) reduction, new configurations of turbofans are designed. The openrotor is expected to achieve a reduction of 20% of emissions compared to current configurations. Nonetheless, it presents many challenges such as the influence of the boundary layer transition on the performances. This study aims to propose a methodology to analyse the boundary layer transition on an openrotor with Large Eddy Simulation (LES). A monogrid study is proposed. Some methodological challenges are covered, related to the mesh generation to avoid numerical instabilities. Limitations for the use of the 2.5D hypothesis are shown, leading to an axisymmetric simulation of a stator between two streamsurfaces. The results of this configuration are discussed in light of boundary layer transition.

This report examines the management of Swedish forestry and its impact on biodiversity and the environment, driven by the urgent need to combat global warming and influenced by the EU Commission's new forestry strategy introduced in 2021. Since 1925, Sweden's timber stock has more than doubled due to various forestry methods, initially at the expense of biodiversity. This concern led to the introduction of a new forestry policy in 1993, which prioritizes sustainable forestry on par with timber production.

Today, Swedish forests significantly contribute to societal progress by replacing fossil fuels and supporting a sustainable future. Forests act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon in the soil and reducing global warming. Additionally, wood-based fuels are increasingly used in district  heating andother applications, with forest residues such as branches and tops ("grot") being a major raw material. The report assesses which tree species are most environmentally beneficial for grot extraction, identifying coniferous species as preferable due to their lower impact on biodiversity. According to the Swedish Energy Agency, wood fuel currently replaces approximately 88.5 TWh of fossil fuels, while the forest absorbs over 94 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The report also addresses the challenges and opportunities in balancing the production and environmental aspects of forestry. It explores the potential for advancements in forestry techniques that can improve the efficiency of carbon sequestration while maintaining or enhancing biodiversity. These include the development of new methods for selective logging and the creation of more sustainable forestry models that align with broader environmental goals.

By advancing and implementing policies and practices that promote sustainability, Sweden can not only achieve its environmental objectives but also assume a leadership role internationally in the movement towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly future

The shipping industry was estimated to have accounted for approximately 11 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in 2022, with this amount totaling 0.89 Gton. Among the solutions proposed to reduce these emissions, alternative fuels, particularly e-methanol, have been identified as one of the most promising paths to meeting the emission targets set by the EU and IMO. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how much e-methanol can be supplied in the port of Oskarshamn, Sweden, and what it would cost. This has been achieved by conducting an economic analysis for four different production capacities in Sweden’s respective bidding zones, and drawing conclusions on operational and investment costs, production costs as well as payback period. The study finds that the majority of operational costs are comprised of electricity costs, while transportation costs account for a negligible portion. The majority of the investment cost is attributed to the PEM electrolyzer, which is estimated to account for more than 69 percent in all cases. The production costs are found to be at their highest in Sweden’s most southern bidding zone, SE4, and that is also where profitability is maximized. However, the high selling price would result in the produced e-methanol being less competitive against other fuels on the market. 

Norway is one of the countries in the world with electricity from renewable resources, but only a small part is solar energy. This study investigates the past, current and future trends and scenarios for solar energy in Norway. It highlights the consistent transition towards increased solar energy usage, driven by political initiatives and new technology to some extent. Starting with a thorough overview of Norway existing energy system, e.g. current energy supply, structure of the electricity grid and its continuity, and their electricity supply to other countries. Additionally, the other renewable resources that Norway utilize will be explained, as hybrid systems are a reoccurring subject.

The past, current and future trends which are the main objective for this study will be investigating important events, immersing in solar energy projects and the political initiatives that have influenced the usage of solar energy in Norway.

Lastly, the discussion aims to understand what the future trends could be, while also providing different scenarios that could be applied to Norway's energy system. The scenarios are created with the background of past and current trends, and some indications from the future trends. This part also includes the advantages and disadvantages that solar energy has in Norway, observing location, efficiency and climate. Concluding with a sustainability analysis from an environmental, economic and governmental point of view.

As solar energy will not be sufficient to supply Norway especially during the winter months, hybrid systems offer a promising solution for integrating solar energy into Norway’s energy landscape to meet the demands for renewable energy. 

Sweden is not generally known for its solar energy potential, however installation rates continue to accelerate. This thesis will look into why that is. The goal of this paper is to map past development, current trends and the possible future for solar energy in Sweden. The past development and current trends are mapped through an extensive literature review, while the future outlook for the technologies are explored through interviews with relevant industry representatives and then compared to projected future scenarios for Sweden’s electricity system laid out by the Swedish Energy Agency.

There are two primary ways to harness solar energy. These are as follows: Photovoltaics (PVs) which convert sunlight into electricity and solar heating which collects the thermal  energy from sunlight to use for heating purposes. For the past development both solar heating and PVs were included; in the current trends chapter, solar heating was not included, and for the future outlook chapter, the decision was made to solely focus on solar PV parks.

In short, the results from the literature review of past development shows that while solar heating emerged as the first use of solar energy technologies in Sweden; for use in district heating as well as residential installation, it subsequently lost in popularity due to not being economically competitive. PVs emerged at a later stage than solar heating, with a more multifaceted reach. Research, and production emerged as early areas of focus, while decentralized PV and centralized PVs gained prominence later on. Subsidies and installation supports have helped incentivise residential installations in the decentralized sector, while the centralized market remains unsubsidized. Battery storage is one of the latest sectors to form,with battery installations gaining notability in the residential sector due to favorable policies, as well as in the centralized sector due to favorable grid supporting services provided by Svenska Kraftnät.

Regarding the current state of solar energy in Sweden, recent trends have been identified as unpredictable due to the economic uncertainties and the lingering effects of the 2022 energy crisis. However, despite these challenges, installation numbers are expected to increase in the near future. This growth is due to the technological advancements and research initiatives done within the PV domain, particularly the development of new materials and integration of AI into PV systems in order to optimize the design and placement of solar panels, maximizing production efficiency. There was a significant 59% market growth in the PV systems market in 2022, compared to the previous year, indicating a promising trajectory for the development of solar PV systems.

For the future outlook chapter, the interviews highlighted challenges primarily regarding land acquisition and grid connection, with emphasis on the tedious grid connection process and limited grid capacity, hindering the growth of solar PV parks. Which of the projected future scenarios for solar PV parks is the likeliest, is highly dependent on whether or not the challenges facing the solar park industry can be addressed or not. 

Global warming presents a real threat to the planet, a transition away from fossil fuels and are duction in emissions is therefore urgently needed. Solar energy is an accessible renewable energy source that can prove to be of importance in this transition towards a greener energy production. This bachelor thesis has an aim of detailing and providing wider knowledge of solar energy usage in the Nordic countries, with this one specifically focusing on Denmark. The main body of study will be conducted as a literature study, because of the extensive coverage that already exists in the field.

Historically Denmark has promoted the general use of renewable sources through a multitude of different ambitious policies and programmes, which has lead to them having a place among the global leaders in renewable energy development. Solar energy can be used in two different ways, as solar electricity through photovoltaic technology or as solar thermal. Both of these methods are widely used in Denmark today and it is considered a central part of their plans to reach the energy and climate goals that have been set, both by the Danish parliament and by the European Union for 2030 and beyond.

New laws and incentives have been adopted in order to reach these goals and promote the further development of solar energy. Funds continue to be allocated for various different projects tha tresearch the future of solar energy on a smaller- and larger-scale. To ensure a secure Danish energy supply despite the variations in electricity production for the electrical grid that come with an increased share of renewable energy, possible storage solutions and expansions of the grid to neighbouring countries are researched.

Solar energy therefore has a clear place in Denmark’s national climate goals and plays a big part in their transition to a nation solely reliant on green energy.

Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has been widely used to extract modes fromflow fields based on spatial and temporal correlations and ordered by energy, and canbe used to extract coherent structures in turbulence. Each POD time coefficient formsa time series where the samples are auto-correlated. Moreover, the time series ofdifferent coefficients are cross-correlated. Based on the above mentioned correlations,the present work develops a vector auto-regression (VAR) method to model thetime coefficients and predict them. Therefore, the flow field could be predicted byreconstruction using the original spatial modes and predicted time coefficients. As anexample, turbulent boundary layer flow over a flat plate Reθ = 790 is investigated outof the motivation of inflow generation. Prior to the modelling, the correlation betweenthe POD time coefficients is studied; energy transitions among the POD modes areinvestigated; and the modelling strategy is designed to capture such correlations. Asa result, the probability density function and correlations of POD time coefficients arepreserved. Moreover, dominant Reynolds stresses and power spectral density are alsoshown to be generally consistent with the original flow. Motivated by the findings, thepossibility of applying the method to higher Reynolds-numbers is also studied.

Today's chip packaging lacks resealability and ease of use. The purpose of the project is based on developing a new design for a chip package that solves the problems. The project will also focus on a multi-functional use, with the possibility of the chip pack acting as a bowl.

By using methods such as Market Study, Literature Study, and surveys to be able to determine consumer needs and requirements. Collection of data has been a central factor in guiding the direction of the project. The use of Sketches has been a huge aid, in connection with a thorough choice of materials, the project work has concentrated on producing an innovative, environmentally friendly and a useful packaging.

The work has resulted in a winning working prototype of a chip package that follows the goals that have been set earlier in the project. The packaging presents a more improved resealability as well as a multi-functional use for consumers and a step forward towards a new innovative development in the chip industry.

This study aims to explore the interconnection of the environment with human society in Stockholm’s Royal National Urban Park (NUP) and to illustrate the critical role it plays in the socio-ecological resilience of Stockholm. The study departs from the notion that human settlements and natural landscapes have been traditionally understood as opposing poles of an ontological dichotomy and that this view needs to be redefined in light of the increased human impact on the planet. The NUP is considered as a possible example of ecological resilience in addition to its strong cultural and historical identity.The study will begin by identifying and emphasizing the less visible entities and processes that play a crucial role in sustaining both ecological and social life, particularly focusing on human agency. The study will then propose strategies and interventions to strengthen the ecological aspects of the NUP while improving public knowledge and engagement with the environment. These strategies will consider both physical space and virtual information, given the increasing use of the internet and the digital world.In conclusion, this study will highlight the importance of rethinking our relationship with the environment and the need to move beyond the idea of humans as separate or above the ecology. The NUP provides a case study of how society’s awareness of ecological values can lead to legislative actions and policies that protect and strengthen the environment. By examining the interconnection of the environment with human society in the NUP, this study aims to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for Stockholm and beyond.

We study the problem of best-arm identification with fixed budget in stochastic multi-armed bandits with Bernoulli rewards. For the problem with two arms, also known as the A/B testing problem, we prove that there is no algorithm that (i) performs as well as the algorithm sampling each arm equally (referred to as the uniform sampling algorithm) in all instances, and that (ii) strictly outperforms uniform sampling on at least one instance. In short, there is no algorithm better than the uniform sampling algorithm. To establish this result, we first introduce the natural class of consistent and stable algorithms, and show that any algorithm that performs as well as the uniform sampling algorithm in all instances belongs to this class. The proof then proceeds by deriving a lower bound on the error rate satisfied by any consistent and stable algorithm, and by showing that the uniform sampling algorithm matches this lower bound. Our results provide a solution to the two open problems presented in (Qin, 2022). For the general problem with more than two arms, we provide a first set of results. We characterize the asymptotic error rate of the celebrated Successive Rejects (SR) algorithm (Audibert et al., 2010) and show that, surprisingly, the uniform sampling algorithm outperforms the SR algorithm in some instances.

Tensor decomposition is an important problem with many applications across several disciplines, and a popular approach for this problem is the tensor power method. However, previous works with theoretical guarantee based on this approach can only find the top eigenvectors one after one, unlike the case for matrices. In this paper, we show how to find the eigenvectors simultaneously with the help of a new initialization procedure. This allows us to achieve a better running time in the batch setting, as well as a lower sample complexity in the streaming setting.

This thesis introduces a multi-fidelity approach to optimize ship hull design, leveraging both low-fidelity (LoFi) and high-fidelity (HiFi) viscous Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. This study primarily aims to devise a method that reduces both computational cost and time in CFD-based hull design optimization, particularly when viscous effects are significant and the Boundary Element Method (BEM), though less computationally intensive, falls short in accuracy and reliability. Traditional approaches in hull design optimization predominantly rely on either BEM or HiFi RANS simulations. While these methods are accurate, they are either limited in use cases or computationally expensive and time-consuming. This research proposes a framework where a Pareto optimization using a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm is conducted using a Multi-fidelity model which combines high-fidelity models and LoFi models in order to achieve accuracy at a reasonable cost. The validation of the optimization results is performed using a reference study, a Pareto optimization using the sea trial and tow tank validated marine CFD reference simulation setup by FINE™/Marine. This validation ensures the robustness and reliability of the simulation results, particularly in the absence of experimental data. Illustrated through case studies, the thesis explores the optimization of hydrofoils and multi-hull hulls. In such scenarios, a comprehensive analysis of the flow is required. Drawing upon existing literature, viscous flow base methods are identified as a more appropriate and accurate technique for modelling turbulent, free-surface flows which underscores the necessity of using CFD over BEM. Moreover, as mentioned above, the research integrates a multi-objective optimization framework (Pareto optimization), considering various performance criteria such as hydrodynamic resistance and sea-keeping qualities. This has been an important innovation for the field, and must be kept in this approach which uses Dakota, the optimization platform for this study. This thesis contributes to naval architecture by offering a pragmatic and efficient approach for hull design optimization, further enabling the development of rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable marine vessels.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the key drivers and challenges influencingthe adoption of solar energy in Sweden. With a focus on photovoltaic (PV) installations, theaim of the study was to uncover the intricate interplay between economic, cultural, andinfrastructural factors shaping the solar energy landscape. Through a combination ofliterature reviews, interviews, and data analysis, the research identified distinct drivers andmotivating the adoption of solar energy and challenges which pose hurdles for furtheradoption. The findings categorize these drivers and challenges into historical, present, andfuture contexts, and further subdivide them into residential, commercial, and solar parkcategories. A comparison was made between the mentioned drivers and challenges in theliterature and the interviews to gather further insights. The most frequently mentioned driverswere: cost savings, environmental concerns, EU and national regulations, and an increasingenergy demand. The most frequently mentioned challenges were: grid integration challenges, economic challenges, which mainly includes taxes and lack of economic incentives, and landacquisition. Some differences in the identified drivers and challenges from literature reviewand the interviews included drivers such as “peer to peer” effects, green marketing, a “feelgood” factor, and challenges such as lack of “peer to peer” effects and building structure,such as weak rooftops.

Energy is crucial for global development, but the current production and usage of it is contributing to climate change. The burning of fossil fuels harms the environment and human health and must be reduced to reach a sustainable use of energy. Usage of non-renewable and traditional fuels is still common, not least in developing countries. One such country is Nepal, who’s indigenous electricity production is renewable while the country is still heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. Investigations of energy statistics found no specific documentation on energy use patterns, especially not for smaller communities. However, the statistics showed that the residential sector is the biggest energy consuming sector in Nepal. Therefore, the study aims to map the energy need in the village of Khahare in the Kathmandu District, to answer the question: How could the current residential energy sources in Khahare be complemented or replaced to provide more sustainable, reliable and efficient energy?

The study was conducted in three main parts: a field study consisting of interviews with Khahare’s inhabitants, calculations of the energy use in the study area and modelling in HOMER. Through the calculations and modelling in HOMER, three scenarios were created. Scenario 1 would cost $2.03M and assumed that the entire energy need would be covered by the national grid, making it the cheapest but least energy secure alternative. Scenario 2 would cost $4.01M and assumed that the energy need not currently covered by the grid would be replaced by a combination of off-grid solar PVs, biogas, and LPG. This alternative was the optimal solution according to HOMER, but the interviews and local observations indicated that implementing biogas plants would not be a possible approach. In scenario 3, which would cost $5.76M, the biogas and LPG aspect was removed, and it was assumed that the energy need not currently covered by the grid would be replaced by off-grid solar PVs, which was the most expensive alternative. An analysis of the results yielded the conclusion that a combination of Scenario 1 and 3 could be the best way forward. This would mean an increased usage of the national grid while simultaneously installing off-grid solar PVs. Such a solution would contribute to sustainable development, offer more financial flexibility due to smaller investments and still contribute to an enhanced energy security. However, it would need to be further investigated to determine its feasibility. The result and conclusion determine that it is possible to increase the use of renewable energy in Khahare through usage of solar PVs and the national grid. To conclude the exact way to implement it for the best practical results, further studies will be needed.

Presently Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) ruptures account for over 50% of all knee injuries. An ACL Reconstruction (ACLR) is recommended for those aiming to return to their sports at a higher level, followed by a structured rehabilitation, that can take up to 12 months. The clinical analysis of the rehabilitation mainly consists of clinicians performing assessments of athletes’ performances and subjective evaluations, that do not always show sufficient results. Thus, this thesis aims to investigate Electromyography (EMG) data of the knee muscles of ACLR athletes in comparison to healthy athletes and highlight the impact EMG sensors can have on rehabilitation. The results of this research show that ACLR athletes still deviate greatly from healthy subjects at the time of discharge from rehabilitation. Furthermore, evidence suggests that, even though athletes only injure the ACL in one leg, the other leg can suffer from bilateral effects. The median frequency has been reported to provide valuable insights into muscle activity, including changes in muscle activation following an ACLR. Ultimately this research provides evidence of the importance of looking at muscle ratio within muscle groups to ensure that one muscle does not assume a greater role than what is normal.

Severe knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and their increase in women’s football have received more attention recently, and research has shown that women are more likely to suffer knee injuries when practicing their sport than men are. Several injury prevention programs have been developed to increase strength and neuromuscular control, in order to decrease the injury rate. However, the current approach for knee injury prevention is not individualized or optimized for identifying high-risk players. Thus, this project aims to approach the idea of optimizing injury prevention work with pose estimation, through taking a first step towards integrating relevant exercises and performance feedback into players’ smartphones. This first step includes investigating if the performance of established knee injury prevention exercises can be classified as “pass” or “fail”, from an injury prevention point of view, based on kinematic and biomechanical metrics, using pose estimation. Moreover, if the open-source pose estimation neural network BlazePose can estimate the key joint positions accurately enough in the context of such knee injury prevention exercises.

To achieve this, video data of established knee injury prevention exercises (single leg squat, double leg squat, lunge, and single leg jump) were recorded from 9 subjects with regular smart devices. BlazePose was then applied to the data and relevant classification metrics were calculated from the coordinate output provided by the pose estimation. Each repetition of the exercises was classified based on the metrics. The classified data was then used to train and test logistic regression models for each exercise and the model performances were analyzed to evaluate if the classification metrics were valid. Furthermore, the coordinate estimation accuracy of BlazePose was evaluated against a validation system containing a depth sensor.

Results of this work show that three out of four of the exercises could be classified using the selected metrics, with moderate to high classification accuracy. Though, for none of the successful models, all included independent variables were found to be statistically significant. Moreover, the estimation accuracy of BlazePose was found to be moderate and high in the x and y axes, respectively, while the coordinate differences in the z axis were generally larger.

The results show that this work is a first step towards integrating pose estimation in knee injury prevention work, as it indicates on a small scale, that the investigated exercises could be classified using pose estimation, and that relevant keypoints for these exercises can be tracked with moderate to high accuracy. Similar results in a larger scale study would further magnify and validate the potential of how pose estimation could be used to simplify, and hopefully optimize, knee injury prevention work, in the aim for reducing the high knee injury rate in women’s football.

In this work, we study a problem arising from two lines of works: online optimization and lifelong learning. In the problem, there is a sequence of tasks arriving sequentially, and within each task, we have to make decisions one after one and then suffer corresponding losses. The tasks are related as they share some common representation, but they are different as each requires a different predictor on top of the representation. As learning a representation is usually costly in lifelong learning scenarios, the goal is to learn it continuously through time across different tasks, making the learning of later tasks easier than previous ones. We provide such learning algorithms with good regret bounds which can be seen as natural generalization of prior works on online optimization.

This study examines the critical role of university IT departments in the digital transformation of higher education institutions. Despite their expertise, these departments often face challenges in facilitating digital transformation. Through a historical case study of a prominent research university, this paper explores the evolution of technology and organizational logic within the university's IT governance and its shortcomings in supporting digital transformation. It presents an in-depth analysis of the co-evolution of technological advancements and the organization responsible for technology support and maintenance. The paper traces the transition from the early era, dominated by academic logics, to contemporary IT organizations driven by bureaucratic and internal market logics. It further investigates the preference for specific technological solutions under different organizational logics. Crucially, the paper highlights a misalignment between the traditional logic of IT organizations and the demands of digital transformation, demonstrating that conventional IT approaches and logics are insufficient for addressing the challenges of digital transformation.

I have a vision with my project, "Nämpnäs Dance Pavilion." Through the renovation of this historic building, I aim to revive a place that has been profoundly significant for the people of Närpes, both culturally and spiritually, over the years. My hope is that the dance pavilion will once again become the vibrant meeting place it once was, where individuals from all walks of life and across generational boundaries can come together and socialize.

The revival of Nämpnäs Dance Pavilion is not just about restoring a physical structure; it's about rekindling the essence of community and shared experiences that have long defined the spirit of Närpes. This pavilion has been a cornerstone of social life, a venue where countless memories have been created, and where the rhythms of music and dance have woven together the lives of those who gather there.

By bringing new life to this cherished space, we aim to create a hub of activity that honors the rich traditions of our past while providing a dynamic environment for future generations. The pavilion will serve as a beacon of community engagement, offering a place where people can connect, celebrate, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Through this renovation, I  seek to create an inclusive space that reflects the values and heritage of our community, ensuring that Nämpnäs Dance Pavilion remains a beloved landmark for many years to come.

Master thesis on investigating public spaces in Stockholm and finding their unique qualities. These qualities are then translated into a restaurant and bar design in Kungsträdgården.

With the development of metropolitan areas, the negative influence of ground-borne vibrationsfrom complex transportation systems and human activities on quality of life of occupants andvibration sensitive equipment become more prominent. Current practices include basing theanalysis on either empirical or numerical approaches. While the empirical approach has beenshown to be unreliable, numerical methods are considered overly complex and unsuitable forpractical applications. Therefore, the task was to conduct a sensitivity analysis to determinewhich parameters could be neglected from the latter without affecting the structural responsebeyond accepted tolerance ranges.A simple three-story, single-span steel structure with two rigid foundations was analyzedfor this purpose. The structure is founded on a homogeneous stratum (shear wave velocityof Vs = 225 m/s) with bedrock located at a depth of 11 meters, and it is subjected to a unitharmonic load 10 meters away from the structure. Due to the capability to internally account forSSI effects, the numerical Direct Method was used to retrieve a reference solution. On the otherhand, the Substructure Method was used to replicate the reference solution and subsequentlyconduct a sensitivity analysis to identify negligible parameters.It was determined that, for the analyzed structure, solving the equation of motion using onlythe vertical terms of the impedance matrix and the displacement field vector, while enforcingfixed horizontal and rotational boundary conditions, provides a sufficient approximation tothe reference solution in vertical (dominating) direction. Additionally, the analysis alsorevealed that through-the-soil coupling terms of the impedance matrix directly affect the modalproperties of the structure and are vital for the analysis.Additional sensitivity study was conducted regarding the soil stiffness. It showed that withsofter soil, the number of necessary parameters required for sufficient analysis increases.Finally, the analyzed structure was modified by adding a slab at the foundation level. Sucha configuration is a common practice in structural design. The analysis showed that such acomponent significantly improves the approximation using the suggested impedance matrixand displacement field vector, regardless of the soil stiffness.

This thesis explores the concept of solitude within architecture, focusing on constructing spaces that facilitate solitary experiences. This was done by investigating the significance of solitude in a technology-driven society that often equates it with loneliness and underemphasizes the importance of the individuals' experience in architecture. The thesis traces solitude's historical and cultural dimensions, examining the architectural typologies associated with it, to find a wide range of design principles and spatial elements that foster its experience. The thesis emphasizes the necessity for architects to create environments that nurture solitude amidst a landscape predominantly designed for communal interaction. 

Through extensive literature review and practical explorations, key architectural qualities were identified that enhance this experience: spaces within spaces, verticality, movement, temporality, fragmentation, and the measurable. The research led to the concept of "spaces of potential" within urban environments, specifically the roofscapes of Stockholm, Sweden. By reusing ventilation chimneys as spaces of potential, four moments in the roofscape were designed, each offering unique solitary experiences that engage different parts of the bodies and encourage varying lengths of stay. Through explorations, specifically in 1:1 model making, concepts were validated and underscored the importance of using the body as a measurement tool.

The thesis advocates for a balanced approach in architecture that values individual experiences equally to collective experiences and reinterprets overlooked urban elements to create enriching solitary spaces. The work invites further dialogue on the integration of solitude and spaces of potential in architectural practice.

A large scale demolition project, funded by the state, is currently taking place in Bräcke, Jämtland. Due to depopulation and the closure of large industries, the municipality is in a state of economic distress and buildings are demolished in order to lower the municipality's operating costs. Focusing on the three most central buildings being demolished, the project investigates how a community is affected when central buildings are demolished and what social values risk being lost. 

Convinced that buildings are socially imbued, we have through drawing, model and film explored ways to convey the social aspects of space. Rather than doing a proposal for reuse or a new building, we have through qualitative interdisciplinary methods created an inventory of the buildings' social values and a mapping of how these relate to the social on different levels, ranging from Bräckes societal development to peoples' memories and relations to the buildings. Rather than offering solutions, the project evoke new questions regarding the ontology of buildings, the future of rural Sweden and what place there is today for towns no longer generating profit.

The problem addressed in this thesis is the dynamic behavior of end-frame railway bridgessubjected to high-speed train loading, with a particular focus on soil-structure interaction(SSI). The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) has high demands for suchbridges due to the dynamic loads imposed by trains traveling at speeds up to 320 km/h.

Addressing this issue involved extensive use of Python to develop a parametric spaceincluding bridge parameters such as span length, beam height, cantilever length, endframeheight, end-frame thickness, bearing pad width, and haunch dimensions. The initialdata set included a number of bridges that were not feasible from a static point of view.In order to filter them out, a 2n-factorial experiment was conducted, resulting in a datasetof different end-frame bridge configurations to evaluate their impact on both static anddynamic responses. Using this dataset, a static analysis was conducted to obtain sectionforces such as bending moments, shear forces, and displacements. The results were thenused to filter out non-buildable bridge designs, validated through Eurocode standards.

The dynamic response of these statically buildable bridges from the dataset wasinvestigated using a High-Speed Load Model (HSLM) module from Tyréns, simulatingthe dynamic effect on the bridge structures. Given the large dataset with discretizedend-frame bridges, significant computational resources were required. Therefore, theHSLM analysis was conducted on a supercomputer at the KTH/Parallel Data Centre(PDC) to obtain efficient computation. This analysis yielded kinematic quantities suchas accelerations, rotations, and displacements, which were checked against Eurocodestandards.

Key factors influencing the structural performance of these bridges were identifiedthrough a correlation study of the bridge parameters against the kinematic responses. Thiscorrelation analysis assumed linear/non-linear relationships between the parameters andthe kinematic variables. Additionally, an analysis of the FRF’s used in the computationswas also conducted to confirm the findings from the correlation study and do understandthe dynamic properties of the model, as well as to validate that the HSLM-analysis wascorrectly implemented in the parametric space.

The study revealed that increasing the end-frame length and thickness significantlyreduces acceleration, with additional benefits observed from incorporating wingwalls.Raising the beam height effectively lowers the dynamic response amplitude, though itmay pose challenges for environmental impact and static stability, when regarding thevertical deflection of the main beam. Increasing the span length reduces accelerationbut increases displacement and rotation, while shortening the console length decreasesthe response amplitude across all components. The influence of haunches on dynamicbehavior remains unclear, requiring further investigation to determine their effectivenesswithin the dynamic parameter space.

For the first time, we show spectral and polarization indistinguishability of photon pairs generated in counter-propagating degenerate spontaneous parametric downconversion in the telecommunications band using first-order quasi-phase-matching in periodically poled Rb-KTiOPO4.

In the paper Sparks of Artificial General Intelligence, the authors show how OpenAI’s GPT-4 is able do well in variety of tasks that be represented with text and claim it to have “a more general intelligence than previous AI models.” One of the tasks they explore is symbolic music generation. In this paper we critically analyze their results and extend the discourse around the capabilities of LLMs for music by exploring additional musical tasks and LLMs. Furthermore, we will investigate the viability of smaller models when used in conjunction with Retrieval Augmented Generation, as well as finetuning on programmatically written prompts using Quantized Low Rank Adapters. Finally, we discuss some critical aspects of LLMs as a tool for music generation.

Many in Nynäshamn rely on traveling to other places for work and higher studies. At the same time, the commuter train is often late or canceled altogether. There is very little shelter at the train station and no place to wait indoors. Therefore the idea is to create a station house to provide shelter and places to wait.

There is a lack of places for older and younger people to meet in Nynäshamn, and only about 40% of the population is satisfied with the culture supply in the city. The Station House therefore includes workshops for glass, wood, ceramics and fabric as well as a gallery, multifunctional area and meeting rooms. 

The site lies between the commuter train and bus station, guest harbor, the ferry to Gotland, and the city center. Once, the site was a bay and then a large pond before it was partly filled up during the end of the 20th century. A large, paved car park takes up the entire lot today. Due to this, the area suffers great risk of flooding. This is resolved by excavating more of the area again and making a larger day water pond, on which the building partly lies. 

Even though the site close to Nynäsgård commuter train station is potentially a juncture where people can meet, it's a suprisingly desert place. Backlura ”miljonprogramsområde”, other residential areas and small-scale industries can be found nearby. Those living in Backlura wishes for a place to meet, especially the youths. A building holding space for a bike workshop and an activity house may meet those needs and additionally activate the space for everyone. On the ground floor one finds the bike workshop, a café and a small area for the commuters to wait while staying warm. The first and second floor is the activity house, devoted to the youths and the public. At these floors one can find a room for presentations, a big space with seating assemblies, the Tik Tok room where youths can connect their cellphones and watch videos together, and more quiet rooms such as meeting rooms, studios and a room for reading and writing. The staff has their own space and paths in which they move within the building. The rounded shape of the building originated from an idea of movement, and additionally, it provides an efficient way of inviting people coming from all directions.

This thesis investigates the optimal placement and coordination of a team of sensor-equipped drones, the sensors can detect signals in the radio-frequency spectrum originating from a transmitter. The goal is to estimate the transmitter position and minimize the positional uncertainty of that estimate. The thesis considers two different scenarios:

The first scenario involves optimizing drone placements before detecting any transmitter. This is modeled as a mixed integer optimization problem aimed at maximizing coverage and redundancy (overlapping coverage) of prioritized regions without prior knowledge of any transmitter locations. The model is implemented and solved in Python 3 and the result is meant to serve as computer-assisted help to users regarding drone placement.

The second scenario focuses on dynamical repositioning of two drones when a transmitter is detected. The exact location of the transmitter is not known due to measurement errors in the sensors, leading to positional uncertainty of the transmitter in the form of an uncertainty ellipse. We implement an algorithm that produces optimal drone trajectories towards the transmitter, minimizing the area of the uncertainty ellipse.

We present results that show that the first model successfully optimize coverage and redundancy over the region before any transmitter detection. The second model finds trajectories which consistently decrease the area of positional uncertainty ellipses. The results highlight the importance of parameter selection for both models. We conclude the report by discussing weaknesses in the modeling approach and give direction for future work.

In contemporary urban planning, a shift towards human-centric approaches isgaining momentum. This project explores the potential of urban commons tofoster social connections and enhance the fabric of cities, focusing on thedeveloping area of Norra djurgården in Stockholm. The research delves into therelevance of various types of urban commons across different city scales andinvestigates how each scale can support the development of subsequent ones. Byenvisioning scenarios for buildings, residential blocks, neighborhoods, and the city asa whole, the project aims to illustrate the transformative impact of implementingurban commons.The inquiry is rooted in the recognition of cities as pivotal spaces for progress butacknowledges a decline in human comfort and connections within urbanenvironments. Drawing inspiration from the concept of urban commons, defined asshared spaces managed and shaped by communities, the presentation seeks toreimagine city planning through a more collaborative and inclusive lens.Through site analysis of Norra djurgården, the research identifies gaps in public andshared spaces, highlighting the need for interventions to enrich social life in the area.By proposing housing developments designed to prioritize shared spaces andcommunity interaction, the presentation envisions Norra djurgården as a pilot site forinnovative urban planning approaches.A planning framework is established to guide the design process, emphasizing theimportance of scale, the integration of spaces and functions, and alternativeapproaches to property acquisition. From the scale of residential units to the entireneighborhoods, the project explores strategies for activating social functionsand enhancing connectivity.Through proposed interventions at the residential unit, block, and neighborhoodscales, the project aims to explore how the integration of urban commons cantransform urban spaces, fostering vibrant communities, and enriching the quality oflife.

The designated site for design intervention is Stockholm Royal Seaport, situated in close to Stockholm's largest city park, which belongs to one of the city's green hedges and contains exceptional ecological value. However, it is currently facing fragmentation of broadleaf forests, leading to habitat loss for red-listed invertebrates. Additionally, the site is connected to seawater experiencing severe eutrophication and ecological imbalance, with a vicious small fish, the three-spined stickleback, taking over the coast and encroaching on the living space of other fish. Moreover, the growing urban population necessitates the construction of numerous housing units. According to the municipality's latest urban plan, this site will be the densified living and working area. The primary objective of this project is to achieve a harmonious symbiosis between the densified urban infrastructure and the surrounding ecosystem.This thesis is structured into three main sections. Initially, it examines the current challenges of green spaces and oceanic environments amidst the pressures of urban expansion. Subsequently, it presents a comprehensive framework for urban district design, emphasizing the organic integration of terrestrial, aquatic, and human habitats. Finally, by zooming in to specific nodes, it outlines specific design strategies tailored to the unique challenges encountered in each habitat.

Branded image of a place is not a new concept. There is a lot of touristic locations that marketise themselves as heritage centres or office areas that present themselves as innovation hubs. The list goes on with post-industrial cities, harbour towns or hipster districts. The problem begins when, by strongly promoting a particular image – through marketisation of space, experiences, history and people - other elements or groups are left in the background. This unique power relationship creates an unequal distribution of resources, leaving those that are ‘invisible’ with no agency and rarely any profit from the promoted economies. 

Gotland is one of the Sweden’s most branded regions with a few dominant narratives happening at the same time. With its economy strongly focused on tourists and affected by seasonality, Gotland’s marketing is especially prone to put certain groups in the shadow. Therefore, the focus of my project is on the local youth that is currently missing from those narratives. They strongly rely on the existing infrastructure and resources but are not part of the discussion. 

Through means of ethnographic research project aims to explore youth stories and empower local teenagers by inserting their micro-narratives and needs into the dominant storytelling. In order to achieve this, a design strategy of hacking into narratives was compiled. It explores, using three interventions as an example, how narratives can be hacked through spatial and social means, as well as using seasonality. As the interventions are developed further, the project aims to reflect on a following question: What it means to be included in the storytelling and how that reality could look like in the future?

Ralli is a traditional quilt-making craft, that has been passed down through generations in the village of Ahmed Rajo, Badin, Pakistan. These intricate quilts, woven from scrap cotton fabric, serve as tangible narratives of tradition, adorned with motifs that speak of resilience and heritage. However, the marginalized and underprivileged women who create these rallis face social and economic challenges, further exacerbated by climate change-induced monsoon rains. In this shifting climate reality, the village experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season is a time for ralli fabrication. During this time, men engage in fishing and agriculture while women besides working in the fields, take care of the household and children.

During the wet season, monsoon rains disrupt livelihoods, displacing families and damaging personal belongings. Almost all men migrate to cities in search of employment and women seek shelter by the roadside. 

These women rely on ralli making as a source of income and the wet season brings additional hardship; increasing their reliance on middlemen due to the loss of equipment and belongings. To address this issue, this thesis is proposing a solution that empowers these women and ensures sustainable production. The proposal is a place of dwelling and production—for ralli makers during the wet season. It increases resilience by adapting to the ecological situation of the wet season (making use of water for cotton production and eventual food production) and resilience towards economic vulnerability by gaining control of the whole process of production and selling of ralli. The project celebrates the festive spirit of ralli making, where women come together to socialize, sing and dance as they weave the threads of resilience.

There are ongoing densification process and Stockholm’s municipality is pursuing an urban planning agenda to connect the neighborhoods to create a coherent inclusive area. A few dedicated pure industrial areas will remain within the city boundaries and coexist with the densifying residential areas.Considering the site, there’s the need to rethink its role as a workplace and as a place of critical infrastructure which is vital for Stockholm’s inhabitants. In addition to that, there’s a challenge to rethink our food consumption for a more environmentally friendly and socially just future. 

In the project, food is used as a catalyst to connect people, to bridge social and spatial gaps in Söder om Söder. Årsta wholesale market will become a cultural magnet for the surrounding neighborhoods and the core of a network of redistribution of surplus food. The network will be a cooperation of the retailers, the local food processors, the redistribution units and the individuals. The goal is a socially and environmentally sustainable approach through and to food.

Sweden, especially heavy industrial cities in Norrbotten, are moving towards “Renewable Energy Sources” for producing energy and being completely fossil-free by 2040, resulting in the emergence of numerous monoculture energy landscapes in the country. In the past, energy transitions (such as wood to coal and coal to oil) have been heralded as global solutions and have impacted urban environments, being altered as an afterthought. Today, we are at a juncture where renewable energy sources are seen as the next solution, now to reduce carbon emissions. In the ongoing energy transition, there's an opportunity to design and humanise the relationship between space and energy, mindful of their spatial footprint.

In Luleå, the effort to shift from coal to a hydrogen based steel industry still leaves Luleå highly dependent on steel production for its heating and the large energy landscapes for its everyday energy needs. To ensure a resilient transition in Luleå that does not rely solely on a single industry using a single energy source and to avoid energy sprawl, spatial planning must go hand in hand with energy planning.

Watt’s Next project envisions a future where Luleå is positioned to adapt to the changing energy environment. It builds on the heritage of the port and uses the existing buildings and infrastructure as an anchor for future transformation. By choreographing the flows of 6 typologies identified in Luleå - Living, Mobility, Energy, Ecology, Industry and Public, the project forms connections and develops spatial strategies. By reorganising the systems and working with their overlaps instead of just integrating energy after building the urban, we challenge the notion of energy infrastructure as an alien addition into the urban development.

The project presents a speculative yet thorough proposal blending past, present and future for the port and the city. The proposal is not a direct blueprint but rather, it seeks to challenge, provoke and reform the way we look at energy and society.

This research stems from a research gap found in residential bicycle parking, and focuses on the attributes, user preferences and planning conflicts that characterise residential bicycle parking in newly built multi-apartment buildings in Stockholm. Data were collected through a Semi-systematic literature review, Site visits composed of Inventories and User interviews, and Expert interviews. A Triangulation between these three methods was then employed to draw a comprehensive picture of the current status of residential bicycle parking in the study area.What emerged, is that despite bicycles are parked at home for most of the time, residential bicycle parking is often overlooked in the planning and construction process of residential areas and in related policy-making. The current focus in the City of Stockholm (Stockholms Stad) is almost solely put on quantity in the form of residential bicycle parking minimums, while user preferences and quality attributes, particularly in regards to accessibility, are not met. The notable complexity of aspects that characterise bicycle parking emerged from the Semi-systematic literature review, but the Site visits and Expert interviews highlighted how such complexity is not considered in the field, reducing residential bike parking to a non-prioritised building function.The two main issues with residential bike parking are found to be connected to spatial and financial constraints, therefore collective improvements are needed in the provision of bicycle parking at residential locations, from all involved domains: academic, policy, practice and business. Increased research from the academic domain should facilitate better policies that address the root problems causing poor residential bicycle parking solutions. Said policy changes should then influence the practice and business domains in the actual implementation of residential bicycle parking solutions, while user preferences should always be taken into account.

Post-pandemic, people are more inclined towards outdoor activities, yet factors like city density, infrastructure, long winter nights, and extreme weather hinder access to green spaces. My project aims to reorganize urban spaces in Stockholm, enhancing life year-round. Focusing on the densest city center, I identified green spaces interrupted by highways, limiting accessibility. I selected the corridor from Skanstull to Gullmarsplan, an essential link between central and southern Stockholm, intersected by three highway bridges. My strategy connects existing green spaces, creating continuous links for easier access, improving the urban environment in both summer and winter.The design proposal incorporates three main strategies to enhance outdoor activities along the corridor. Firstly, it prioritizes improving accessibility. Secondly, it focuses on enhancing comfort by implementing measures to block wind, maximize exposure to sunshine, and provide warming huts during colder months. Finally, it utilizes color and lighting design to create visually stimulating environments that remain inviting even during nighttime hours.

Participatory processes for urban development provide crucial insights and important input about how particular spatial environments are viewed and experienced. But to design inclusive, rich, and diverse urban environments, we need to explore additional means and assessment criteria. In my project I explore what could be learnt for design about human needs when designing space for living.During the summer of 2023, I was part of a research team exploring data-gathering methods suitable for architects and urban designers. Building on Ingrid Gehl's 1971 book "Bo-miljø," we proposed a model using eleven lenses of human needs: comfort, privacy, play, orientation, experience, aesthetics, security, purposefulness, identity, and biodiversity. This lens model aims to guide the spatial exploration and design of public spaces.Using the Gullmarsplan area in Stockholm as a case, I explore public spaces through these eleven lenses. My objective is to investigate the model's usability in understanding how public spaces work from social, spatial, and functional perspectives, ultimately providing a holistic assessment of the urban environment. This involves examining different urban characteristics, such as commuting, local community, and event space typologies, and pushing these typologies into extreme scenarios to maximize the fulfillment of specific needs.

Based on the authors personal experience in growing up and living in the city, this thesis aims to investigate and uncover the situation of students and young adults in the alpine-urban context of the student city Innsbruck in Austria. Through interviews and analysis of available spaces and events, a dichotomy between tourism and traditional culture and young culture as well as a lack of space and visibility of young people and their needs in urban space and politics and law making, is being uncovered. Learning from young initiatives in the city and counteracting ongoing proceedings, this project ends up in a design proposal along the riverside: raving over the riverside, providing new spaces and policies for young people. By reuse of existing and abandoned buildings as well as unused in-between and rarely used park areas, the riverside gets activated and acts as a space for young people to be seen in the city, interact with each other and use the area for a variety of different purposes.