Exploring the Swedish Social Democratic Party's Public Housing Million Program V of the 1970s: A Look at the Distinctive Architecture and Interior Design of the Era

The 1970s was a decade that witnessed a number of significant cultural and social changes, and one of the most interesting developments of that period was the Swedish Social Democratic Party's Public Housing Million Program V. This program, which was launched in 1965, was designed to provide affordable housing for millions of people across Sweden, and it was characterized by a distinctive architectural style and interior design that still resonates today.

Public housing Million Program V, picture from Fastighetsbyrån.

If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating period of Swedish history, here are some key details and features to keep in mind:

Exterior Design:

The exterior design of the Public Housing Million Program V was characterized by several distinctive features, including vertical tongue-and-groove boards on the facade, large black concrete pantile roofs, and side-hung, outward-opening windows without architraves. The decorative but nonfunctioning exterior shutters and triple glazing became standard. The outside doors were typically made of patterned teak or rustic stained timber. Other typical period details included brick gables, brick to lower edge of windows, Bavarian-style balconies covered by the roof with outdoor area beneath it, and no cellars. Although the program is often associated with apartment blocks, it's worth noting that 335,000 small detached houses were also built.

Interior Design:

The interior design of the Public Housing Million Program V was characterized by a number of distinctive features, as well. Wall-to-wall carpets, patterned vinyl, and clear-varnished pine were common flooring choices, while tile was typically used in bathroom showers and hallways. Doors, architraves, and handles were all made of plastic, and there were rural-style wooden interior doors. Plastic handles of various colors and brass handles were common, as were simplified keys. Fireplaces were less common, due in part to the nuclear energy and oil crisis of the time, which meant that most houses were heated by electricity. Large-patterned, woven, and velour wallpaper was popular, as were pine lamps and velvet shades with fringes and tassels. The Swedish lighting company Ateljé Lyktan launched their Bumling lamps. Furniture was often made of pine, stained or varnished (clear), and included Windsor chairs, low, soft sofas with big back and side cushions, and upholstery in corduroy. Green, brown, and orange were popular colors.

The bathroom was often furnished with wooden cupboards with vertical blinds, cloth covers for the toilet seat and cover, and toilet mats. Shower units were launched as energy-saving units following the oil crisis, and bidets were mounted on the wall or the floor. Brown and beige Höganäs tiles were also popular, as was plastic- which was used for everything! The kitchen featured colored appliances, colored tiles, and rustic cupboard doors. Handles were often wooden knobs or round and concave plastic knobs. Three rows of tiles became standard as the backsplash behind the sink (two rows had been standard earlier).

Overall, the Swedish Social Democratic Party's Public Housing Million Program V was a remarkable achievement, and its legacy can still be seen in the architecture and design of many buildings and homes throughout Sweden. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or interior design, this period offers a wealth of fascinating details and features to explore.