Hembygden From Harbour to Home through Local Anchoring and Engagement

Abstract

The master’s thesis Hembygden explores how architectural methods can contribute to long-term sustainable rural development through local anchoring and participation. Rural municipalities face demographic changes, economic uncertainty, and challenges in attracting new residents. At the same time, social aspects, cultural heritage, and strong place identity constitute important, but often underutilized, resources in planning and design processes. Therefore, this study tests a methodological approach that combines analysis of place identity with participatory design to strengthen local influence, create meaningful residential environments, and enhance rural attractiveness. The study employs a Research by Design methodology through a qualitative case study of the Bergkvara harbour area in Torsås Municipality, Sweden. The case study investigates how these methods can be translated into physical design by interpreting the character and involving local stakeholders. Concepts and strategies are generated and then concretized in a housing-focused design project based on the planning proposal for the harbour area from 2021. This results in a vision for continued dialogue among the municipality, residents, and developers, aiming to generate interest in the site’s development potential. Analysis of place identity combined with participatory design demonstrates how architectural decisions can be supported by well-founded arguments. In this way, the architecture that emerges is recognisable, credible, and locally anchored. By involving multiple target groups, a broader understanding of residents’ thoughts and values is developed. The final design decisions, however, were not co produced, but interpreted and developed by the architect. The process in itself therefore does not guarantee local anchoring, as it depends on the architect’s selections, interpretations, and priorities. Participatory design should instead be understood as a continuous dialogue where perspectives are integrated into the reasoning behind the design, rather than a direct translation of ideas into form. Finally, the thesis emphasises the importance of using architecture as a catalyst for community engagement and strengthened local society. By bridging local knowledge and professional architectural expertise, architectural practice can support locally anchored and resilient rural development. The role of architecture in rural contexts is therefore not only about physical form, it is about strengthening the relationship between people, place, and future.