Scandinavian American. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1945-1958, 1945-09-01


1t was largely owing to the in
tense activity in the construction
industries that Sweden practically
attained full employment during
that period. 1t further resulted in
Sweden becoming one of the rela-
lively few countries in the world
presenting a predominantly mod
ern appearance.
The effect of the war, however,
was immediate and catastrophe:
from the construction of $4,000
units in 1889, production in 1910
dropped to 10000, then to 10000
dwellings in 1911. The government
was faced with the problem of
how to encourage housing con-
struction in the face of rising
shortage, while at the same time
keeping rents at a level as not to
upset the overall authorization
policy. A bill was passed in 1941
approximating 60 million kronor
5,000,000) available at 31a per
cent, and in 1912 an additional 25
million kronor was appropriated
by the Riksdag to finance so-called
increment loans, which under the
stipulations laid down practically
amount to subsidies. AS a result
of these measures, housing produc-
ton began to pick up. Figures for
1912 showed $4,000 new dwellings
built, and the number was further
increased to $4,000 in 1913. In
1914 the advances of the previous
years were maintained, and pro-
duction of dwellings reached the
10000 mark. This further increase
in building activity was one of
the main reasons why such high
level of employment could be main
tanned in Sweden last year, as it
kept many workers busy in the
building materials industry as we'll
Through the financial measures
taken to overcome the wartime
crisis in construction, the govern
ment in Sweden now has a very
convenient instrument for the con-
troll of building activity in the
State Building Loans Bureau. This
agency determines the rents in all
new buildings on which third
mortgages and increment loans
have been granted. Before grant
ing loans, the bureau carefully in
vestigates the need for new hous-
ing in any particular locality, and
makes grants accordingly.
If future proposed production
can be maintained at $4,000 dwell
ings yearly, the housing short
age should be eliminated in about
three years. After that, in order
to maintain activity in the indus
try, it will be necessary to con-
centrate on improving housing
standards generally, both by a
more vigorous clearance policy
with regard to old buildings. and
by increasing the size of dwell
ings, Overcoming has tended to
remain a serious problem. which
is obviously not conducive to the
formation of families. especially
in the lower income groups, and
the authorities are making great
efforts bv means of special sub
sides, to provide suitable housing
for families with children. who
would otherwise be unable to af-
ford adequate space.
The cooperative housing move
ment has been a big factor in the
Improvement of housing conditions
in Sweden during the last twenty
wears. The big HSB society is now
tho largest single constructor en-
terprise in the country. Apartment
houses are built by societies form
ed especially in each case. the
prospective tenants providing the
initial capital by advance pay
ments of 10 per cent in som,
cases per cent?, on the value
of the apartments they wish &c
own.
Another powerful factor in the
improvement of housing standards
has been the widespread use OF
prefabrication in the construction
of private dwellings There are