Mining forced the relocation of Kiruna, after which urban planners carried out modernization transformations. However, a study from the University of Gothenburg points out that the new city is sited in a low-lying area with large squares, streets, and high-rise buildings, and residents have begun complaining about this "new" city, with Kiruna becoming even colder. The study was published in the journal International Urban Design.

When building cities in Arctic climates, site selection must ensure long sunlight hours, and the layout of buildings and streets should avoid cold winds. However, the design of new Kiruna seems to have not fully considered these factors. "Decision-makers did not optimize the design for urban climate during planning," said Jenny Sjöholm, an architectural heritage expert at the University of Gothenburg, who has been following the Kiruna relocation for 25 years. "The climate conditions after relocation are worse than when the plan was formulated in 1900."

The original Kiruna was located on a south-facing slope with superior climate conditions; streets were built according to the terrain to avoid wind tunnel effects, and small green spaces were dotted throughout. The new urban area is situated in a low-lying area where cold air easily accumulates in winter, potentially lowering average temperatures by 10°. The grid-like street layout and towering central buildings make it difficult for sunlight to reach the ground, forming "wind tunnels." "Although the commercial center adds value, it also creates 'wind tunnels,'" Sjöholm said. She emphasized that Kiruna has always been proud of its winter city identity, and the decline in livability now is puzzling. During post-war development in Kiruna, architect Ralph Erskine's designs fully considered climate factors. Sjöholm believes that decision-makers now prioritize matters other than comprehensively protecting the microclimate of new Kiruna, partly due to a lack of understanding. New Kiruna is not yet fully built, and remediation can be achieved through planting trees and adding street facilities.