Rethinking the Miljonprogrammet: a renewal proposal for a multi-residential building in Gothenburg, Sweden

This thesis investigates how modular, self-supporting renovation systems can be applied to Million Program (Miljonprogrammet) housing, combining technical innovation with urban regeneration. Built between 1965 and 1974, these dwellings represent about a quarter of Sweden’s housing, and roughly half require major renovation. At the same time, pressure on the housing market and environmental concerns call for upgrading existing stock rather than building new. Some Million Program districts face challenges such as social segregation, safety issues, and architectural monotony. Interventions must therefore address both technical and social aspects: deciding which architectural qualities to preserve and which to transform. The research explores how prefabricated, modular systems can renovate these buildings with minimal disruption to residents. The proposal is tested on a case study in Bergsjön, a district of Göteborg representative of the Miljonprogrammet. The methodology includes literature review, field observations, and analysis of the building’s spatial, structural, and social context. The design pursues three goals: adapting apartments to today’s diverse households, improving the energy performance and architectural expression of the envelope, and enhancing shared spaces. The modular system is conceived for external installation, limiting invasive works and allowing flexibility for future adaptations. The proposal also reorganizes outdoor areas to create vibrant meeting places, strengthen pedestrian connections, and improve safety and community life. In conclusion, the thesis develops a renewal strategy that links building-level retrofitting with public space regeneration, a key integration for improving living conditions in Million Program districts and beyond.