Transportation infrastructure: a road to social development? : Exploring the effects of the extension of Hyllievångsvägen in Malmö, Sweden

Sammanfattning: Transport infrastructure is increasingly discussed in relation to social concerns as it matters for the ability of the urban population to manage and prosper in their daily lives. In this context, the study explores social effects and outcomes of physical interventions in the transport system that have been implemented as part of a strategy to address questions of social development in an urban/semi-urban context. The topic is explored by reviewing the case of infrastructure investments in Hyllie-Holma-Kroksbäck, in Malmö, Sweden. To collect data, semi-structured interviews with local representatives and statistical indicators are compared and analyzed in relation to planning documents. The findings of the study show that transport infrastructure has been implemented in order to promote physical as well as social integration, but that such effects are difficult to determine. The study suggests that the difficulty lies in the complexity of urban infrastructure, it is not possible to isolate a single project as it is part of the urban sphere where it affects and is affected by relations beyond the primary area of influence, geographically and temporally. In conclusion, the study suggests viewing the city as a system of connections. An infrastructural approach to urban development could contribute to a more holistic way of thinking and a better understanding of potential desirable or undesirable effects of physical development. Lastly, the sub-districts in the study area differed socially and economically, despite sharing a similar physical structure. Indicating the limitations of physical measures, and opening up for questioning today’s urban ideal, as one solution may have different outcomes depending on the context.