Today, 77 out of 290 Swedish municipalities have their own architecture award, according to the magazine Arkitektens sammenställning.
This year, Nordmaling will give out its first award. The municipality's newly hired community planner Elsa Brynje sees the award as a good way to recognize good architecture.
I believe that the award can contribute to increased pride among the municipality's residents and to increased attractiveness. Nordmaling has a declining population and it is a trend we want to reverse, she tells the industry magazine.
Västerås also has a brand new award - “The Jewel of the City” - a building conservation award given to recognize the renovation of old buildings.
