Problematisations of Progress and Diversity in Visionary Planning: The case of post-industrial Malmö

The aim of this paper is to contribute to studies of urban renewal by taking a step back in time to the years prior to urban regeneration and investigating the problem formulations developed during the crises years in Malmö, Sweden. Drawing on Carol Bacchi’s (2010) methodological tool ‘What is the problem analysis’, this paper explores the problem formulations proceeding Malmö’s attempts of urban regeneration, with specific regard to the role of immigration. The paper highlights two problem formulations found in the visionary work. The first problem formulation concerns how the demise of the industrial city brought with it a perceived loss of a coherent identity and unity. The second problem formulation concerns the fear of certain groups not being able to ‘keep up’ with the anticipated progress and transition into the city of knowledge.